The Technics brand was relaunched by Panasonic in 2014 and is a name associated exclusively with high-end audio. Its SL-1200 turntable was first revealed in 1972 and it quickly became a highly acclaimed machine for music lovers and DJs because of its tremendous build quality, high reliability and instant accessibility.
The turntable DJs love has just been updated: the Technics SL-1200MK7.
It had a direct drive design. Over the life of the SL-1200 series, it sold more than 3.5 million units and is still in use by DJs today.
Now, Technics has launched the SL-1200MK7, the first DJ turntable from the brand in around nine years. It looks similar to previous models, but this time only in a matte-black version, not the silver version seen before and which, almost certainly, purists will be wanting.
The new matte-black Technics SL-1200MK7.
It has a coreless direct-drive motor for smooth, regular rotation at all times, thanks to the removal of the iron core from previous models. There are other changes which sound minor but could be important, like the fact that the power and phono cables are detachable. Previously, to change these cables was a right palaver, so this is a step forward.
Technics SL-1200MK7.
And then there’s the addition of reverse play, so that by pressing the Start/Stop button and speed selector at the same time, the turntable will spin in the opposite direction. It also has a long-life white LED illuminating the deck, so the stylus tip is easier to see in even dark environments which, after all, is where it’s most likely to be used. The LED has adjustable brightness.
Secret buttons and switches lurk under the cover on the Technics SL-1200MK7.
The new model, Technics says, will have better vibration dampening than before, thanks to the solid construction which has a two-layer structure and an aluminum die-cast platter.
The first impression when you see the new turntable is that it maintains the pure, strong looks of previous versions. It looks gorgeous. It also feels solid and durable.
The SL-1200MK7 will go on sale in May for a price around $1200. In the UK, it’s called the SL-1210MK7 and will cost around £900.
If you enjoyed this story, you might also like these:
iPad Pro 2018 Long-Term Review: Beauty Meets Brains As Apple Gets Creative
16 Best Gadgets Of The Year From Apple To Bose, Sonos To Sony
2018, The Year In Wearables: Apple Watch 4, Elusive AirPods 2, Withings Returns, Fitbit Innovates
Apple Watch Series 4 ECG Heart Rate Feature Now Live: Here’s All You Need To Know
AirPods 2 New Rumor: Coming Early 2019, All-New Design In 2020
