Compare · sheet 05 · MK4 vs MK6
MK4 vs MK6SL-1200MK4 and SL-1200MK6
5 of the 8 figures in the comparison table differ. Both are from the classic line (1972 to 2010).
MK4
Built for listening, not DJing: 78 rpm, detachable cables, an upgraded arm. Rarely seen outside Japan.
1996–97
MK6
The final classic: quiet refinements, plus a 1,200-unit 35th-anniversary edition with a gold record.
2008–10
05.1Where they differ
- Years
- 1996–97
- 2008–10
- Pitch
- ±8% (detented)
- ±8% detent-free
- Speeds
- 33⅓ / 45 / 78
- 33⅓ / 45
- Weight
- –
- 12.5 kg
- At launch
- ~$650
- Japan only
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.
Reverb sold median $1,150 (12 listings, published Feb 2020–Dec 2025). Middle half $1,050–$1,213.
Full model sheet →MK6
vs MK5/M5G: incremental quality refinements; no new features.
Reverb sold median $780 (9 listings, published Nov 2020–Apr 2026). Middle half $750–$840.
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