Technics SL-1200MK2

The 1979 MK2 added quartz-locked direct drive, a sliding pitch fader and heavy rubber-damped construction, and stayed in production for over three decades with millions sold. Designed as a hi-fi deck, it was adopted wholesale by DJs and became the instrument of hip-hop and club culture.

The single most important turntable ever made — the default DJ deck for 30 years and still the used-market benchmark.

Who it suits

Best suited to: buyers comfortable assessing used condition and budgeting for servicing (drive mechanism, bearing, stylus). Less ideal for: a no-hassle purchase with a manufacturer warranty — buy a current model instead.

Good to know

• No built-in phono stage — use an amplifier with a phono input or add a separate phono preamplifier.
• This is a used-market purchase. Ask about condition, originality and service history — for this drive type, check servo lock, speed stability and motor noise (no belt to check on a direct-drive deck), plus the stylus regardless.

Specifications

Where to buy the Technics SL-1200MK2

2 UK merchants handle used or discontinued decks like this — each outbound link searches the deck on that merchant’s site.

Compare it

Compare the SL-1200MK2 against any other deck →

More from Technics

Vintage Technics SL-1200MK5 Discontinued. direct drive · 33/45 rpm £750 typical used Vintage Technics SL-1210MK2 Discontinued. direct drive · 33/45 rpm £650 typical used Vintage Technics SL-1200MK3D Discontinued. direct drive · 33/45 rpm £600 typical used Vintage Technics SP-10 Discontinued. direct drive · 33/45 rpm £600 typical used