Technics SL1200 for serious home listening? TURNTABLE REVIEW

The Technics SL 1200 MK2 is much more than a DJ turntable. In this video, I explain why this is a great record player for home listening.

#technics #SL1200 #turntable

Interested in sending an item to be considered for the mail time segment? Here is my address:

Frank Landry
PO BOX 99900 RE 899 513
RPO GARDEN CITY
WINNIPEG MB R2V 5A2
Canada

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ABOUT ME: My goal is to inspire you to grow your music collection, improve your listening experience, discover new music and support artists (and have fun while doing it).
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Videos shot live on location near Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada

[pcallas]

They were originally made for home audiophile listening and DJs discovered how durable they were and it became widely popular amongst them.

[ChannelRPM]

Note: I inadvertently use the phrase "M K 2" in this video, rather than Mark 2, when referencing the 1200. This is an error my my part.
Frank

[JustJamsOnly]

Purchased a new 1210GR over the summer and have absolutely zero complaints. Worth every penny.

[cpta]

I completely agree with your assessment of the Mk2. After searching for a gently used Mk2 for several years, I bought one last year. It was definitely worth the wait! Congratulations on joining the Technics Sl-1200 owners club!

[paulpicillo]

Wheels of steel. I bought 2 (sl1200 mk2) of these used 16 years ago, 600 for the pair with roadcases, best audio investment I have ever made.

[billscott]

I've got two mk2s and bought them in 1993 new for $750 for the pair. They've been serviced by a sound guy I know well, twice over the years. I used them for djing, which I did professionally for many years, and for listening to this day. I'd guess there is over 10, 000 hours on each and they still play perfectly. edit - forgot to mention these were used at many outdoor raves in the early 90s and have seen rain, pollen, beer, soda, plenty of weed, dust, dirt...

[cubdukat]

If the SL-1200 isn't an audiophile turntable, somebody might want to let Technics know that; they claim that's what it was built as in the first place. Personally, I'll take their word for it.

[aaceve]

Got my pair 34 Years ago! Still play and sound amazing! Only had to replace a faulty pitch slider, otherwise flawless. I use a Shure M97HE with a Jico stylus for listening. Very pleasant and balanced sound.

[lifesjustanillusion]

Had my MK2 26 years, easily the best piece of electronics I've ever bought.doing a few upgrades has made it sound even sweeter and it was brilliant as standard

[damfnmaster]

Tank is an understatement. Purchased two 1210s in 1999. I spilled two beers on mine, dropped them down a flight of stairs, and pulled them out of a dorm room after the building caught on fire and burned down. They are still spinning like the day I bought them. Keep them clean, use them often and they will last forever. Great video. Cheers.

[crates]

ya finally bought 1 Frank, best turntable in my opinion, had mine since 1989, not a problem with it

[adampoll]

Such an iconic TT. Sometimes legends don't live up to their hype, but this one does.

I opened mine up (SL-1210 Mk2), after I acquired for a ridiculously low price from a DJ, in order to restore the separate ground lead (removing it and wiring to the ground of the phono leads being a popular DJ mod for convenience) - and looking inside one of these clearly illustrates where the money is spent. To be honest, I'd be amazed if they made much profit on these decks. The alloy casting of the chassis, the added bulk-molding compound, the anti-resonant rubber base, AND the the thick rubber coating on the underside of the platter! All that weight is there for a reason (not just to make it "feel" quality as most of its clones do).

I know replacing the tone-arm is a popular mod, but I personally think it's a thing of functional beauty and works just fine.

[giangvu]

Technics does make some higher end models for pure HiFi use if people are complaining about the the 1200. But the 1200 is my favorite turntable and probably the last table I’ll ever need.

[lionellandrews]

I’ve literally had my techniques SL 12000Mk 2 for around 20 years.

Got it used at a pawn shop in a trade.

The quality of sound I get with it never ceases to amaze me.

[mrdjproductions]

i love these and have 2 of them from when I used to use them DJing. Now I use them at home for listening.

[ScottTice]

Great vid... that “MARK” 2 will be the last turntable you’ll ever need. I love mine. Also love my Pro-Ject but the Technics will be with me until I die.

[robertkeefer]

I love my 1200 MKII. It's been upgraded by KAB Electronics with Cardas Litz RCA cables, a thin Teflon type plastic insert inside the tone arm, a fluid dampening system attached to the tone arm pivot and a Delrin plastic thrust plate for the spindle replacing the metal one. Also it has Sorbothane type feet. The cartridge is a Nagaoka MP 200.

[marantzdantz]

When I got into vintage audio in the early 00s everyone just ragged on the 1200. I actually remember a stereo chat room where a guy called it "Filthy DJ trash" lol. My friend has had one since then as well and it just keeps chugging along. It's got good specs but it's quality is that it's the turntable equivalent to a flathead Ford V8. It will never stop running as intended.

[gnayr]

The last turntable you will ever need. Amen! 🙏🤘

[PhilMogg]

I have a pair of 1200 MK 2s for DJing, just at home. And I love them! I have owned mainly Technics, most of my life. Found great deals online for them.