Compare · sheet 05 · MK3 vs M5G
MK3 vs M5GSL-1200MK3 and SL-1200MK5G / SL-1210M5G
3 of the 8 figures in the comparison table differ. Both are from the classic line (1972 to 2010).
MK3
Japan-only refinement: the first official all-black 1200, damped with Technics' non-resonance compound.
1989
M5G
The 30th-anniversary deck: first digital pitch, a ±16% range and blue LEDs. Turntablists liked it best.
2002–10
05.1Where they differ
- Years
- 1989
- 2002–10
- Pitch
- ±8% slider
- Digital ±8% / ±16%
- At launch
- Japan only
- MK5 + premium
05.2Identical on both
- Motor
- Quartz-locked DC direct drive
- Starting torque
- 1.5 kg·cm
- Wow & flutter
- 0.025% WRMS
- Speeds
- 33⅓ / 45
- Weight
- 12.5 kg
05.3What each one changed
MK3
vs MK2: all-black finish, gold RCAs, T.N.R.C.-damped cabinet. Same mechanicals.
Reverb sold median $583 (40 listings, published Aug 2022–Oct 2026). Middle half $568–$600.
Full model sheet →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 →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 Heritage[2] Crossfader[3] Save The Vinyl[4] Wikipedia