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Why Are Used Technics 1200/1210 MK2 Still So Expensive Compared to GR/GR2?

I’m in the market for a new Technics turntable, and I’m also looking at lightly used Technics models. One thing I’ve noticed: the older 1200/1210 MK2 units still sell for surprisingly high prices on the second-hand market, sometimes even comparable to or higher than the newer GR/GR2 models.

 

Why is that? Is it just nostalgia and reputation, or is there something about the MK2 that keeps its value so strong compared to the newer versions?

naish
larsman's avatar
larsman
2,524 posts
 

@stereo5 - Those V15 carts have sure been around for a long time - I think I had a type 2 somewhere in the 70's. Now the only type 2 I have is diabetes! laugh

Lake George is so beautiful - I was last there around 60 years ago but still remember it well.

Very best wishes to your wife - I hope she recovers quickly and completely. 

rwwear
2,909 posts
 

Technics still makes and sells the SL1200 MK7.

https://us.technics.com/products/direct-drive-turntable-system-sl-1200mk7?_pos=2&_fid=653cb3f8f&_ss=c&variant=42863149482219

naish OP
5 posts
 

Sometimes, just sometimes, you get lucky and stumble upon a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Like today. In my city: a 1200SL Mk2, from the first owner, in absolutely perfect condition.
 

 

billstevenson
639 posts
 

In 2016 I was lucky enough to acquire an SL1200GAE, they were hard to get.  I set it up next to my fully KAB modded SL1200MkII.  It was better, but it was not a night and day difference.  Subtle improvements.

lewm
13,824 posts
 

Bill, assuming you took the trouble to use the same cartridge and identical downstream components in your comparison of the two turntables, and assuming your judgement of the results is valid, haven’t you actually proven that the GAE is superior to the SL1200 mk2? And that even the KAB mods (which aren’t free) cannot bridge the gap?

 

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