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Tech head-to-head

Technics SL-1200GRvsTechnics SL-1200MK7

Technics SL-1200GR and Technics SL-1200MK7 are both Technics, and they average 8.4 and 8.2. Technics SL-1200GR takes Design, 8.6 to 8.0.

Technics SL-1200GR

Technics

8.4

The revived 1200 built for home listening, with a coreless motor and none of the old MK2's wear.

Price and availability change constantly, so we don't quote them here — the link opens current listings on eBay. eBay listings come from individual sellers: condition, battery health, and what's in the box differ from one to the next, so read the listing and the return terms before you buy.

Technics SL-1200MK7

Technics

8.2

The modern DJ version of the 1200, with a coreless motor, reverse play, and 78 rpm.

Price and availability change constantly, so we don't quote them here — the link opens current listings on eBay. eBay listings come from individual sellers: condition, battery health, and what's in the box differ from one to the next, so read the listing and the return terms before you buy.

Where they diverge

The widest gap is Design, Technics SL-1200GR ahead 8.6 to 8.0. They come closest on Performance, 9.0 to 8.6. Left of center is Technics SL-1200GR, right is Technics SL-1200MK7.

Technics SL-1200GR versus Technics SL-1200MK7 — axis scores out of 10Horizontal bar chart of editorial scores out of 10 across 5 axes. Bars for Technics SL-1200GR run left from the axis labels, bars for Technics SL-1200MK7 run right. Technics SL-1200GR: Performance 9.0, Value 7.6, Durability 9.0, Ease of use 8.0, Design 8.6. Technics SL-1200MK7: Performance 8.6, Value 7.6, Durability 8.6, Ease of use 8.0, Design 8.0.Technics SL-1200GR (left)Technics SL-1200MK7 (right)PerformanceTechnics SL-1200GR — Performance 9.0 out of 109.0Technics SL-1200MK7 — Performance 8.6 out of 108.6ValueTechnics SL-1200GR — Value 7.6 out of 107.6Technics SL-1200MK7 — Value 7.6 out of 107.6DurabilityTechnics SL-1200GR — Durability 9.0 out of 109.0Technics SL-1200MK7 — Durability 8.6 out of 108.6Ease of useTechnics SL-1200GR — Ease of use 8.0 out of 108.0Technics SL-1200MK7 — Ease of use 8.0 out of 108.0DesignTechnics SL-1200GR — Design 8.6 out of 108.6Technics SL-1200MK7 — Design 8.0 out of 108.0Editorial score out of 10 — higher is better

Which one to pick

Take the Technics SL-1200GR

Leads on Performance, Durability and Design.

  • You want the 1200's motor and arm in a unit young enough to still be under its second owner
  • Listening at home is the job and DJ features are irrelevant
  • You already own a cartridge or plan to choose one

Take the Technics SL-1200MK7

  • You DJ and want a Technics that has not been through thirty years of clubs
  • You want reverse play and adjustable start and brake torque

Value and Ease of use score identically, so those axes can't break the tie.

What each one gets wrong

Technics SL-1200GR

  • You need a turntable that plays the moment it arrives, since there is no cartridge
  • Scratch DJing is the plan, where the MK7's reverse play and black finish fit better

Technics SL-1200MK7

  • Home listening is the whole plan, where the GR's hi-fi tuning fits better
  • You expect a cartridge in the box

Specs, side by side

SpecTechnics SL-1200GRTechnics SL-1200MK7
DriveCoreless direct driveCoreless direct drive
Speeds33⅓, 45, 78 rpm33⅓, 45, 78 rpm
Pitch range±8% or ±16%±8% or ±16%
TonearmStatic-balanced S-shaped, gimbal suspension, height adjustable—
CartridgeNot included; headshell includedNot included; headshell included
Extras—Reverse play, adjustable start and brake speed

Rankings they both appear in

Questions

Both are Technics. Which one do I want?
Technics SL-1200GR leads on Performance, Durability and Design, and there is no axis where Technics SL-1200MK7 comes out ahead. Technics SL-1200GR averages 8.4 and Technics SL-1200MK7 averages 8.2, over the 5 axes Tech is scored on.
Where do the two Technics models actually differ?
Design is the widest gap, Technics SL-1200GR ahead 8.6 to 8.0. Value and Ease of use come out level, so they won't help you choose.
Which one ranks higher in "Used turntables: the 1200 family and its rivals"?
Technics SL-1200GR sits at #1 in "Used turntables: the 1200 family and its rivals", Technics SL-1200MK7 at #3.