Sheet 05 · Head to head
MK3 vs MK4
Same platform, real differences. 5 of 8 published figures differ. Both are classic-line decks, so the shared figures below are shared mechanicals rather than coincidence.
MK3
Japan-only refinement: the first official all-black 1200, damped with Technics' non-resonance compound.
1989
MK4
The audiophile detour: 78 rpm, detachable cables, upgraded tonearm; and almost never seen outside Japan.
1996–97
05.1Where they differ
- Years
- 1989
- 1996–97
- Pitch
- ±8% slider
- ±8% (detented)
- Speeds
- 33⅓ / 45
- 33⅓ / 45 / 78
- Weight
- 12.5 kg
- ,
- At launch
- Japan only
- ~$650
05.2Identical on both
- Motor
- Quartz-locked DC direct drive
- Starting torque
- 1.5 kg·cm
- Wow & flutter
- 0.025% WRMS
05.3What each one changed
MK3
vs MK2: all-black finish, gold RCAs, T.N.R.C.-damped cabinet. Same mechanicals.
Used market: US askings ~$620 in Good (Aug 2026); typically Japan imports
Full model sheet →MK4
vs MK3: +78 rpm, detachable cables, upgraded tonearm and wiring; aimed at listeners, not DJs.
Used market: Import-only rarity; prized by collectors who play 78s
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