Home > Consumer Reviews > Technics Quartz Synthesizer Direct-Drive Turntable

And probably under $2,000 or $3,000 as well. If you're like me and you still have some old vinyl around and like playing it occasionally or you're looking for an excellent turntable for recording your vinyl onto a more durable media such as MiniDisc or CD this is the deck for you. Incredibly solid and simple to use, the SL1200 with a good cartridge (I use the Shure V15 Type V MR) cannot be beat unless you spend 10 times as much (and perhaps not even then). I don't use the DJ'ing features such as the variable pitch but I do love the way the direct drive platter goes from zero to 33 1/3rd RPM in nothing flat and stays there. Again, this is a fantastic deck for recording your vinyl onto something else or just playing it.

This table will definitely make any lp collector ecstatic using it for only in-home purposes (non professional/club dj use). The other and newer version of the MK2 is the M3D (which hopefully Amazon.com will offer soon on-line). Quartz speed accuracy,wow & flutter is maintained at an even higher calibre or excellent rate.It is top notch design.The extra added feature is a re-set button for the pitch control in case you want to go back to normal speed or pitch from any point of pitch you may already be on...My point being, either the MK2 or M3D are both exceptional tables. Fitted with a good Audio Technica or Ortofon cartridge or stylus (one does not come with either turntable) the first significant characteristic is the smooth and crisp clear bass and high frequency response you get from the beginning of the record to the end; It maintains the clarity througout.I personally have switched sources of the same album title from c.d. to vinyl to make sonic comparisons and the pristine clear sound of the Technics practically rivals the digital format (until you hear ticks and pops that come with record use). It does not sound like something is being dragged across a stone slab. Amazon.com offers a reasonable price for the MK2 whereas other so-called dj specialty shops may want to gouge you for an outrageous premium price tag.Remember, the Technics MK2 is great, not gold !...

While the 1200mkII is probably the best turntable around for DJ use I think it might be a bit much for the average record owner. It should also be noted that these tables go for around 450-475$ if ordered from an on-line DJ store.

Technics realized later on the DJ, record scratching, pros required a motor that could handle such demands (though the Technics was never designed for such "rough" applications to begin with).

What is amazing is the simplicity of this'table;There are no unnecessary bells and whistles or extra gears and mechanical devices that would make this any kind of an automatic 'table; This is strictly for the audio perfectionist or DJ.Also, any additional gizmos would contribute to unwanted vibrations,hum, and playback noise.The weight of the turntable is testimony enough that it is practically anti-resonant (unless you slam your fist on it)!You have to weigh the pros and cons. One con being that if you like to fall asleep to a record but do not want to be awaken by the sound of the stylus scraping over and over at the end of a record, then this is not for you.Vice Versa if you want the tonearm to automatically land on the first track,it ain't gonna happen (however trivial that may be to some in making the purchasing decision).For the lack of certain automatic operations it makes up for in its impeccable and firm construction, durability, and quick start up speed. Unless necessary, you do not want to mess around with the anti-skating device or counterweight, height of tonearm (should be already pre-factory set).The pitch control is easily accesible from the top.However, for some it would be nice to have it as a front accesible control with the other buttons.

As for the sound quality...SWEET & SMOOTH. It will also depend on the standard mount cartridge and stylus that needs to be purchased separately. Wow and flutter is at an amazing .01 % !Though,this is something that even if it were at .07% or .10% may not be audible unless you play classical music with a piano solo ;with increased wow & flutter you would hear an annoying "wavering" slowing and speeding sound of the musical notes.

In terms of bang for the buck, you may have to shell out more bucks for less bang. However, you are paying for something that in the sense of the old cliche "less is more" holds true here ! It is high quality(construction,durability) over less quantity (bells,whistles).This is for the "mature at heart and mind" ( I cringe to think someone out there may be buying this for little Johnny who's only 5 or 6 years old---though highly doubt a kid at that age would have a vinyl collection)...

Professional DJs all either have or want this table. People who like to play records should have this table. It's the best turntable around, and it's even set up to be upgraded with fantastic features several inovative companies are releasing (such as the Vinyl Touch series for DJs.) I would never use another.