Decks, One's 'n' Two's, Wheels of Steel - whatever you call them, most people will agree that Technics are the standard turntables for DJing. Originally released in 1978 it's amazing to think that the 1200 MK2 model is (and has been for many years) still so popular. Why would this be? It's all down to the near perfect design. There are six key areas that made the 1200's stand out from other turntables of the time, these are:
- A direct drive mechanism which used magnets instead of a rubber belt. This meant that there was no wear and no belt to replace.
- A high torque on the platter. This means that it reaches the intended play speed almost immediately.
- Low wow and flutter (which is the amount of frequency wobble caused by speed fluctuations) - this massively helps with beat matching because it means that the platter stays within 1/100 of 1% of the desired speed!
- It weighs a ton! Well, 12.5kg to be exact and the platter is not collected to the base so any bumps or jogs don't tend to come through the speaker or make the needle jump.
- They just keep on going! Because they are solid and well-built they can take a lot of heavy usage (I've had mine for 10 years now). Also, all the parts are repairable or replaceable.

Unfortunately now these decks are no longer being produced. But there are many sets available as people reluctantly dust them off and sell them because they need the cash or the space is needed. Another good thing with these is that they are an investment. If you spend £500 chances are if you look after them you'll be able to get at least £500 back if you ever come to sell them. When times have been hard I have considered selling but I am so glad I didn't!
Yes there are other deck vendors, but with Technics you know you are going to get everything you expect. If you can get a set - do it, you'll not only have the standard turntable for the last 30 or so years but you'll be buying something which is bound to go up in worth in the future!