Technics SL-1200 MK2 or Vestax PDX 2000- you choose
Technics SL-1200 MK2 or Vestax PDX 2000
Which one would you pick, and why?
…I’m trying to decide
In what context/purpose? For learning to mix/rock a club, 1200s all day. Might as well learn on the industry standard and they’ve been around for some 30 years for good reason. Now, otherwise, I’d totally get a PDX 2000 for doing more turntablism. Don’t get me wrong, 1200s are great for turntablism, but the PDX has much more torque, ultra pitch, features like adjustible torque and brake speed. Read this review and decide for yourself.
http://www.skratchworx.com/reviews/pdx2000mkii.php
The only real difference between a PDX2000MK2 and MK1 is the platter height and tonearm system. Everything else is pretty much the same.
So, everything that makes a turntable work is different, basically?
No… just the platter height as shown in these two pictures:
And the tonearm:
Still uses same motor/electronics, just slimmed a bit. Please read the review.
There’s not enough different between those two to really make a difference as far as club standards go. You may have to change your technique a little switching between them, but the basics are still going to be the same.
Any chance you can get your hands on them to try them both out before you decide?
I have used both and I liked the Technics better. I didn’t like the way the platter felt on the Vestax.
It is all subjective.
I was going to use it for mostly scratching.
No I don’t think I’d be able to try them out side by side- I’m buying them second hand.
MY initial thought was to go for the 1200. If I were to have any issues with it then parts would be easy to find, and it seems like its easier to repair…but then I saw all of the extra features on the PDX200
As far as the extra features go, it may be a while before you could utilize them while scratching unless you already know how to scratch.
I mean the extra features wasn’t a big pull, it was probably because people were saying it tracked better than the 1200’s…but many people scratch PERFECTLY on the 1200’s…so ehh I’m torn
EDIT: I decided on the Technics 
LOL…I seen people scratch perfectly on PDX2000’s too!
I had a pair and they FUCKING strong decks. I must admit, the SL’s look more sexy to me…
Not a big fan of the rounded edges on the Vextax. Looks a bit toyish.
SL’s are the shit…but if you going turntablism…PDX.
Thats what I’m thinkin’, very toy-ish looking for such an expensive deck.
Another thought of mine was repair and replacement of parts…what if something goes wrong. I feel like i’d have a hell of a time finding PDX parts that aren’t insanely priced.
Nothing can really go wrong plus most problems can be solved with a soldering gun (granted you know how to use one).
I saw you chose the Techs already, but just wanted to add this in…
The PDX have more torque. So, if you get used to scratching/mixing with the PDX, you may well become too heavy-handed for the Technics. Conversely, if you start on the Technics, the PDX should be even easier to scratch with in comparison.
Unless your bitch ex GF ripped the tone arms off and cut the power cables off…
LOL
I am moving end of this month and was packing some shit last night and found them again.
They fucked…LOL.
Keeping tho…
O.O
Well if the motor goes then its about $100 USD for the technics, conversely I’ve seen motors for sale for the PDX for $200+
ive had both… and i loooove my PDx’s… but just got a set of TTx’s and now im messin wit them… as much as i love my 1200’s the new era decks do soo much more with adjustable stop/start, reverse, more pitch room, etc
for future reference
I stumbled upon this old thread and will point out some info for someone researching either table. I own a PDX-2000, That have some extreme tracking error. You have to use a Conical or spherical stylus (needle) or you will ruin your records very fast ( an elliptical stylus will literally carve up your vinyl) . They are really built primarily for scratching and not sound quality. The SL-1200 with it’s 15mm over hang and tone arm geometry (as well as their general construction ) focus on sound quality as well as professional durability. You can find out more info at KAB.