Audiophiles and DJs rejoice. After a nearly 10-year hiatus, Technics will revive its iconic SL-1200 turntable series, the company announced this week at CES.
The new models, dubbed the SL-1200 MK7 for the US and Japanese markets, will be the direct follow up to the SL-1200MK6-K and SL-1200MK6-S turntables released in 2008. With it, Technics promises “outstanding sound quality,” highlighting a new coreless direct drive motor to safeguard against cogging and rotation irregularity.
Technics originally designed the SL-1200 line for home use but its durability and reliability made it a favorite among DJs and radio station personnel throughout the ’80s and ’90s. Today, it is one of the best-selling turntable lines of all time. According to Panasonic, which bought the Technics brand back in 2010, more than 3,500,000 units have been sold since 1972.
The SL-1200 MK7 will retail for $1,200 when it comes out in May, sources have reported. That puts it out of reach for the casual vinyl enthusiast, but compared it to the brand’s SP-10R ($10,000) and SL-1000R ($20,000) turntables announced at last year’s CES, it’s a steal.
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