Sheet 05 · Head to head

MK4 vs MK7

Different machines that share a silhouette. 6 of 8 published figures differ. One classic-line, one revival. These share a silhouette and almost nothing else.

MK4

The audiophile detour: 78 rpm, detachable cables, upgraded tonearm; and almost never seen outside Japan.

1996–97

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
1996–97
2019–
Motor
Quartz-locked DC direct drive
Coreless direct drive
Starting torque
1.5 kg·cm
1.8 kg·cm
Pitch
±8% (detented)
Digital ±8% / ±16%
Weight
,
9.6 kg
At launch
~$650
~$999–1,199

05.2Identical on both

Wow & flutter
0.025% WRMS
Speeds
33⅓ / 45 / 78

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 →

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] Wikipedia[2] Crossfader[3] Technics UK specs[4] DJWorx

← All nineteen in one table