Sheet 05 · Head to head
MK3D vs 1210GAE
8 of the 8 figures in the comparison table differ. The MK3D is from the classic line (1972 to 2010), the 1210GAE 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
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
- 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
- Japan only
- ~€4,499
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 →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] Save The Vinyl[3] Audio Heritage (JP), SL-1200MK3D[4] SL-1200 series wiki (JP)