Sheet 05 · Head to head

GLD vs M7L

Different machines that share a silhouette. 6 of 8 published figures differ. One classic-line, one revival. These share a silhouette and almost nothing else.

GLD

Three million sold, in black gloss and gold; 3,000 units on an M5G heart.

2004

M7L

50 years of the 1200: 12,000 units, seven colors, gold tonearms.

2022

05.1Where they differ

Years
2004
2022
Motor
Quartz-locked DC direct drive
Coreless direct drive
Starting torque
1.5 kg·cm
1.8 kg·cm
Speeds
33⅓ / 45
33⅓ / 45 / 78
Weight
12.5 kg
9.6 kg
At launch
Limited edition
$1,099.99

05.2Identical on both

Wow & flutter
0.025% WRMS
Pitch
Digital ±8% / ±16%

05.3What each one changed

GLD

vs M5G: commemorative gold-hardware finish; otherwise an M5G.

Used market: Collector piece; trades well above M5G money

Full model sheet →

M7L

vs MK7: colorways, gold tonearm, serial badge, slipmat.

Used market: Well above launch (Aug 2026): $2,500+ single asks in LA, ~$4,500 for a pair, ~$3,000 ask for a white one on Reverb

Full model sheet →

Figures from the same sources as each model sheet. A dash means the figure is not published in our sources; we do not invent specs.[1] Wikipedia[2] Crossfader[3] Panasonic press release[4] Technics 50th

← All nineteen in one table