As we celebrate the best of 2021 and look forward to 2022, the Technics SL-1200 MK7 takes the award for best new DJ turntable.
2021 was a relatively quiet year in terms of new turntable releases, but we did see the arrival of a new Technics model, which is always a big deal. We won’t pretend that the Technics SL-1200 MK7 is a groundbreaking new design – it’s literally just a silver version of the SL-1210 MK7 – but it’s a model which completes an important part of the SL lineage.
There’s a common misconception that the SL-1200 and SL-1210 models have always referred to the two different colourways, but that’s not entirely true. The original SL-1200 was only available in silver, but the introduction of the MK2 model in 1979 brought silver and matt black options, both known in the US market as the SL-1200. A satin black SL-1210 MK2 model followed for other markets. Since their release, most models have been available in a choice of black or silver, often (but not always) with the 1200 as the silver version and 1210 in black.
The return of the silver model makes the excellent MK7 line-up feel complete once again. To make matters slightly confusing, the current SL-1210 is known as the SL-1200 in the US market, and vice versa. Confusing names aside, we’re happy to have the choice once more. Whether you prefer the stealthy all-black look of the 1210 or the sleek retro vibes of the silver 1200, both models offer the durable build and excellent sound quality we’ve come to expect from Technics.
You can read our full review of the black Technics SL-1210 MK7 here, or check out our list of the best DJ turntables here.
The Technics SL-1200 MK7 is in stock now, priced at £799.