Home > Reviews > Technics SL1200/1210 MK3 Pro Turntable

Review Date : November 2001
Addendum June 2003 - Technics have discontinued the Mk3 in favour of the Mk5 and Mk5G

Technics have ruled the world when it comes to turntables, recently though, Vestax released a turntable (PDX2000) that could prove to be a bigger winner than the SL1200 mk2, the SL1200 mk3 is Technics' attempt to quash the PDX range once and for all.

The first thing that you notice if you have used the mk2 version is that not a lot has changed!  The performance is still jaw dropingly good infact it is identical to the original, all that Technics appear to have done is to add a few bells and whistles to the deck they developed 1/2 a million years ago.

It looks as though they have had their ear bent by djs with regards to the niggling problems that appeared on the original design.  The dip, on the fader, at 0% pitch is gone although the range remains unchanged at -+8%.  My biggest bugbear has also been resolved, I am referring to the power switch - this has been altered making it less prone to be accidentally pressed.   A new pitch reset button has been added this effectively resets the pitch to 0% and activates the quartz lock, an identical feature to the quartz lock button on the PDX.  The only other feature to be added is the spare headshell holder a vital inclusion I don't think.

The most amazing aspect of the 'new' deck is the large price increase, why anyone would want to fork out another £100 for a few token adjustments is beyond me.  My advice is, if you are after a pair of top end decks and will not be swayed by the Vestax offering, buy the mk2s and save yourself 100 notes.

Since writing this review the price has dropped £150 to around £650 a pair, this is much more appealing to anyone wanting to buy them, I have adjusted the value rating accordingly (it was 7/10)

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