Turntables are getting more popular day by day and audiophiles are searching around for the best ones.
As an audiophile, you might be thinking about which one to buy in Technics 1200 mk2 vs mk5?
Technics 1200 mk2 is older turntables than Technics mk5. It offers a 0% quartz speed lock whereas the mk5 offers a variable lock. The mk5 variant also offers a pitch control override which is absent in the mk2 variant. The mk2 version offers 8% pitch control whereas the mk5 variant offers 16%.
That’s just a quick summary of what’s next. Spare us a few minutes and you will get into the detailed comparison in no time.
Let’s buckle up and begin.
Technics 1200 MK2 vs MK5: Quick Comparison!
Technics 1200 MK2 vs MK5 is a more interesting fight compared to the fight between Dual 1219 and 1229 because of the pronounced differences. Before we jump into the head-to-head comparison, Let’s have a look at this quick comparison.
| Aspect | Technics 1200 mk2 | Technics 1200 mk5 |
| Power Switch Control | Quartz locked at 0% speed | Quartz locked at all speed |
| Pitch Control Override | Not available | Available with the superior control circuit |
| Pitch Level Control | 8% | 16% |
| Tone Arm Wire | Average Tone Arm Wiring | Better Tone Arm Wiring |
| Availability of Spares | Available but can be expensive | Brand new ones and spares are available |
| Price | 400-800$ | 500-1000$ |
So, that was the short comparison between both of the turntables. Wait! We are not finished yet.
Below we have a fully extended comparison based on the factors we have just discussed.
Technics 1200 MK2 vs MK5: Detailed Comparison
Now you are here, let’s jump into the main discussion. We have talked about the key factors elaborately for your convenience. The comparison is as simple as comparing Audio Technica LP1240 with LP120 series turntables.
Power Switch Control:
Turntable speed is a crucial part of mixing and DJing. A control lock enables the turntable to lock the speed at a certain limit.
The speed control circuit in MK5s is better. The MK5’s speed is locked by quartz at all speeds.
But the MK2’s speed is only locked at 0%, so the switch is at 0%. The speed control is a variable resistor controlling the speed of the motor.
It can drift because of things like changes in voltage, etc.
Winner: The winner of this section is clearly Technics 1200 mk5. It features a strong power speed control system.
Pitch Control Override:
Pitch Control Override is an important control in a turntable. Sometimes you need to do things manually. For that, you will need a pitch control override button.
Technics 1200 mk5 features a powerful pitch control override. This offers the user a manual pitch control override.
However, The mk2 variant does not feature a pitch control override function. Basically, the mk2 is an 80’s older version of the mk5 and lacks many features.
Winner: The winner of this round is undoubtedly Technics 1200 mk5.
Pitch Level Control:
Perhaps the most important thing in turntables is adjusting the pitch. It is important because it determines how your records are going to sound.
The too-fast pitch will end up in a rushed sound with higher frequency. A slow pitch will sound dull and lower the frequency.
Most standard turntables feature pitch level control of -/+ 8%. Technics 1200 mk2 is no exception.
However, The mk5 variant allows a whopping -/+ 16% pitch control making it the better option.
Winner: The clear winner is Technics 1200 mk5 with 16% pitch control.
Tone Arm Wire:
Tonearm wire quality is as important as pitch control in mixing and DJing. It is essential for data reading from vinyl.
The Technics 1200 mk2 and mk5 feature similar tonearms. However the wire and build quality of Technics 1200 mk5 tone arm are relatively better.
It features a sturdy build and is more durable.
Winner: This one is a close call but the mk5 has a slight advantage over mk2.
Availability of Spares:
When buying a turntable, spares are important too. Your turntable might malfunction and you might need spares.
The mk2 variant has been dominating the market for more than 30 years. It has abundant parts and spares in the market. It is so good that it can play warped vinyl too.
On the other hand, the mk5 variant is the new kid in town. Fresh products are readily available in the market. The spare market is plentiful too.
Winner: Technics 1200 mk2 will be the winner of this segment with a huge spare market.
Price:
And finally, the comparison comes down to the price battle. You will prefer the best value for money.
Here, The technics 1200 mk2 cost around 400-800$. Newer fresh pieces go up to 700 or even 800$. Early models can go as low as 400$ in some cases.
However, you should know that the mk2 has been discontinued. You will not find a new piece. Only used and refurbished units are sold.
On the other hand, the technics 1200 mk5 costs around 500-1000$. Brand new ones cost around 950-1000$ per set. Older ones can go as low as 500$.
Winner: We can call this one a draw. Both sets add good value for money.
If you are a new user and want something on the cheaper side go for mk2.
But if you want more manual control and advanced features, go for mk5.
So, Which One to Choose?
Now it’s time for the decision. Which one to choose? Technics 1200 mk2 or mk5? Here’s someone who uses Technics 1200.
Well, both turntables are good and very popular among mixers and DJs. However, they have some key differences in features.
The mk5 variant offers more pitch control, better tonearm wiring, and a variable speed lock. It also features a pitch control override button which is absent in the mk2.
However, the mk2 is cheaper than the mk5 and has a huge community. It has more spare parts as it is in the market for a long time.
If you are new to turntabling and want a budget kit, Technics 1200 mk2 is best.
However, if you are looking for more options and better control over the system, choose mk5.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Are Technics 1200 Turntables Audiophile?
Yes, The Technics 1200 turntables are audiophiles. The Technics 1200 models were launched as audiophile record players. Later on, DJs and mixers adopted it as their get-to-go turntable kit. It is used all around the world and is very costly too. Good pieces are hard to come by.
Are Technics 1200 Turntables Still in Production?
Yes, the technics 1200 series turntables are still in production. Despite being shut down in 2010, the company was revived in 2015. Technics again started manufacturing 1200 series turntables in 2016. The 1200 series turntables still dominate the DJ market like a champion.
How Old are Technics 1200 MK2?
The original Technics 1200 MK2 was produced from 1978 up to 2010. So, we can say that they are more than 40 years old. However, they restarted production in 2016 after reviving the company. The Technics 1200 mk2 is still in the market, dominating the scene.
Conclusion
That will be all from our side regarding Technics 1200 mk2 vs mk5 debate. Hopefully, you’ve come to your conclusion and managed to pick your winner.
If you get the opportunity, do try them both and decide which one is best.
Till then, keep rolling.
See you soon.
