Technics/timecode questions

[KryticalH!T]

I've been DJ'ing with a denon MC6000 and a midi fighter for about 5-6 months now and I still love it. I've improved a lot as a DJ over time and I've already had over 20 gigs on my college campus. I still feel like there is something to be desired as far as an analogue "feel" though. I really want to start looking into getting turntables and using timecode with them. The only problem is I have NO idea what I'm doing when it comes to turntables.

So here are my questions:
What model of technics should I keep my eyes out for? I see most people using 1210 MK2's and 1210 m5x's

What's the difference between these models?

What kind of prices are fair? I've scoured ebay and craigslist a bit and the prices are so different that I don't know what to make of it. The lowest price I saw for a pair of MK2's was $400 on craigslist.

What kind of terminology should I look for in terms of needles/cartridges?

Should i just get a TSP certified mixer and separate timecode vinyl to bypass buying an Traktor audio X soundcard?

[Patch]

Your only interested in the first FOUR digits.

1200 or 1210's.

And it doesn't really matter which. Whichever comes along first*/cheapest*.

*Delete as applicable.

[Nicadraus]

For me, it's either SL1200/1210 MK3D/M3D or MK5.

Anyway, here's a little history and comparison of models.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Technics_SL-1200

[xyloft]

I think the M5G's have a +/-8 and +/-16. if that's important to you. they also cost a lot more.

The 1200 mk2 is what I have used for 6 years. You'll also want to check to see if it comes with carts. these come in two types:

stylus with a seperate cart and headshell (like Shure M44-G)
or
stylus with an all in one cartridge headshell (like ortophons)

[KryticalH!T]

I think the M5G's have a +/-8 and +/-16. if that's important to you. they also cost a lot more.

The 1200 mk2 is what I have used for 6 years. You'll also want to check to see if it comes with carts. these come in two types:

stylus with a seperate cart and headshell (like Shure M44-G)
or
stylus with an all in one cartridge headshell (like ortophons)

Is there any improvements that 1210's have over 1200's? Also, what kinda prices should I be looking for? Rather, what would the min and max price I should pay for let's say....a pair of 1200 MK2's in good condition that comes with the stylus?

[Nicadraus]

Is there any improvements that 1210's have over 1200's? Also, what kinda prices should I be looking for? Rather, what would the min and max price I should pay for let's say....a pair of 1200 MK2's in good condition that comes with the stylus?

The difference between the 1200/1210 is only the color and nothing else.

[xyloft]

The difference between the 1200/1210 is only the color and nothing else.

I believe the 1210's also have voltage selction between 110 and 220 (or 208 whatever it is).

I have two 1200's MK2 and one 1210 MK2, I'll check when I get home.

prices have changed drastically. in 2005 I picked up one of my 1200's for 250 shipped on ebay and the other for 280 from guitar center. both used.

the GC near my house has a NEW M5G and they are asking $980 for it. I would cruise ebay and see what people are listing them for to get a feel. over the course of a few weeks you'll be able to tell what the average price is.

[Cook]

The difference between the 1200/1210 is only the color and nothing else.

Not strictly speaking, there a lot of tweaks between the two but nothing major.

[bheinz63]

1210 only designates the ability to switch between 115v amd 230v ac. You can get black 1200s and silver 1210s.

[dripstep]

Don't dismiss the audio x soundcards, they are really good. I've got a 6, and it is phenomenal, low latency, and it looks cool too