Sheet 05 · Head to head

MK5 vs GLD

Same platform, real differences. 3 of 8 published figures differ. Both are classic-line decks, so the shared figures below are shared mechanicals rather than coincidence.

MK5

The scratch-era workhorse: doubled anti-skate, white LED target light, last of the analog pitch.

2000–10

GLD

Three million sold, in black gloss and gold; 3,000 units on an M5G heart.

2004

05.1Where they differ

Years
2000–10
2004
Pitch
±8% analog, detent-free
Digital ±8% / ±16%
At launch
~$500–600
Limited edition

05.2Identical on both

Motor
Quartz-locked DC direct drive
Starting torque
1.5 kg·cm
Wow & flutter
0.025% WRMS
Speeds
33⅓ / 45
Weight
12.5 kg

05.3What each one changed

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 →

GLD

vs M5G: commemorative gold-hardware finish; otherwise an M5G.

Used market: Collector piece; trades well above M5G money

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

← All nineteen in one table