STRUGGLE FOR TURNTABLE SUPREMACY
by DJ Goldfinger

For a long time I've heard dj's talking about the torque power in Numark direct drive turntable being comparable to the Technics SL-1200. Well let's look at the sales description of each direct drive turntable and see for ourselves.

Numark TT-200 says:
The Numark TT-200 is a breakthrough in turntable technology. It comes with a straight tone arm that you can switch with an optional S-shaped tone arm to fit just about any mixing style. The high-torque direct-drive motor can be controlled in both directions via dual start/stop controls. Another important DJ feature is a user replaceable pitch fader and optional target light. Priced at $199.99

Ok, well let's take a look at the SL-1200 by Technics

Technics SL-1200 says:
For over ten years the SL-1200MK2 has been the number one selling turntable for DJs in the world. A slider controlled quartz-locked continuous pitch adjustment of up to +/-8% makes beat matching a cinch. The heavy duty aluminum diecast base absorbs unwanted vibrations from the dance floor and bass beat. Priced at $399.99

I guess we can't really judge which direct drive turntable is best.  Personally, I have used both. But of course I have used the Technics SL1200 the most, because that's the turntable of choice in clubs and radio stations. The torque of either direct drive turntable seems to be identical.

I feel confident in saying that the Numark TT-200 direct drive turntable was originally reversed engineered from the Technics SL-1200 direct drive turntable. So I would have to give Technics 1200 a point for being the originator. When scratching and back spinning a record I would have to say that the first time I ever used a Numark direct drive turntable that I as surprisingly shocked by the familiar feel of the torque power and handling.

The Technics 1200 turntable has weather many years and the test of time. You can sell a five year old Technic turntable for close to the retail price.  That may be do to the loyalty of the true hip-hop dj, and the fact that the Technic name brand is mentioned on many rap song over the past 20 years. So may be the Technics thing is more hype than anything.

Numark definitely gets a point for selling their direct drive turntable table at a much cheaper price. So I guess in my opinion the turntable challenge between the magnetic spinning super powers would have to be a tie. If you want to be culturally correct in your hip-hoppness I guess the Technics SL-1200 would be your pick.  But if you don't really care about brand names and you want to get the most bang for your buck, the Numark direct drive turntable has everything you need to wreck shop. But of course this is just my humble opinion.

Hit us at Loving-dj-equipment.com and let us know what you think. Numark or Technics, which shall it be?