Sheet 05 · Head to head
MK3 vs MK7
Different machines that share a silhouette. 7 of 8 published figures differ. One classic-line, one revival. These share a silhouette and almost nothing else.
MK3
Japan-only refinement: the first official all-black 1200, damped with Technics' non-resonance compound.
1989
MK7
The DJ deck returns: coreless motor, 78 rpm, reverse play; the first new DJ 1200 in nine years.
2019–
05.1Where they differ
- Years
- 1989
- 2019–
- Motor
- Quartz-locked DC direct drive
- Coreless direct drive
- Starting torque
- 1.5 kg·cm
- 1.8 kg·cm
- Pitch
- ±8% slider
- Digital ±8% / ±16%
- Speeds
- 33⅓ / 45
- 33⅓ / 45 / 78
- Weight
- 12.5 kg
- 9.6 kg
- At launch
- Japan only
- ~$999–1,199
05.2Identical on both
- 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 →MK7
vs MK5/M5G: coreless motor, digital pitch, 78 rpm, reverse, adjustable torque, detachable cables, much lighter build.
Used market: US askings (Aug 2026): $850–1,000 in Excellent; LA locals $850–1,300 single, ~$2,300 a pair; barely below new
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