Submitted by Shannon on 1st January, 03:33PM

Turntables might have slipped out of the mainstream in home audio, but the turntable remains the main instrument of choice for professional DJ's. For these individuals, the Technics SL-1200M3D should be a top pick because of its reliability and versatility.

The SL-1200M3D is a quartz synthesized, direct-drive turntable--the combination of technologies ensure a very accurate pitch and speed playback with a minimum of wow and flutter (0.01 percent WRMS) and employs the original rotor-platter motor that was perfected years ago. The direct-drive motor offers a very high torque, which allows for accurate ramp-up speeds from a cued position--an absolutely essential feature for a good mixer.

Another feature that helps keep a steady beat is the continuous pitch/speed adjustment up or down eight percent along with a reset button. Other great features are a disc slip mat and a pop-up stylus illumination.

The SL-1200M3D has a heavy-duty die-cast aluminum cabinet and base material to reduce external vibrations. Excellent tone arm design is just one more reason this turntable is a Best Buy.