Technics is the unchallenged master of turntables – since the SL-1200 came out thirty years ago, it’s become the most popular and best selling machine of its kind. Though Technics has tweaked the SL-1200’s features slightly over the years, it’s never dared to change too much.

That all changes with the SL-DZ1200, their new and first digital direct drive turntable sporting MP3 and CD playback. Most DJ’s are skeptical at best about this new direction; many argue that nothing will ever sound as good as vinyl. It’s hard to argue this point, as MP3 files are encoded to save disk space, and therefore lower sound quality.

Is the SL-DZ1200 an innovation worthy of the Technics name, or is it the first misstep by a company previously beloved for its high quality turntables?

More Options For the Modern DJ

There’s a lot of potential in this turntable. The addition of CD and MP3 usage was a long time coming, but it clearly had to happen; Technics had to adapt with the times. The positive side of this – and the one that’s most likely to make you fall in love with this turntable at first touch – is that the number of options you have as DJ have ballooned. Seriously. Not only is this puppy equipped with vinyl simulation effects and built to feel and look like its older vinyl loving editions, but it’s capable of saving loops into sample banks that can be recalled at any time and played simultaneously – even store them on an SD card and recall them at your next gig. Add to that a reverse switch, cues you can save and recall on the fly and the ability to do some freewheeling and you’ve got one mean machine that’ll make you the life of any party.

For Every Pro, Its Con

Now here’s where the groans will begin. First off, there’s some lag time when loading CD’s. I’ve heard anywhere from eight to thirty seconds, neither of which is particularly good for your average DJ. That being said, if you can’t work the crowd by yourself for thirty seconds, then you should probably find another line of work. Even so, it is a drag and could cause some headaches if the lagtime catches you unaware.

Next, purists will scream that anything that has “vinyl simulation” is not a real turntable, and honestly, they’re right. The SL-DZ1200 does a very good job of emulating the vinyl sound and the scratching is addictively easy, but an imitation of vinyl does not sound like authentic vinyl.

The loss of audio quality is noticeable as well if you’re not careful with your MP3 files. Even at higher bit rates, MP3 songs simply aren’t as fresh as when they’re served piping hot off your vinyl.

All very well and good, but the straw that’s likely to break your wallet is the high, high price. Technics’ website lists this powerhouse at $1,199.95. That’s a lot of money to shell out on a model that is as far from perfect as this one.

Conclusion: A Mixed Bag

There’s a lot to like about the SL-DZ1200, but there’s a lot to detract from your experience too. Even though you can ad lib with a crowd for thirty seconds, it’s not OK to have to wait every time you load a new CD on your turntable. That being said, when it loads, there’s a whole lot of opportunities for a DJ to shine and show his or her own original style. There’s simply no other turntable out there that empowers DJ’s like the SL-DZ1200.

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