Compare · sheet 05 · MK3 vs MK5
MK3 vs MK5SL-1200MK3 and SL-1200MK5 / SL-1210MK5
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
MK5
The scratch-era workhorse: doubled anti-skate, white LED target light, last of the analog pitch.
2000–10
05.1Where they differ
- Years
- 1989
- 2000–10
- Pitch
- ±8% slider
- ±8% analog, detent-free
- At launch
- Japan only
- ~$500–600
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 →MK5
vs M3D: anti-skate 0–6 g, LED target light, removable dust cover refinements.
Reverb sold median $765 (40 listings, published Jan 2025–Sep 2026). Middle half $665–$820.
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