Technics has released a new SL record player for the more budget-conscious among us: the SL-100C. For the serious fans, the SL-1200 MK7 will be released soon.
Would you like to own a ‘legendary’ Technics SL record player, but don’t want to pay a fortune for it? The newborn SL-100C inherits many features from its big (and more expensive) brother Sl-1500C.
For example, you will find the same iron-core direct driver motor in it. This is specially designed for a constant as possible rotation speed and has speed control. The characteristic S-shaped tone arm is also present. What makes the Technics SL-100C more affordable is, that the phono preamp is missing. A different element has also been chosen in the form of Audio Technica’s VM95C. This player has a price tag that reads €899.
Technics SL-1200 MK7
Also coming soon is the Technics SL-1200 MK7. The first version of this classic, beloved by DJs and studios, among others, appeared on the market back in 1972. The MK7 version will feature a silver top. Except for the color – which is very reminiscent of the illustrious early days after all – the player is identical to the SL-1210MK7, which was released in early 2019.
This silver version can also be called relatively affordable with an asking price of – like the SL-100C – €899. On Amazon (see image at top) we already found a version imported from Japan (and thus more expensive), for anyone who really can’t wait a week or so.
The target group for both players is – we think – different, however. The SL-100C is primarily aimed at “passive” listeners while the SL-1200 MK7 is more intended for “makers.