Compare · sheet 05 · MK5 vs M7L
MK5 vs M7LSL-1200MK5 / SL-1210MK5 and SL-1200M7L
7 of the 8 figures in the comparison table differ. The MK5 is from the classic line (1972 to 2010), the M7L from the revival (2016 on).
MK5
The scratch-era workhorse: doubled anti-skate, white LED target light, last of the analog pitch.
2000–10
M7L
50 years of the 1200: 12,000 units, seven colors, gold tonearms.
2022
05.1Where they differ
- Years
- 2000–10
- 2022
- Motor
- Quartz-locked DC direct drive
- Coreless direct drive
- Starting torque
- 1.5 kg·cm
- 1.8 kg·cm
- Pitch
- ±8% analog, detent-free
- Digital ±8% / ±16%
- Speeds
- 33⅓ / 45
- 33⅓ / 45 / 78
- Weight
- 12.5 kg
- 9.6 kg
- At launch
- ~$500–600
- $1,099.99
05.2Identical on both
- Wow & flutter
- 0.025% WRMS
05.3What each one changed
MK5
vs M3D: anti-skate 0–6 g, LED target light, removable dust cover refinements.
Reverb sold median $765 (40 listings, published Jan 2025–Sep 2026). Middle half $665–$820.
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 $1,253–$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] Crossfader[3] Panasonic press release[4] Technics 50th