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Rob is a seasoned home improvement writer with over 15 years of experience researching and recommending products for the home. Prior to starting Nurturing Homeaid, he wrote extensively for This Old House magazine and has been featured as a home expert on several TV and radio programs. An avid DIY-er,...

What To Know

  • The AT-LP120, on the other hand, is a belt-drive turntable, which means that the motor is connected to the platter via a belt.
  • Some of the most important features to look for in a DJ turntable include adjustable pitch control, a strobe light, anti-skate control, and a cueing lever.
  • The price of a DJ turntable will vary depending on the features and quality of the turntable.

The Technics SL-1200 MK2 and the Audio-Technica AT-LP120 are two of the most popular DJ turntables on the market today. Both turntables offer excellent sound quality, durability, and features, but there are some key differences between the two models. In this blog post, we’ll take a closer look at the Technics SL-1200 MK2 vs. Audio-Technica AT-LP120 and help you decide which turntable is right for you.

Build Quality

The Technics SL-1200 MK2 is a direct-drive turntable, which means that the motor is directly connected to the platter. This design provides excellent torque and speed stability, making the SL-1200 MK2 ideal for DJs who need to scratch and mix records. The AT-LP120, on the other hand, is a belt-drive turntable, which means that the motor is connected to the platter via a belt. This design is less expensive to manufacture than direct-drive turntables, but it can result in slightly less torque and speed stability.

Features

The Technics SL-1200 MK2 and the Audio-Technica AT-LP120 both offer a variety of features that make them ideal for DJs. These features include:

  • Adjustable pitch control: Both turntables allow you to adjust the pitch of the record, which is essential for beatmatching and mixing.
  • Strobe light: Both turntables have a strobe light that helps you to visually verify the speed of the record.
  • Anti-skate control: Both turntables have an anti-skate control that helps to prevent the record from skipping.
  • Cueing lever: Both turntables have a cueing lever that allows you to quickly and accurately cue up a record.

Sound Quality

The Technics SL-1200 MK2 and the Audio-Technica AT-LP120 both offer excellent sound quality. However, the SL-1200 MK2 is generally considered to have a slightly better sound quality than the AT-LP120. This is due to the SL-1200 MK2’s direct-drive design, which provides a more stable and consistent sound.

Price

The Technics SL-1200 MK2 is more expensive than the Audio-Technica AT-LP120. The SL-1200 MK2 typically retails for around $1,000, while the AT-LP120 retails for around $300.

Which Turntable is Right for You?

The Technics SL-1200 MK2 and the Audio-Technica AT-LP120 are both excellent DJ turntables. However, the SL-1200 MK2 is a better choice for DJs who need the best possible sound quality and performance. The AT-LP120 is a more affordable option that is still a great choice for beginner DJs.

Technics SL-1200 MK2 vs. Audio-Technica AT-LP120: The Verdict

The Technics SL-1200 MK2 is the best DJ turntable on the market today. It offers excellent sound quality, durability, and features. However, it is also more expensive than the Audio-Technica AT-LP120. The AT-LP120 is a more affordable option that is still a great choice for beginner DJs.

Basics You Wanted To Know

1. What is the difference between a direct-drive and a belt-drive turntable?

Direct-drive turntables have the motor directly connected to the platter, while belt-drive turntables have the motor connected to the platter via a belt. Direct-drive turntables offer better torque and speed stability, but they are also more expensive than belt-drive turntables.

2. What features should I look for in a DJ turntable?

Some of the most important features to look for in a DJ turntable include adjustable pitch control, a strobe light, anti-skate control, and a cueing lever.

3. How much should I spend on a DJ turntable?

The price of a DJ turntable will vary depending on the features and quality of the turntable. However, you can expect to pay anywhere from $300 to $1,000 for a good DJ turntable.

Rob Sanders

Rob is a seasoned home improvement writer with over 15 years of experience researching and recommending products for the home. Prior to starting Nurturing Homeaid, he wrote extensively for This Old House magazine and has been featured as a home expert on several TV and radio programs. An avid DIY-er, Rob takes pride in testing out the latest tools and gadgets to see how they can make home projects easier. When it comes to heating systems, he's evaluated over 50 different furnace and boiler models over the years. Rob founded Nurturing Homeaid with his business partner Jim in 2020 to provide homeowners with genuine product recommendations they can trust. In his free time, Rob enjoys remodeling old homes with his family and traveling to visit architectural landmarks across the country. He holds a bachelor's degree in Journalism from Syracuse University.
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