Technics SL-1200 goes out of production

I am a Panasonic Dealer, My rep tells me that she would have a problem getting one for me. If there is an interest out there and you come across one, get it while you can.

Jonathan, in light of recent similar rumors that proved false, I read your post with skepticism until I saw it was from you. But the announcement does not say that the entire series has been discontinued. It says only the SL-1200 Mk6 has. It doesn't say anything about the SL-1200 Mk 2 or the SL-1210 Mk 5. I wonder if those other tables are included by implication. If so, it certainly puts an end to something of a legend.
-Bob

Bob:

I asked some of my acquaintances at Panasonic about some of the previous rumors, and was told (at the time) that they were false. This one unfortunately appears to be genuine.

I have been under the impression that the MK6 was the only SL-1200 remaining in production. I seem to recall that the former manager of SL-1200 production told me that all other models were no longer viably (economically) for Panasonic to produce. In fact, I think that the MK6 was a final attempt by Panasonic to make the SL-1200 profitable again, or at least avoid losing money. Usually, the large Japanese companies prefer not to increase pricing on an existing model, and will address any pricing imbalances with the launch of a new model.

At any rate, if my recollection of what I was told is correct, all non-MK6 SL-1200s available through dealers would be from existing inventory. But that's just my recollection, and I would be very happy if at least one of the SL-1200 variants remains in production.

I will try to look into the situation a little more (don't have much time these days since I am in the middle of a major move), and will update if there is anything new to report.

If anyone else has any useful information or input, please feel free to comment.

best, jonathan

I just picked up a SL1200MK5. My source in the biz said it was not true. He they would have issued a press release, but none has ever been produced. More here say. I think it is more of attention grabber by Panny. Or to try to test the waters and see if any interest spiked up. who knows. It is funny that it does not sell as well. Since it was built as HI-FI TT. I have a buddy with a TT that he paid 10k(don't recall the name) for it and it collects dust cause he uses his classic SL 1200 upgraded by KABuas. It would be a sad day if they did discontinue the line.

How does the MK6 differ from the MK5, other than being produced for a different market?

You guys are better than me, I'm a buyer, I do a million dollars a year with Panasonic (TV's), Just emailed my rep and said I wanted a table for myself-any model. She emailed back and said "I'm sorry, we don't have anymore turntables anywhere"
This is what I do for a living guys, either my Panasonic rep is lying to me, or maybe they are just not selling tables in the U.S. anymore or others are getting bad info
about them being available.
I can't get one.

Well, I have my rep a beat down wanting a straight answer on this. I should be use to feeling stupid by now, but after all the hoopla about trying to get one of these, it seems that she was lazy and didn't really check it out. I pushed and she thoroughly checked it out. Here is her answer.... THIS IS FROM PANASONIC:
The product guy at HQ says we are constrained which sounds to me like we're not making very many or we're getting very little inventory in each month but they are still "current" products. A co-worker says she sold our inventory to Guitar Center since they do a lot of turntable business with us. She says we are out. So, we can order one and see if we can get it for you but you may end up canceling if you wait too long. I'm sorry there aren't more clear details. Inventory is very limited and in very high demand,but I'm not sure we are actually still producing the product.
There you go, Clear as Mud.
I'll try to refrain from posting without all the facts.

Strange. I wonder why demand is decreasing. I keep reading about the vinyl comeback.

I didn't get from her that demand is increasing, but they keep production to a minimum and demand is often higher than production... Especially when one player comes in and buys their limited production out. She does say that models are still "current".. Panasonics price sheets have the 1200mk2, the 1200mk2pk, 1200mk5, 1210mk5 and 1210m5g as current models.

Hi jcarr I have Lyra Atlas SL I am using on a Thales statement tonearm. After a period of time I noticed the cantilever bent toward the center of the record and the first and last songs on an album side sounding like the singer was singing in water. I had to alter the atlas position in the tonearm head so the diamond tip aligned properly. A week or less later the cantilever appeared straight again. Forcing me to realign again. On the Lyra web page it lists compatible with linear arms. The tracking force was 1.80g. Is there an issue? Is it not compatible with the Thales statement? I adjusted the tracking force to 1.70g. Find hard to believe that would cause issue. Thanks for your insight pkoegz

@whatthe Looks like you posted to the wrong thread.
But isn't it amazing how the vinyl industry has changed from this thread's original story?

I have no dog in this fight, but I do happen to be here in Tokyo for the past two weeks.  Today and about two days ago, I saw for sale at Yodibashi Camera what was labeled as a Technics SL1200 Mk 7.  Yes, mark seven.  What’s up with that?  Yodibashi also has on display and for sale the new SL1000RS and the SL1200G and variants thereof.  Could it be that the Mk6 version is in fact discontinued to make way for the Mk 7?  Also, I don’t think the loss of the old version SL1200, be it Mk6 or other, is to be mourned so intensely, as the new SL1200GAE, G, etc, is such a much better turntable.

Dear @whatthe  : You can contact him here:

https://www.audiogon.com/users/jcarr

or here if he wants to post in the thread: @jcarr   

Btw, @lewm  , this thread date is 2010  !


Regards and enjoy the MUSIC NOT DISTORTIONS,
R.

Thanks

Raul, good point!