Are Technics 1200 Turntables discountinued?

Yes. Panasonic, Technics' parent company, stopped production of the Technics 1200 Turntable in 2010.

Are Technics 1200 Turntables still available? Why are they so expensive?

Yes. There is some stock from the original production run still available (deadstock). However, they are highly in demand and hard to come by, therefore, they are very expensive from the distributor. Click here to view Turntable Lab's selection of Technics 1200 turntables.

Will Technics ever produce Technics 1200 Turntables again?

We do not know.

Why are Technics 1200 Turntables better than other turntables?

No other turntable has defined DJing like the Technics 1200. It's design, performance, and durability are legendary. Here are some of its specific strengths:

Why do most professional DJs still use Technics 1200 turntables?

In addition to having a pair of Technics 1200s at home, many professional DJs use Technics in the club or on the road. 1200s are familiar and reliable. Even with the advent of CDJs and digital DJing, most clubs have a set of Technics 1200s in their DJ booth. In terms of performance, the feel and drive of the 1200 platter can not be replicated by a controller. The response of the pitch control is excellent for beatmatching and the strong torque motor allows for accurate scratching and mixing.

Plus, the design is awe-inspiring like a great piece of art. Over the course of your DJ career, you may own several controllers or mixers, but it's a high possibility that you'll have the same pair of Technics.

Can I still get Technics 1200 Turntable replacement parts?

Yes. Turntable Lab stocks most available Technics replacement parts. Click here to view Turntable Lab's selection of Technics replacement parts.

What are the differences of the Technics 1200 Turntable models?

Starting with the base Technics SL-1200MK2 (there was a SL-1200, but for DJ purposes, the MK2 is the unofficial start), here are subsequent popular models and their variations:

I can't afford a Technics 1200, but I want to DJ using a turntable. Any recommendations?

Recently, Turntable Lab has been recommending Audio-Technica's AT-LP1240-USB DJ Turntable. It still no 1200, but has the functions and performance you need at a more affordable price. You can view our complete selection of DJ turntables here.

What are "gray market / dual voltage" Technics 1200 Turntables?

When Technics were in production, there were two model-types for international customers and US customers. The international model became known as "gray market" because they were less expensive and did not carry the same warranty for US customers (both are no longer applicable ). The international model featured a 220v-style power plug (usually with the US adapter included) and a voltage control switch underneath the platter that switches between 110v and 220v. The international model can still be used in the US with no difference in performance. In the market today, you'll find many international models. Don't let this worry you, the models are basically the same and function identically.

What's the proper setup settings for the Technics 1200 Turntable?

Everyone seems to have a different answer for this. DJs always have their own personal settings for tonearm height, tonearm weight, and anti-skating. And those settings will always be different than your audiophile listener. We recommend doing some research based on your need, and tweaking them to best suit your needs.

If you want to get technical with your setup, we recommend Mobile Fidelity's Geo-Disc Phono Cartridge Alignment Mat and Shure'Stylus Force Gauge.

For a basic unboxing setup overview, check our Technics 1200 Setup video:

Want to read more? Check out our "My First 1200" Series on the Turntable Lab Blog where DJs share stories about their first Technics turntables.