Platine vinyle Technics SL-1200 / SL-1210 MK7

After 40 years of success with its SL-1200, the Technics/Panasonic group is releasing the seventh version of its best buy.

This new Technics SL-1200 MK7 turntable (and 1210 MK7 for the black version) is a near-perfect match for the manufacturer's legend. At first glance, an untrained music lover stands little chance of telling the two products apart.

Technics SL-1200 MK7 / SL-1210 MK7: Plinth and Platter

You get the chassis of the "legend," improved and refined over time. It is made of die-cast aluminium rigidly bonded to a specific material combining ABS and fibreglass.

This two-layer construction, paired with the metal chassis, has improved the rigidity and vibration damping of the whole turntable.

The feet are made of a spring encased in rubber, which lowers the resonant frequency. They deliver excellent resistance to howling and also effectively eliminate external vibration at high volume levels.

Technics SL-1200 MK7 / SL-1210 MK7: Motor and Drive

The drive is based on a magnetic (beltless) mechanism, known as direct drive. A magnetic field induced by coils drives the 1.8 kg platter, which houses a circular magnet.

Even though torque is reduced compared with the "G," it remains impressive at 2.2 kg/cm and still lets the platter reach 33 ⅓ rpm in 0.7 s. There is little variation in rotation, which is stable to 0.01%.

The signal-to-noise ratio is also excellent at -78 dB.

This turntable naturally offers pitch control, allowing rotation speed to be adjusted from -8% to +16%. This function seems intended solely for professional use (mixing, DJ).

Technics SL-1200 MK7 / SL-1210 MK7: Tonearm

You get an S-shaped aluminium tonearm with a removable headshell. It is easy to set up and of course offers all the necessary adjustments, from tracking force to anti-skating and VTA.

Thanks to its new high-precision bearings, it achieves higher initial-movement sensitivity than the SL-1200 MK6. This precision lets it track the record groove perfectly for excellent tracking performance, while minimising stylus bounce even in difficult and extreme playing conditions such as scratching.

Technics SL-1200 MK7 / SL-1210 MK7: Listening Test

Contrary to many preconceptions, the sound is not surgical or ultra-analytical. The overall balance is even and very neutral.

On certain passages you also find the "soft," dark side of the SL-1200 MK2.

Dynamics are clear-cut and the tempo strongly marked. From the very first percussion notes, you can't help tapping your foot. Admittedly, this Technics SL-1200 MK7 is perhaps less convincing on classical music and jazz, which often call for more nuance and subtlety.

Its belt-drive rivals seem to render the articulation of bows and strings better. But that isn't necessarily what you ask of a turntable like the SL-1200 MK7, which is largely geared towards DJ and club use. And in that role, it does its job perfectly.

Of course, as you'll have gathered, for those who want no compromise there is the Technics SL-1200 G. That said, the Technics SL-1200 MK7 makes a legendary turntable accessible, and above all delivers performance and musicality quite close to the original model, with a notable gain on certain parameters.

Recommended to everyone who has dreamed of it and wants a high-performance direct-drive turntable for Hi-Fi or professional use, at a reasonable price.

FAQ: Everything you need to know before buying the Technics SL-1200 MK7 / SL-1210 MK7

What is the difference between the SL-1200 MK7 and the SL-1210 MK7? I

t is the same model: the SL-1210 MK7 reference is the black version of the turntable. The technical and sonic characteristics are identical.

Is this turntable suitable for listening to classical or jazz?

It is less convincing on this repertoire, which demands more nuance and subtlety, where competing belt-drive turntables render bow articulation better. On the other hand, on music with marked dynamics and a firm tempo, it does its job perfectly.

What are the benefits of direct drive?

The 1.8 kg platter is driven by a beltless magnetic mechanism. Torque remains impressive at 2.2 kg/cm and the platter reaches 33 ⅓ rpm in 0.7 s. Rotation is stable to 0.01% and the signal-to-noise ratio is -78 dB.

Can you adjust the tonearm and change the cartridge?

Yes. The aluminium S-shaped arm has a removable headshell and offers every needed adjustment: tracking force, antiskating and VTA. Its high-precision bearings ensure excellent groove tracking.