Sheet 05 · Head to head
MK4 vs MK5
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.
MK4
The audiophile detour: 78 rpm, detachable cables, upgraded tonearm; and almost never seen outside Japan.
1996–97
MK5
The scratch-era workhorse: doubled anti-skate, white LED target light, last of the analog pitch.
2000–10
05.1Where they differ
- Years
- 1996–97
- 2000–10
- Pitch
- ±8% (detented)
- ±8% analog, detent-free
- Speeds
- 33⅓ / 45 / 78
- 33⅓ / 45
- Weight
- ,
- 12.5 kg
- At launch
- ~$650
- ~$500–600
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
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 →MK5
vs M3D: anti-skate 0–6 g, LED target light, removable dust cover refinements.
Used market: US askings (Aug 2026): $690–800 in Very Good, up to ~$1,450 in Excellent; LA local asks run higher
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] Crossfader