Technics releases limited-edition SL1200 to celebrate iconic turntable's 50th birthday

Technics SL1200m7l in red
(Image credit: Technics)

Few turntables are as recognizable as the iconic Technics SL1200, and you can celebrate its 50th birthday today by treating yourself to a limited-edition version in one of seven fetching colors.  

Though it didn't make the list of our best turntables for any budget, the SL1200 is a legend in living rooms and dance clubs around the world. Its robust design with precision direct-drive motor and pitch adjustment control are just a few of the reasons why it's been the go-to deck for DJs worldwide since it was introduced in 1972. And now you can buy a special limited-edition version.

The new model is based on Technics 2019 SL-1200MK7 turntable edition and will be limited to 12,000 units in black, red, blue, white, green, yellow, and beige; we rather like the red one.  

Technics SL1200M7L in beige

(Image credit: Technics)

Placing a vinyl disc on a platter and lowering the tonearm makes everyone feel like a DJ, right? As an owner of a reimaged Technics SL1200 when it was resurrected back in 2016/17, I know the sense of occasion playing vinyl on this deck can bring. And the limited-edition SL1200 looks set to make every record it spins seem even more special, thanks to the golden anodised tonearm, the black and gold-coloured Technics-logo-emblazoned slipmat, and the limited-edition serial number engraved for all to see on top of the plinth.

Along with the special anniversary touches, the SL1200M7L also features a highly damped plinth to insulate it for external noise and vibrations from interfering with the turntable’s highly sensitive components. 

Standard SL1200 features are also onboard, including quick start/stop and speed adjustment function, pitch-control function, reverse play, and an LED to illuminate the way as the stylus is placed in a record groove.

Technics SL1200M7L all limited edition colors

(Image credit: Technics)

The SL-1200M7L can be pre-ordered from selected retailers today (April 7) priced at $1,099 / £899 / AU$1,999 and shipments are expected to arrive early July.

To mark the iconic SL1200’s 50th anniversary, Technics is also hosting a free live-streamed dance event in conjunction with Boiler Room, starting at 9 a.m. (ET), with seven hours of performances from international DJs, each using one of the different colorways of the new SL-1200M7L.

The DJ artist line-up is set to include: DJ Koco (Japan), Mala (UK), Ellen Allien (Germany), Gilles Peterson (UK), Shanti Celeste (Chile), Marcel Dettman (Germany) and DJ CRAZE (USA).

More: Find out why our audio editor thinks vinyl sound is better.

Lee Dunkley
Audio Editor

After 2.5 years as Tom's Guide's audio editor, Lee has joined the passionate audio experts at audiograde.uk where he writes about luxury audio and Hi-Fi. As a former editor of the U.K.'s Hi-Fi Choice magazine, Lee is passionate about all kinds of audio tech and has been providing sound advice to enable consumers to make informed buying decisions since he joined Which? magazine as a product tester in the 1990s. Lee covers all things audio for Tom's Guide, including headphones, wireless speakers and soundbars and loves to connect and share the mindfulness benefits that listening to music in the very best quality can bring.