Technics SL-1200 MKII, M3D, MK5 model differences

I go over the feature differences between three different Technics SL-1200 models - the MKII or MK2, M3D, and MK5.

Changes to the M3D from the MK2 include:

1) Pitch control Reset switch
2) Headshell holder
3) Power switch collar
4) No hinges included

Changes to MK5 from MK2

1) All the changes from M3D
2) Different tonearm with Anti-Skate from 0-6g grams (0-3 grams on MK2 and M3d), and height adjustment from 0-6mm.
3) Voltage selector switch (for other mains power, previously only for SL-1210 models)
4) Available in Noir black and silver.

SL-1200MK5G - added digitally controlled pitch adjustment.

There was an SL-1200MK4 and MK6, however, those are Japan only models. MK4 had 78 speed, and MK6 had improved tonearm mounting and oxygen-free copper tonearm wire.

There was also an SL-1200 MK3 (Japan only in black) that was exactly like the MK2, but added gold plated RCA jacks instead of hard wired output, as well as MK3D, which also added the speed Reset switch.

[NickP]

Thanks a ton for this video. Your information and detective work is very much appreciated. I’ve got an M3D that I’ve done a ton of upgrades and mods to mostly through Kevin Barrett at KAB. I also replaced the tonearm and added internal damping and new Cardas wires. I got a super deal on on my M3D, which fortunately hadn’t been a DJ deck. I got it from the original owner who bought it in 2000, and the serial number lines up with that.
I borrowed a new 1200GR from a friend, and actually preferred my M3D, most likely due to all the upgrades and modifications. I’ve also got a Yamaha’s flagship TT from the mid to late 80’s, the PX-2, but my go to is my Technics.

Again, thanks a million for this vid.

[bearded_wolverine]

I just purchased a MKII from my local record shop owner, I have always loved the MKII, it's my favorite of all the models. I used to have a pair of M3D when I used to DJ and ended up selling them. Regretted that, but glad to have a MKII for my home audiophile listening. I got my MKII, for $325.It's in near mint condition and nearly 40 years old

[bladebrownberlin]

The MK 5 has a break adjustment accessible under the platter without the need to remove the cover to access the PCB. Also the MK 5 has a LED target light from factory. The M3D still was shipped with a light bulb. The zero-click removal on the M3D and successors was made because us DJ's were annoyed when beatmatching tracks near the zero point.

[rachel_c]

Visually, the M3D and MK5 are equally similar (Pitch Reset Button and sunken Power Switch)... With the exception of the LED Stylus Light and the Anti Skate maxed out at 6....

I think the easiest way to tell them apart from afar is by the Model Labeling on the chassis. MK5 follows the "stacked" labeling like the MK2s:

Technics QUARTZ
Direct Drive Turntable System. SL-1200MK5


M3D labeling is "straight across" as shown below:

Technics QUARTZ. Direct Drive Turntable System SL-1200M3D

[Dee.J.Mogfry]

The standard rubber mat is better than the cork mat....fact.

[westietech]

The MK5 tonearm has oxygen free copper wiring and the antiskate goes up to 6

[mike._.feliciano]

Just a quick note on the M3D pitch light. From the factory, its green. The strobe light is red. I have a pair and I love them.
Good video.

[kyleucf]

What are the original 1200s from the 70/80s called? That’s what I got. They still work perfectly. Crazy.

[Rickky]

I have a pair of mk5 but I do regret selling my pairs m3ds & mk2 sl1210 .

[jennjennjenn]

Hi! Genuine question and thanks for the video, what is the reasoning for wanting to change/switch needles during a session? This will help me understand so much.

[djstretchtone]

I'm getting ready to use phase DJ. I have a Techniques SL-1210 mk2, and a Techniques SL-1200 mk2. A Dj i know keeps telling me I should get the M5. He says the M5 and the M7 have good improvements, and more features?
What do you guys think? Are the newer Techniques anymore precise or better performance?

[fazeraoe]

Are the M3Ds increasing or decreasing in value? I don't use my pair that much, I wonder if I should sell them. Bit worried that they are tanking in value since technics and pioneer released their new turntables.

[ceejaydeesoozaa]

ive compared the sound of the mk3, mk3d 1500c and the 1200gr. the mk3d is the warmest and least bright sounding of the 4. did you compare the sound of the models?

[oscalsochirino]

I’ve had about 8 of these in my lifetime I now own a mk7 and restoring a mk2 1210 in black do you know if the platter from the 3d can be used on a 1210 ?

[clubsport]

It’s not pronounced M K five….you say it as “mark” 5 or “mark 2” etc…

[SaucyBegger]

The 1210mk2 for me is the best deck. I’ve spent around 2k finding a pair and fully restoring them back to new. Plinth’s professionally resprayed and new graphics. I would only do this with mk2s. The towers I’ve modded by removing the rubbers from the weights of other decks and slid them down the towers so now they can’t be accidentally turned off. Just little touches that make all the difference. The reset button on later decks to me is completely pointless. The click on the pitch is a ball bearing with a spring for tension that pushes up against a cut out on the housing of the slider giving it a click feel. That’s all it is. Experienced djs learn to stay away from that area.