Technics SL-1200 / SL-1210 MK7 turntable

After the success over the past 40 years with its SL-1200, the Technics/Panasonic group is offering the seventh version of its best buy!

This new Technics SL 1200 MK7 turntable (and 1210 MK7 for the black version) closely resembles the manufacturer's legend. At first glance, an uninformed music lover would have little chance of differentiating between the two products.

TECHNICS SL-1200 MK7 / SL-1210 MK7: CHASSIS AND PLATTER

So, we find the chassis of the "legend" but it has been improved and modified over time. It is made of die-cast aluminum and rigidly integrated with a specific material composed of ABS and fiberglass.

This two-layer construction, combined with the metal chassis, has improved the rigidity and vibration damping performance of the entire turntable.

The feet are composed of a spring and rubber enclosure to lower the resonance frequency. They not only ensure superb resistance to howling but also effectively eliminate external vibrations when the sound level is high.

TECHNICS SL-1200 MK7 / SL-1210 MK7: MOTOR AND DRIVE

It features a drive based on a magnetic mechanism (beltless), called direct drive. A magnetic field induced by coils drives the 1.8 kg platter which includes a circular magnet.

Even though the torque is reduced compared to the "G", it remains impressive at 2.2 kg/cm and doesn't prevent the platter from reaching a speed of 33 ⅓ rpm in 0.7 s! There are few variations in rotation and it remains stable at 0.01%.

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

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

TECHNICS SL-1200 MK7 / SL-1210 MK7: TONEARM

It features an aluminum "S"-shaped tonearm with a removable cartridge holder. It is easy to set up and, of course, offers all necessary adjustments from tracking force to anti-skating and VTA.

With its new high-precision bearings, it achieves a higher initial movement sensitivity than that of the SL-1200MK6. This precision allows it to perfectly track the vinyl groove to ensure excellent tracking performance while minimizing stylus bounce, even in difficult and extreme playing conditions such as scratching.

TECHNICS SL-1200 MK7 / SL-1210 MK7: TESTING AND LISTENING

Contrary to many prejudices, the playback is not surgical and ultra-analytical. The overall sound is rather balanced and even very neutral.

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

The dynamics are clear, and the tempo is very pronounced. From the first notes of percussion, you can't help but tap your foot! Certainly, perhaps this Technics SL-1200 MK7 is less convincing with classical music and jazz, which often demand more nuance and subtlety.

Its belt-driven competitors seem to better reproduce the articulations of bows or strings. But this is not necessarily what is demanded of a turntable like the SL-1200 MK7, which is largely aimed at DJ and club use. And, in this regard, it fulfills its function perfectly!

Of course, as you may have guessed, for those who don't want compromises, there's the Technics SL-1200 G. However, the Technics SL-1200 MK7 turntable makes a legendary turntable accessible, and especially offers performance and musicality quite close to the original model with, in some parameters, a noticeable improvement.

Recommended for anyone who has dreamed of it and wants a highly performing direct drive turntable for Hi-Fi or professional use, at a reasonable price! Recommended!