Compare · sheet 05 · MK3D vs M7L
MK3D vs M7LSL-1200MK3D and SL-1200M7L
7 of the 8 figures in the comparison table differ. The MK3D is from the classic line (1972 to 2010), the M7L from the revival (2016 on).
MK3D
The MK3 without the click at 0% pitch, plus a reset button, a recessed power switch and a headshell stand.
1997
M7L
50 years of the 1200: 12,000 units, seven colors, gold tonearms.
2022
05.1Where they differ
- Years
- 1997
- 2022
- Motor
- Quartz-locked DC direct drive
- Coreless direct drive
- Starting torque
- 1.5 kg·cm
- 1.8 kg·cm
- Pitch
- ±8% detent-free + reset
- Digital ±8% / ±16%
- Speeds
- 33⅓ / 45
- 33⅓ / 45 / 78
- Weight
- 12.5 kg
- 9.6 kg
- At launch
- Japan only
- $1,099.99
05.2Identical on both
- Wow & flutter
- 0.025% WRMS
05.3What each one changed
MK3D
vs MK3: no center detent, pitch reset button, recessed power switch, hinge-free dust cover, spare-headshell stand, silver finish returns.
Reverb sold median $590 (40 listings, published Apr 2023–Sep 2026). Middle half $560–$650.
Full model sheet →M7L
vs MK7: colorways, gold tonearm, serial badge, slipmat.
Reverb sold median $1,500 (5 listings, published Apr 2022–Dec 2025). Middle half $1,259–$2,099.
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] Wikipedia[2] Save The Vinyl[3] Audio Heritage (JP), SL-1200MK3D[4] SL-1200 series wiki (JP)