RADAR is a price search engine. We link to the original listing — we never sell direct. Transactions happen on the source site.
For Sale: A rare 1987 Technics SL-P1200 Professional Grade / Broadcast Hi-Fi Compact Disc CD player. Regarded to be one of the earliest and finest professional grade CD players made, this modern brother to the iconic SL-1200 turntables is just as robust and full of professional features that make them stand the test of time.This has been in my storage unit for the last 15+ years. I acquired it in perfect, like new condition and was never used. I just took it out of storage where its picked up a few very minor scratches, but still is functional.CONDITION:The unit is functional. It powers up, CD tray spins and plays back audio. All of the buttons and features work, including the playback tempo fader. The screen is 100% functional with no (known) missing LCDs. This thing is a tank and weighs a TON. Pickup in the upstate NY/NYC metro area or be prepared to pay a ton for shipping/handling. The cosmetic condition of the metal chassis is in good shape, with some minor light scratches and blemishes. I photographed the unit under a very bright studio light to show everything in full detail, and not hide anything. The final photo of the gallery shows it in normal everyday lighting and the unit looks near mint. Its missing one of the damening adjustable feet. It still sits level because the foot itself is still there, but the screw-in foot is missing. It's honestly someone in my storage unit, I remember throwing it in a box when I moved – if if I find it in time, I'll update the listing.*Note: The unit currently only spins and plays the CD when pressure is added to the CD tray. This is a common "issue" with these and is apparently a very simple fix by adjusting the CD tray lid screws and/or cleaning the tray door sensor. I don't have the desire to currently do ether, so I'm selling as is for a discount for someone else to make the simple fix to make it 100% perfect. If I decide to make a project out of this in the meantime and fix it myself, I'll adjust the price accordingly – or just keep the thing.
Is USD 849 the sweet spot for a Technics SL-1200, or are you paying a premium for the name? Against your comps—median USD 849, range USD 798–USD 1,133—this listing sits right at market center. The SL-1200 is a workhorse turntable with deserved cult status, so fair pricing here reflects that demand. You're not catching a bargain, but you're not overpaying either. This is honest money for a deck that typically holds value well if it's been maintained.
Before committing, verify the motor runs true—worn bearings introduce wow and flutter that's expensive to fix. Check the tonearm for play in the pivot and inspect the platter for warping under light. Confirm all original components are present: the stock tonearm, counterweight, and dust cover matter for resale. Ask the seller about service history and whether they've replaced the slip mat or drive belt recently. A well-kept SL-1200 can last decades, but a neglected one becomes a parts donor.
Independent perspective — not a price guarantee. Always verify condition, accessories and provenance before purchase.
Technics: Japanese Precision Engineering Since 1965
Technics emerged in 1965 as a premium audio brand established by Matsushita Electric, now known as Panasonic, with headquarters in Osaka, Japan. The brand name derives from the word "technology" and was originally conceived to showcase Matsushita's high-end audio capabilities. The company's founding philosophy centered on rigorous acoustic research and engineering excellence rather than relying solely on subjective listening impressions. This commitment to scientific methodology became the cornerstone of Technics' identity and product development approach.
The brand built its reputation across a comprehensive range of audio equipment, including turntables, amplifiers, loudspeakers, CD players, tape recorders, and digital pianos. Technics achieved international prominence through its revolutionary direct-drive turntables, beginning with the SP-10 professional model in 1969 and the consumer-focused SL-1100 in 1971. The iconic SL-1200 series, introduced in 1972, fundamentally transformed DJ culture and remains highly coveted by both professional DJs and audiophiles. These turntables set new industry standards for precision engineering and reliability.
Technics occupies a distinctive position as a high-end heritage brand with particular strength in the turntable segment. While the company largely withdrew from consumer markets in the early 2000s, the brand has maintained prestige among serious audio enthusiasts and collectors. Today, Technics represents a bridge between vintage audio collecting and contemporary hi-fi, with its products commanding respect for their build quality, sonic performance, and historical significance in audio culture.
See all Technics listings on RADAR.
