Sheet 05 · Head to head

MK2 vs GR2

8 of the 8 figures in the comparison table differ. The MK2 is from the classic line (1972 to 2010), the GR2 from the revival (2016 on).

MK2

Quartz lock and the pitch slider, then 31 years with barely a change. The one hip-hop and house were built on.

1979–2010

GR2

The current Grand Class: ΔΣ-Drive motor control and flagship-derived silent power at $2,199.

2023–

05.1Where they differ

Years
1979–2010
2023–
Motor
Quartz-locked DC direct drive
Coreless direct drive, ΔΣ-Drive
Starting torque
1.5 kg·cm
2.2 kg·cm
Wow & flutter
0.025% WRMS
0.025%
Pitch
±8% slider
±8% / ±16%
Speeds
33⅓ / 45
33⅓ / 45 / 78
Weight
12.5 kg
~11.2 kg
At launch
$299 (1979)
$2,199

05.3What each one changed

MK2

vs MK1: quartz lock, rotary pitch → ±8% slider, electronic braking with symmetric response, better isolation.

Used market: US askings (Aug 2026): singles $700–1,200 in Good, $900–1,650 in Excellent; LA local listings cluster $800–850; working pairs $1,200–1,600

Full model sheet →

GR2

vs GR: ΔΣ-Drive motor control, new low-noise power supply; same torque class.

Used market: Too new for a deep used market; light discounts only

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] Technics operating instructions[2] Wikipedia[3] Stereophile[4] audio-database

← All nineteen in one table