Published , by Chris Jarrard
Published , by Chris Jarrard
You may have missed it among all the new TVs, speakers, smart refrigerators, and robot vacuums at CES 2019, but Panasonic announced that it will be bringing the legendary Technics SL-1200 turntable back into production.
The all-new Technics SL-1200MK7 marks the return of a audio legend after nearly a decade after its 2010 retirement. The SL-1200MK2 turntable was first released in 1982 and quickly became the weapon of choice for virtually any serious DJ thanks to its tank-like durability, precision, and pitch-shifting abilities. Originally marketed to audiophiles for home vinyl playback, the SL-1200MK2 took over the DJ world once word got out that its direct-drive motor was nearly unbreakable and offered plenty of torque, making it perfect for scratching.
The SL-1200 stayed in production, picking up a few upgrades over the years through a few model variations. Technics’ parent company Panasonic retired the turntable, then known as the SL-1200MK6 in 2010, right before vinyl entered a resurgence in popularity across the world with millennial music buyers. Panasonic made waves with vinyl junkies in 2016 when it introduced the SL-1200G, an audiophile turntable based on the older design. Unfortunately for most music fans, the SL-1200G carried an audiophile price tagt that left it out of reach for most consumers.
The new SL-1200MK7 retains the same overall look and functionality of the classic models, while offering upgrades that address the most common complaints of DJs and vinyl lovers had about the MK2, MK3, and MK5. The power and RCA signal cables now terminate at the back of the unit, allowing owners to swap or replace cables without having to open up the turntable and solder replacements. The SL-1200MK7 has an all-new coreless motor with a high-precision controller that offers nearly perfect speed accuracy. Virtually all parts of the chassis are dampened to reduce unwanted vibrations and sounds.
The new turntable will be available in two confogurations - the SL-1200MK7 in the classic silver color for Japan and North America and the SL-1210MK7 in matte black for the UK and European markets. The turntable is expected to retail for around $1200 when it goes on sale in May.
If you already have a turntable or are thinking about jumping into vinyl with the new SL-1200, take a look at our list of some of the best video game vinyl releases.