Sheet 05 · Head to head
MK4 vs GAE
7 of the 8 figures in the comparison table differ. The MK4 is from the classic line (1972 to 2010), the GAE from the revival (2016 on).
MK4
Built for listening, not DJing: 78 rpm, detachable cables, an upgraded arm. Rarely seen outside Japan.
1996–97
GAE
The comeback: 1,200 numbered units for the brand's 50th, gone in about 30 minutes.
2016
05.1Where they differ
- Years
- 1996–97
- 2016
- 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% (detented)
- ±8% / ±16%
- Weight
- –
- ~18 kg
- At launch
- ~$650
- ~$4,000
05.2Identical on both
- Speeds
- 33⅓ / 45 / 78
05.3What each one changed
MK4
vs MK3: +78 rpm, detachable cables, upgraded tonearm and wiring; aimed at listeners, not DJs.
Used market: Import-only rarity; prized by collectors who play 78s
Full model sheet →GAE
First new 1200 since 2010. A ground-up audiophile re-engineering, shared with the G.
Used market: Numbered units trade above launch price
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] Crossfader[3] StereoNET