Compare · sheet 05 · M5G vs M7L
M5G vs M7LSL-1200MK5G / SL-1210M5G and SL-1200M7L
6 of the 8 figures in the comparison table differ. The M5G is from the classic line (1972 to 2010), the M7L from the revival (2016 on).
M5G
The 30th-anniversary deck: first digital pitch, a ±16% range and blue LEDs. Turntablists liked it best.
2002–10
M7L
50 years of the 1200: 12,000 units, seven colors, gold tonearms.
2022
05.1Where they differ
- Years
- 2002–10
- 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
- MK5 + premium
- $1,099.99
05.2Identical on both
- Wow & flutter
- 0.025% WRMS
- Pitch
- Digital ±8% / ±16%
05.3What each one changed
M5G
vs MK5: digital pitch control (±8/±16 switchable), blue LEDs, upgraded tonearm wiring, brake knob.
Reverb sold median $999 (40 listings, published Jul 2016–Aug 2026). Middle half $750–$1,125.
Full model sheet →M7L
vs MK7: colorways, gold tonearm, serial badge, slipmat.
Reverb sold median $1,500 (5 listings, published Apr 2022–Dec 2025). Middle half $1,253–$2,099.
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] Crossfader[4] Panasonic press release