Sheet 05 · Head to head
LTD vs MK3D
3 of the 8 figures in the comparison table differ. Both are from the classic line (1972 to 2010).
LTD
Piano-black and gold-plated: 5,000 units celebrating two million 1200s sold.
1995–96
MK3D
The MK3 without the click at 0% pitch, plus a reset button, a recessed power switch and a headshell stand.
1997
05.1Where they differ
- Years
- 1995–96
- 1997
- Pitch
- ±8% + reset
- ±8% detent-free + reset
- At launch
- ~$1,200
- Japan only
05.2Identical on both
- Motor
- Quartz-locked DC direct drive
- Starting torque
- 1.5 kg·cm
- Wow & flutter
- 0.025% WRMS
- Speeds
- 33⅓ / 45
- Weight
- 12.5 kg
05.3What each one changed
LTD
vs MK3: commemorative gold-hardware finish, pitch reset button.
Used market: Highly collectible; commands a strong premium over an MK2
Full model sheet →MK3D
vs MK3: no center detent, pitch reset button, recessed power switch, hinge-free dust cover, spare-headshell stand, silver finish returns.
Used market: US askings ~$480–650 in Very Good (Aug 2026); mostly 100V Japan imports
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] Save The Vinyl[4] Audio Heritage (JP), SL-1200MK3D