The SL-1200MK2 traces its roots to the original Technics SL-1200 of 1972, a servo-controlled direct-drive turntable that made belt-driven rivals look dated. The MK2 arrived in 1979 with a quartz-locked phase control system for far more precise pitch accuracy, plus a die-cast aluminium cabinet on a heavy-duty rubber base to isolate it from vibration. It stayed in production until 2010.
Its speed stability, rugged build and quick start-up made it the global standard for DJs and a favourite of vinyl collectors and audiophiles. It sits in the middle of the SL-1200 lineage, a clear step up from the original SL-1200 and the predecessor of today’s SL-1200 series. A black version with voltage selection, the SL-1210MK2, is virtually identical.
Design & Engineering
The SL-1200MK2 is a manual, quartz-controlled direct-drive turntable. A brushless DC motor with the rotor built into the platter delivers 1.5 kg·cm of starting torque, bringing the platter to 33⅓ rpm in about 0.7 seconds. The 332mm, 2kg die-cast aluminium platter is damped to reduce resonance and carries strobe markings for speed checking. A sliding pitch control gives variable speed adjustment, and an electronic brake stops the platter quickly.
The universal S-shaped tonearm has a 230mm effective length, 15mm overhang and roughly 12g effective mass. This suits a wide range of cartridges, from standard DJ models to many hi-fi types, and uses a static-balance design with adjustable counterweight, anti-skate and tracking force controls. Rubber feet and the heavy cabinet help isolate the turntable from foot-fall and speaker vibration.
Technical Specifications
Type: Manual direct-drive turntable with quartz control
Motor: Brushless DC, rotor integrated into the platter
Speeds: 33⅓ and 45 rpm
Starting torque: 1.5 kg·cm
Start-up time: About 0.7 seconds to 33⅓ rpm
Platter: 332mm die-cast aluminium, 2kg
Wow and flutter: 0.025% WRMS
Rumble: –78dB
Tonearm: S-shaped universal, 230mm effective length, 15mm overhang, ~12g effective mass
Dimensions: 453 x 162 x 360mm (W x H x D)
Weight: About 11–12.5kg, depending on production batch