Technics SL-1200
The original Technics SL1200 was introduced in 1972 and featured a servo-controlled direct-drive mechanism and EPA-120 tonearm. The turntable was also available without an arm as the SL-120.
In 1979 the mkII was released with a Quartz Locked Phase control system providing exceptional pitch accuracy and an aluminium diecast cabinet which had a special heavy-duty rubber base to isolate the turntable from external vibration. The SL-1210 model is virtually identical to the SL-1200 but features voltage selection and is usually finished in black instead of silver.
Description
When Technics introduced the original SL-1200 direct drive turntable several years ago, it made all other turntables seem antiquated in comparison.
It became a strong favourite among audio purists, amateur and professional, and was particularly popular in discos because of its rugged construction, easy handling, high torque and good immunity to feedback.
The mkII represents the next generation, incorporating numerous improvements over the original.
In addition to being quartz-locked, it permits continuous speed adjustment under quartz control, a feature appreciated by disco DJ's who wish to maintain consistent rhythm when changing records.
Its starring torque is high, with the platter reaching speed within 0.7seconds from a standstill.
It also maintains the selected speed better than the original SL-1200.
It should also prove virtually feedback proof because of its special base design.
Specifications
Type: manual turntable
Drive method: direct drive
Motor: brushless DC motor
Control method: servo (mk1), quartz (mk2)
Platter: 330mm 1.75kg (mk1), 332mm 2kg (mk2)
Speeds: 33.33 and 45rpm
Wow and flutter: 0.03% WRMS (mk1), 0.025% WRMS (mk2)
Rumble: -70dB (mk1), -78dB (mk2)
Tonearm: universal
Effective length: 220mm (mk1), 230mm (mk2)
Overhang: 14mm (mk1), 15mm (mk2)
Effective mass: 12g (mk2)
Stylus pressure range: 0 to 4g (mk1), 0 to 2.5g (mk2)
Dimensions: 453 x 366 x 180mm (mk1), 453 x 360 x 162mm (mk2)
Weight: 10kg (mk1), 12.5kg (mk2)
Review
Produces surprisingly good sound, especially when paired with a good mid-priced cartridge. Interested in a high-performance, durable turntable? Well the 1200 might just be the one for you.
Downloads
mkI instruction/owners manual (en)
mkII instruction/owners manual (en)
ltd instruction/owners manual (en)
mk5 instruction/owners manual (en)
mkII instruction/owners manual (nl)
mkII instruction/owners manual (en, de, fr, nl, es)
mk5 service manual (en) - Milos1977
MK3D instruction/owners manual (jp) - mozgabyte
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Technics SL-1200 / SL1200 owners manual, service manuals and schematics are for reference only and the Vinyl Engine bears no responsibility for errors or other inaccuracies. The PDF files are provided under strict licence. Reproduction for financial gain is strictly prohibited. This website is not affiliated with or sponsored by Technics.
User Reviews
no comment
5/10 by Aramak
Sturdy. Works. Sounds great.
8/10 by flark
Unwavering accuracy, quality feel and construction. Very low rumble and good compliancy when concerned with damaged vinyl etc. Sounds utterly incredible. Great for DJing (the best, still!) but great for reference or listening purposes also. Only bad point is the stock cabling, which when replaced provides a massive differnce in sound quality and durability. I would reccomend HOSA cable for a perfect fit within the clamp and good increase in quality...
9/10 by tubthumper
no comment
10/10 by lennyca
Only the lack of a 78 facility spoils the total feel.
9/10 by russellswanborough
for pro use its a 10/10. hammered in radio stations and club on 24/7, will never fail. build quality is truly pro !
musically speaking its more like an 8/10. problem is not the tonearm as for the bearings but the resonances.
8/10 by Dr Pan K
Incredible build quality, and awesome sound.
10/10 by Vsanzbajo
Comments
lost but found
All cool
Manuals
Great resource. Just acquired a pair of SL1200 MK5's. Working, a little dusty, but no scratches or dings and needed a manual - thank you. Now the journey begins on cleaning, learning replacing cartridges, and finding a pair of original covers as they came in road-cases without their original covers. I may need some help on my journey back to my old vinyls and I have some pristine jazz vinyls from the 60's and 70's to enjoy again. Anyone know where best to find a pair of covers, please let me know. Thanks. Great website !
thank you thank you thank you
Brilliant post !
No love without sound!
I saved years of pocket
I saved years of pocket money to eventually get my 1st 1210 at 16.....got my 2nd at 18.
I've never had the balls to service them myself. At 37, I reckon its about time I gave it a go.........Esp now that I'm armed with these service manuals. Such a helpful site.
I just hope I'm not left with any 'spare' screws once I'm all done.
Wish me luck......
Lost twin?
I am also 37, bought my first 1200's at 16 and I'm also looking to service them myself now. Are you my lost twin? LOL
Many Thanks To All You Archivist
With the assistance of this sites contributers, an aged DJ left pleased.
Cable capacitance
Would anybody know the actual capacitance of the standard phone lead for a MK V SL-1200? It is not in the specs.
mk5
just wondering if anybody has the service manual for the 1200 mk5? looking at modding my set of technics, but wanting to make sure i do it right the first time!
thanx!
Re: MK5
Take a look at the one for the M3D. It should be nearly identical circuitry wise.
Technics SL-1200 (MKI) - Wrong Photo
Just an FYI to let you know that the library photo for the SL-1200 (MKI) is actually an MKII.
This is the page ==> http://www.vinylengine.com/library/technics/sl-1200.shtml
Also, I have a copy of the MKI service manual if you are interested in adding it to your database.
Thanks for this great resource!
manual?
Dear member, I would be interested in any sl-1200 mk1 info you might have.
If you could please forward any info I'd appreciate it. As I have two tables in 'minty' condition and I simply love more info on them. I'm planned on installing an S.M.E. tone arm on one them, so I'm looking for parts also-please advise.
Respectfully, Frank Marsi
email: frankmarsi@verizon.net
SL1200MK3D Service Manual
Thanks so much to whoever posted this! :D
manual
Thanks very much! Just picked up a SL-1200 mk5 (no manual). LOVE IT!!!
Thanks For Your Time
Muchas gracias por vuestro tiempo y dedicacion con todos los fanaticos del formato Vinilo, Muy interesantes notas y
comentarios. Tratare de colaborar enviando comentarios y fotos.-
Nuevamente Gracias. Ricardo
sl 1200 Manuals
Thank you for your valuable information
technics 1200 turntable
Thanks a-lot for letting me download manual, misplaced original.
Never set this up; purchased 2007 , I am very grateful for the download
Thanks for the help!
I have two of those babies (fully working). The first time i opened one was 12 years ago i didn't have the manual. Now it's time to open the babies and service them. Thanks for the download, very easy! Macedo Pinto, Portugal
Sweet, Thanks for the free
Sweet, Thanks for the free download. Just what i needed to give these decks a good home. Best wishes ;)
manual
Thanks so much for letting me download this manual my turntables need some parts and also TLC, once again thankyou
thanks
Thanks for offering the manual for free!!!
MK-2 Manuals
Thanks for making this download.
Thank!
Great
Thanks for offering the manual for free!!!
manuals technics pl 1200 mk2
looking for the users/owners manual technics PL1200 MK2
Thanks
Thanks for kindly supplying these documents for free.. unlike other other tight arses on the internet that chose to make people pay for them on cd.
THANK YOU!!!
Thanks for making this as a download. I really did not want to purchase it. My 1200 is quite old and needs some lovin'. This will make it a lot easier!
Looking for SL1200 MKI service manual
Does anyone have the SL1200 MKI service manual in PDF format?
Thanks!
Kindest Regards,
SL1200MKII Service Manual
I actually got it yesterday, very complete... Send me your e-mail and I'll send it to you asap
Manual for SL-1200MK2
Yes please send me a copy.
Thanks
adrianyanez@live.com