Sheet 05 · Head to head
MK3D vs MK7
7 of the 8 figures in the comparison table differ. The MK3D is from the classic line (1972 to 2010), the MK7 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
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
- 1997
- 2019–
- Motor
- Quartz-locked DC direct drive
- Coreless direct drive
- Starting torque
- 1.5 kg·cm
- 1.8 kg·cm
- Pitch
- ±8% detent-free + reset
- Digital ±8% / ±16%
- Speeds
- 33⅓ / 45
- 33⅓ / 45 / 78
- Weight
- 12.5 kg
- 9.6 kg
- At launch
- Japan only
- ~$999–1,199
05.2Identical on both
- Wow & flutter
- 0.025% WRMS
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 →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] Wikipedia[2] Save The Vinyl[3] Audio Heritage (JP), SL-1200MK3D[4] SL-1200 series wiki (JP)