Sheet 05 · Head to head
MK3D vs GR
8 of the 8 figures in the comparison table differ. The MK3D is from the classic line (1972 to 2010), the GR from the revival (2016 on).
MK3D
The MK3 without the click at 0% pitch, plus a reset button, a recessed power switch and a headshell stand.
1997
GR
Most of the G for half the price, and 7 kg lighter.
2017–23
05.1Where they differ
- Years
- 1997
- 2017–23
- Motor
- Quartz-locked DC direct drive
- Coreless single-rotor direct drive
- Starting torque
- 1.5 kg·cm
- 2.2 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
- ~11.2 kg
- At launch
- Japan only
- ~$1,700
05.3What each one changed
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 →GR
vs G: single-rotor motor instead of twin, one-piece platter, lighter build, less than half the price.
Used market: US askings $1,790–1,990 in Excellent (Aug 2026); the GR2's higher price pulled used GRs up, not down
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] Save The Vinyl[3] Audio Heritage (JP), SL-1200MK3D[4] SL-1200 series wiki (JP)