Launched more than 40 years ago, in October 1972, (by the Japanese – Matsushita), originally for the domestic hi-fi market, the SL-1200 quickly became the turntable of choice for DJs, producers and radio stations.
Featured a servo-controlled mechanism and EPA-120 tonearm it was one of the very first direct-drive turntables, it boasted much better speed stability than belt-driven decks and an impressive rumble measurement of -78dB. +/-6% pitch control and built-in stroboscope, was well received at the time, but it was the release of the SL-1200 MK2 in 1979 that saw the popularity of the deck soar.
The SL-1200 was as an evolution to the popular SL-1100. It was dubbed “The Middle Class Player System”. It was delivered in two different versions: The SL-1200 came with a tonearm section. The SL-120 came without a tonearm section. An SME tonearm was the usual choice for the audiophile at the time.
MK1 is, if you find it used and in good condition, a fabulous choice of record player. Since its birth it has been regarded by DJs and radio folk as one of the best vinyl players, inhabiting radio stations and DJ sets worldwide.
Good looking
Type: manual turntable
Drive method: direct drive
Motor: brushless DC motor
Control method: servo (mk1), quartz (mk2)
Platter: 330mm 1.75kg (mk1), 332mm 2kg (mk2)
Speeds: 33.33 and 45rpm
Wow and flutter: 0.03% WRMS (mk1), 0.025% WRMS (mk2)
Rumble: -70dB (mk1), -78dB (mk2)
Tonearm: universal
Effective length: 220mm (mk1), 230mm (mk2)
Overhang: 14mm (mk1), 15mm (mk2)
Effective mass: 12g (mk2)
Stylus pressure range: 0 to 4g (mk1), 0 to 2.5g (mk2)
Dimensions: 453 x 366 x 180mm (mk1), 453 x 360 x 162mm (mk2)
Weight: 10kg (mk1), 12.5kg (mk2)