The Technics 1200's are designed & built for DJ'ing, and have been the staple for DJ's the world over. I've had two 1200's for at least 25 years, and a third for about 20. They are tanks indeed, and mine have seen some miserable conditions (rave's in the 90's, the morning after finding about an inch of fog machine residue. yuck!)
I don't know that I would attribute to being built in Japan vs China, frankly. I would suggest this simply has to do with the fact that they know their audience. DJ's work those turntables hard, and so they need to be sturdy.
I don't know that I would attribute to being built in Japan vs China, frankly. I would suggest this simply has to do with the fact that they know their audience. DJ's work those turntables hard, and so they need to be sturdy.