Sheet 05 · Head to head

MK2 vs GR2

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.

MK2

The legend. Quartz lock, the pitch slider, 31 years of production; the deck that built hip-hop and house.

1979–2010

GR2

The current Grand Class: ΔΣ-Drive motor control and flagship-derived silent power at $2,199.

2023–

05.1Where they differ

Years
1979–2010
2023–
Motor
Quartz-locked DC direct drive
Coreless direct drive, ΔΣ-Drive
Starting torque
1.5 kg·cm
2.2 kg·cm
Wow & flutter
0.025% WRMS
0.025%
Pitch
±8% slider
±8% / ±16%
Speeds
33⅓ / 45
33⅓ / 45 / 78
Weight
12.5 kg
~11.2 kg
At launch
$299 (1979)
$2,199

05.3What each one changed

MK2

vs MK1: quartz lock, rotary pitch → ±8% slider, electronic braking with symmetric response, better isolation.

Used market: US askings (Aug 2026): singles $700–1,200 in Good, $900–1,650 in Excellent; LA local listings cluster $800–850; working pairs $1,200–1,600

Full model sheet →

GR2

vs GR: ΔΣ-Drive motor control, new low-noise power supply; same torque class.

Used market: Too new for a deep used market; light discounts only

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] Technics operating instructions[2] Wikipedia[3] Stereophile[4] audio-database

← All nineteen in one table