Technics SL-DZ1200 debuts at Plasa 2003

By Sid Vanderpool
Posted Wednesday, September 24, 2003

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It's almost too good to be true, but I think I will wait for the second generation.

It has been over 10 years since Technics produced a DJ cd player, but on Sunday September 7 they bought to life their new SL-DZ1200, a new direct drive cd player shooting for the DJ market that currently uses their turntables. Sporting a bright chome-like finish the SL-DZ1200 appeared to be a cross between the Denon DN-S5000 (8"-9" spinning platter) and the Pioneer CD-1000MK2 (use of multimedia cards).

Technics responding to the apparent demise of vinyl (2009) goes head to head with Pioneer and Denon two companies that embraced digital turntablism years ago. Riding mostly on their name this new deck hopes to make inroads into this niche market dominated by the Pioneer CD-1000 series.

DMC an avid Technics cheerleader is reported to have been the money behind the Plasa demonstration at which Paul Dekayne and Cutmaster Swift brought to light the many features of the SL-DZ1200 but the audience did not exactly seem wowed by the unit. The attitude was one of "been there seen that" most likely due to Technics late arrival in the market.

Plasa is a "hands on" audio and music show that thousands of DJs make a pilgrimage to play with new toys and demo gear, but the DMC/Technics was a disappointment as the new deck was on display but not powered up. "It's almost too good to be true, but I think I will wait for the second generation. If it was so great they would have it up and running", DJ MTB commented as he looked over the bright silver unit.