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Tech head-to-head

Technics SL-1200MK2vsTechnics SL-1200MK7

Technics SL-1200MK2 and Technics SL-1200MK7 are both Technics, and they average 8.3 and 8.2. Technics SL-1200MK2 takes Value, 8.4 to 7.6.

Technics SL-1200MK2

Technics

8.3

The deck that defined DJ booths for decades, now old enough that condition matters more than the model.

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 Value, Technics SL-1200MK2 ahead 8.4 to 7.6. They come closest on Performance, 8.6 to 8.5. Left of center is Technics SL-1200MK2, right is Technics SL-1200MK7.

Technics SL-1200MK2 versus Technics SL-1200MK7 — axis scores out of 10Horizontal bar chart of editorial scores out of 10 across 5 axes. Bars for Technics SL-1200MK2 run left from the axis labels, bars for Technics SL-1200MK7 run right. Technics SL-1200MK2: Performance 8.5, Value 8.4, Durability 8.8, Ease of use 7.6, Design 8.4. Technics SL-1200MK7: Performance 8.6, Value 7.6, Durability 8.6, Ease of use 8.0, Design 8.0.Technics SL-1200MK2 (left)Technics SL-1200MK7 (right)PerformanceTechnics SL-1200MK2 — Performance 8.5 out of 108.5Technics SL-1200MK7 — Performance 8.6 out of 108.6ValueTechnics SL-1200MK2 — Value 8.4 out of 108.4Technics SL-1200MK7 — Value 7.6 out of 107.6DurabilityTechnics SL-1200MK2 — Durability 8.8 out of 108.8Technics SL-1200MK7 — Durability 8.6 out of 108.6Ease of useTechnics SL-1200MK2 — Ease of use 7.6 out of 107.6Technics SL-1200MK7 — Ease of use 8.0 out of 108.0DesignTechnics SL-1200MK2 — Design 8.4 out of 108.4Technics SL-1200MK7 — Design 8.0 out of 108.0Editorial score out of 10 — higher is better

Which one to pick

Take the Technics SL-1200MK2

Leads on Value, Durability and Design.

  • You want a direct-drive deck that can be serviced by almost any turntable shop
  • You like buying the classic and do not need 78 rpm
  • You plan to replace the cartridge anyway

Take the Technics SL-1200MK7

Leads on Performance and Ease of use.

  • 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

What each one gets wrong

Technics SL-1200MK2

  • The listing cannot show the deck playing, the pitch slider, and the tonearm moving freely
  • Frayed or repaired RCA cables would be a problem, since they are wired in
  • You play 78s

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-1200MK2Technics SL-1200MK7
DriveQuartz-locked direct driveCoreless direct drive
Speeds33⅓, 45 rpm33⅓, 45, 78 rpm
Pitch range±8%±8% or ±16%
Wow and flutter0.01% WRMS (Technics)—
TonearmStatic-balanced S-shaped, height adjustable—
CablesHardwired RCA and ground—
Extras—Reverse play, adjustable start and brake speed
Cartridge—Not included; headshell included

Rankings they both appear in

Questions

Both are Technics. Which one do I want?
Technics SL-1200MK2 leads on Value, Durability and Design. If Performance and Ease of use matter more to you, take the Technics SL-1200MK7 instead. Technics SL-1200MK2 averages 8.3 and Technics SL-1200MK7 averages 8.2, over the 5 axes Tech is scored on.
Where do the two Technics models actually differ?
Value is the widest gap, Technics SL-1200MK2 ahead 8.4 to 7.6. Every axis lands somewhere different, so the profile shapes differ as much as the totals.
Which one ranks higher in "Used turntables: the 1200 family and its rivals"?
Technics SL-1200MK2 sits at #2 in "Used turntables: the 1200 family and its rivals", Technics SL-1200MK7 at #3.