Technics SL-1200/1210

Without doubt the market leader and mainstay of DJs worldwide. Whether bought new or second hand, 1210s are remarkably durable and only once have I ever had any problems with them (a second hand pair). Maybe I'm a traditionalist, but I would take a set of old 1210s over CDs any day of the week. If you have any further questions I'm developing a new site over at www.dj-equipment-ireland.com where we will be comparing 1210s with CDs and other vinyl turntables.

there is very little to write about these turntables that anyone who has had the pleasure of using them does not already know. these babies are built like chieftan tanks and have the peformance of an F1 grand prix racing car. so basic and easy to use, but this is the genius part about them. technics have hit the jackpot with these dex, an if god himself was a dj he wouldnt choose any other turntable. if you want a turntable that will take a beating, and will still keep coming back for more then look no further.

When I was younger all I wanted was a set of 1210's - now I have them and I will always be glad i got them. People who use other decks are just kidding them selves if they think there's are better, and if they spent £400 quid each on a different make of deck - gutted !

This is one of the best turntables in terms of audio quality around. And at it's price point, its unbeatable. This isn't just a dj deck. It was originally designed for sound quality for in home use. The dj's just took it up because it's built like a tank. Do yourself a favour, get this turntable and enjoy it for the next 20 years.

If you want to be a DJ and play Vinyl, Get the Technics dex, don't be stingy you will regret it! The Technics SL-1200/1210 take a hammering! You never hear of someone disappointed with a pair of Technics 1200 series Decks (1210MK2's here)

The Technics SL-1200/1210 is torque, design, anti-skating, easy to repair, speed stabilization, hi precision pitch. Generally the best of the best deck 4 ever

Technics have overturned the status quo in the turntable market. The craftsmanship of the MK5's are unmatched. I tested both the Numark TTX1's and Technics 1210 MK5's.

The Numarks are great, I really cannot put them down. In fact I may get one of them for my son. However, not just relying on the Technics history or popularity, but on actual hands on testing and comparing to other decks, the Technics just feel so much better.

The stability and strength of these decks when mixing, scratching, blending and beat juggling is superior. When rubbing the vinyl on the MK5's you can tell it is a premium product.

This turntable is the industry standard.

The vast majority of clubs use them, so why not do yourself a favour and get used to using one?

Sound quality is great for a DJ turntable, and still up there with a lot of Hi-Fi turntables.

Buy the mk2 every time.

The mk5 has been tweaked and has a digital speed control, but it's way more expensive.

Many people criticise the S-shaped arm, but FACT - A straight arm cannot track the groove of the record accurately from start to finish.

A straight arm will wear out your records. If you don't want the needle to skip when scratching, take the time to set up the cartridge alignment PERFECTLY and you will have no problems. Straight arms are a GIMMICK.

Every other DJ turntable maker has added stupid bells and whistles to their product to try and convince you that theirs is better.

A turntable is a tool for reproducing music. What you do with that tool is where the skill comes into it.

That's why the Technics deck is still the market leader after all these years. Don't be fooled by clever marketing and high profile endorsements.

Once you've bought turntables, you MUST take the time to set them up properly. Otherwise you may as well just plug an iPod into your mixer and pretend!

Follow these instructions:

1. Level the platter (without slip mat) with a spirit level. This makes a HUGE difference to sound for no cost - just a small amount of time.

2. Spend the time getting the cartridge set up properly. Take it to a Hi-Fi shop if you are not confident. Otherwise your records will sound terrible and the needle will wear them out fast.

3. Set up the tracking weight from cartridge instructions. Don't cut corners or you'll be replacing your record collection next year.

4. Unless you are scratching, set up the anti skating (read the cartridge instructions) Here is one of the mk2's downfalls - anti skating only goes up to 3. A lot of DJ cartridges need up to 5 (this has been solved on mk5).

SOLUTION - buy a cartridge that has a tracking weight of 3 grams or less.

Shure 44G is unbeatable for the money. Concorde designs are a GIMMICK. If you want fancy looks and easy set-up, Shure White Label is the go. I HAVE NO AFFILIATION TO THIS BRAND, THEY ARE SIMPLY GREAT PRODUCTS. ASK OTHER DJ'S.

5. Set the arm height. IMPORTANT - if like everyone else you have removed the heavy rubber mat and replaced it with a slip mat. you will notice that these mats are different thicknesses. get a ruler and measure them. Take this into account when setting the height.

This may seem like a lot of hassle - BUT (with the exception of leveling the platter) YOU ONLY HAVE TO DO IT ONCE.

Now your new turntables will sound better than you thought possible, and they won't skip.

While we're at it.

Never put coins on the headshell to add weight. This will make the diamond tip of your cartridge tear the grooves out of your records.

Never lick the contacts of your headshells. This will slowly corrode them and you will end up with no sound at all.

Some things that need to be said, when the Technics SL 1210s were 1st made they were hand build. The mk1 and mk2 are the best versions, today they are factory- mass produced after years of over demand, while still a formidable deck it is being made with cheaper and cheaper parts and the newer ones weigh less.

2 handy tricks:

1. if your having problems with vinyls jumping a while your trying to scratch add some bluetack and a 1p piece to the top.

2. there is a fairly easy procedure to up the pitch if, like me you play faster bpm music (hardcore rave and the like) you can find more about this on the internet.

While the original technics were patented, the 20 year patient on the motor ran out a few years ago and other companies are staring to produce comparable wheels with similar torque, but for me, if you start playing on technics, it will be the 1st last and only deck you will ever want or need and is iconic in DJ culture, as long as there is vinyl there will always be a technics turntable!

I think that the Technics SL1200/1210 range of turntables is by far most the best ever I have ever used. They are the most professional and most reliable turntable in the world. The build quality is so unreal that you feel confidence when using them, knowing that type will not jump or stall to pick up whenever you let go. They are great for scratching, hence, with the right stylus.