Technics SL-1200MK2 vs SL-1200MK5
The Technics SL-1200MK2 is currently worth more: about $800 against $600 for the Technics SL-1200MK5, based on trimmed-median asking prices of current eBay listings. Below: specs, values, price history for both, and which one to buy.
Side by side
| Technics SL-1200MK2 | Technics SL-1200MK5 | |
|---|---|---|
| Years produced | 1979–2007 | 2002–2008 |
| Original MSRP | $350 | $500 |
| MSRP in today’s dollars | ~$1,500 | ~$850 |
| Working value today | $800 | $600 |
| Parts / not working | $65 | $300 |
Values are trimmed medians of current eBay asking prices, updated daily. Full data on each model page: Technics SL-1200MK2 · Technics SL-1200MK5.
Price history, head to head
Daily asking medians; days without a fresh sync are not plotted.
Which one should you buy?
Functionally these are the same turntable, and the differences that exist favor the MK5: later production, small refinements, and on average fewer club hours on the chassis. The MK2 has the deeper legend and the bigger supply. In practice the right buy is the cleanest example of either, because a home-kept MK2 beats a worn MK5 and the reverse is just as true. Check the pitch fader, the strobe, and the tonearm bearings and let condition make the call.