Sheet 05 · Head to head

M3D vs G

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

M3D

The MK3D for the rest of the world, with a recessed power switch DJs couldn't kill mid-set.

1997–2000

G

The flagship: coreless twin-rotor motor, four-layer cabinet, 18 kg of no-compromise engineering.

2016–

05.1Where they differ

Years
1997–2000
2016–
Motor
Quartz-locked DC direct drive
Coreless twin-rotor direct drive
Starting torque
1.5 kg·cm
3.3 kg·cm
Wow & flutter
0.025% WRMS
0.025%
Pitch
±8% detent-free + reset
±8% / ±16%
Speeds
33⅓ / 45
33⅓ / 45 / 78
Weight
12.5 kg
~18 kg
At launch
~MK2 pricing
~$4,000

05.3What each one changed

M3D

vs MK2 (for export markets): detent-free pitch + reset, recessed power switch, detachable dust cover, headshell holder.

Used market: US askings ~$750 in Very Good (Aug 2026), MK2 money for a better pitch fader; still the sleeper pick

Full model sheet →

G

vs classic 1200s: everything, new motor, cabinet, platter and tonearm. Shares only the silhouette and the controls.

Used market: Holds value: used asks ~$3,000–4,000 equivalent (mostly European listings, Aug 2026); US used supply is thin

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] Turntable Lab[3] Stereophile specs[4] Technics US

← All nineteen in one table