Sheet 05 · Head to head
M3D vs GAE
8 of the 8 figures in the comparison table differ. The M3D is from the classic line (1972 to 2010), the GAE from the revival (2016 on).
M3D
The MK3D for the rest of the world, with a recessed power switch DJs couldn't kill mid-set.
1997–2000
GAE
The comeback: 1,200 numbered units for the brand's 50th, gone in about 30 minutes.
2016
05.1Where they differ
- Years
- 1997–2000
- 2016
- Motor
- Quartz-locked DC direct drive
- Coreless twin-rotor direct drive
- Starting torque
- 1.5 kg·cm
- 3.3 kg·cm
- Wow & flutter
- 0.025% WRMS
- 0.025%
- Pitch
- ±8% detent-free + reset
- ±8% / ±16%
- Speeds
- 33⅓ / 45
- 33⅓ / 45 / 78
- Weight
- 12.5 kg
- ~18 kg
- At launch
- ~MK2 pricing
- ~$4,000
05.3What each one changed
M3D
vs MK2 (for export markets): detent-free pitch + reset, recessed power switch, detachable dust cover, headshell holder.
Used market: US askings ~$750 in Very Good (Aug 2026), MK2 money for a better pitch fader, and often overlooked
Full model sheet →GAE
First new 1200 since 2010. A ground-up audiophile re-engineering, shared with the G.
Used market: Numbered units trade above launch price
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] Turntable Lab[3] StereoNET