Sheet 05 · Head to head
M3D vs 1210GAE
8 of the 8 figures in the comparison table differ. The M3D is from the classic line (1972 to 2010), the 1210GAE 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
1210GAE
55 years of Technics in black: 1,210 numbered units, with a strobe you can switch off.
2020
05.1Where they differ
- Years
- 1997–2000
- 2020
- 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
- ~€4,499
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 →1210GAE
vs G: black finish, numbered plaque, strobe on/off switch.
Used market: Limited-run collector pricing above launch
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] Crossfader