Which model Technics?

[Mark8par]

Just wanted to pick someones brain on here, I am looking to purchase a couple to TT's but have a few options.

2 x 1210 mk2 £800-900
2 x 1210 m3d £900-950
2 x 1210 mk5 £1250

They all state the condition is mint (I suppose they wouldn't say anything else). I know about the potential issue with the mk2 pitch control but i suppose i can change this out for a newer one if needed. I am also told that the m3d has digital pitch by some and that it doesn't by others?

Whats your thoughts?

Cheers

[stomp]

2 x 1210 mk2 £800-900

[Mark8par]

Thanks for the reply, any particular reason apart from cost?

[Spy]

This may seem like an odd question, but what do you intend to do with them? Will you only be playing 'normal' vinyl, only DVS or a mixture of both? Are they to be part of a fixed rig, e.g. they'll never leave your home, or will they be part of a mobile rig? Not that there's anything wrong with them, but do they have to be Technics or are you open to other manufacturers/models?

[Mark8par]

They are for use with my home setup, just sent back my plx1000, just didn't like it.

[stomp]

Thanks for the reply, any particular reason apart from cost?

You gain nothing important with the other models. They even lack hinges and might have digital pitch (m3d, not sure though). Heard stories of MK5 rotating out of control when pitch is engaged, likely a faulty batch. MK2's with a same behavior were also reported, probably produced around the same time. As there are less MK5's than MK2's, chances are higher to come across this problem with an MK5. Repairable, but takes time and money.
And the MK2 is the most classic of them all.

[Spy]

I played an all vinyl gig with Mk5's recently and it was chaos, not only did the platter speed have a mind of its own when not locked to zero, I couldn't cue anything up without it jumping, so I couldn't mix or drop things on the one successfully either...

[Mark_Spit]

Just get a pair of MK2's, install an MK3 clickless pitch fader in each and call it a day.

[Panotaker]

As far as I know, the M5G is the only one with the digital pitch. All the others have the analog pitch.

[Nicadraus]

Go with the M3D. It's the no BS 1200. Recessed switch knob, reset button, headshell holder and no-click pitch control.

As far as I know, the M5G is the only one with the digital pitch. All the others have the analog pitch.

Actually the MK5G/M5G uses the same pitch fader as the M3D/MK3D/MK5/MK6. It's the board of the M5G that is digitally controlled.