Sheet 05 · Head to head

MK2 vs MK7

7 of the 8 figures in the comparison table differ. The MK2 is from the classic line (1972 to 2010), the MK7 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

MK7

The DJ deck returns: coreless motor, 78 rpm, reverse play; the first new DJ 1200 in nine years.

2019–

05.1Where they differ

Years
1979–2010
2019–
Motor
Quartz-locked DC direct drive
Coreless direct drive
Starting torque
1.5 kg·cm
1.8 kg·cm
Pitch
±8% slider
Digital ±8% / ±16%
Speeds
33⅓ / 45
33⅓ / 45 / 78
Weight
12.5 kg
9.6 kg
At launch
$299 (1979)
~$999–1,199

05.2Identical on both

Wow & flutter
0.025% WRMS

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 →

MK7

vs MK5/M5G: coreless motor, digital pitch, 78 rpm, reverse, adjustable torque, detachable cables, much lighter build.

Used market: US askings (Aug 2026): $850–1,000 in Excellent; LA locals $850–1,300 single, ~$2,300 a pair; barely below new

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