The next generation of the legendary SL-1200 will be announced soon following the Japanese-based hi-fi company spending the past couple of weeks posting cryptic images on their Instagram account.

It is pretty much guaranteed that Technics will be announcing the MK7 via a live stream featuring Kenny Dope, Derrick May, Cut Chemist and DJ Koco on Monday, January 7th.

The SL-1200 MK6 was released in 2007, so the renowned deck could be ready for a refresh. It may have been overlooked by Technics a little as they seem to have been concentrating more on their specialist and high-end SL models and so their recent products have been aimed at the growing army of home listeners. With the current entry-level SL-1200GR costing £1,200, the SL-1200G pinned at £2,500 and the SL-1210GAE's £2,700 price tag; they hardly scream D.J.

The SL-1200 MK7 is official click to read more!

But, as Technics’ creative director Hiro Morishita previously stated:

Our concept is analogue records for hi-fi listening. D.J.s are fine, too, but as a marketing target, it’s problematic. We don’t want to sell the 1200 as the best tool for D.J.ing. The 1200 is the 1200.

Although, saying that, this event does follow the release of the black SL-1210GR which looked to appease the D.J.s, albeit with an asking price a little too high for most gigging turntablists. However, it is hard to ignore the fact that the upcoming event does look to point at the new turntable being a more DJ-focused offering. There's not only the list of D.J.s featuring at the event, but there's also the unmistakable image of the Technics slip mat appearing in one of the teaser images.

Could this finally be a Technics alternative to rival the likes of Reloop and Pioneer's current D.J. offerings?  We will know on the other side of this weekend.

In the meantime, check out the sexy teaser video posted on the Technics Insta feed below.

For more information, go to Technics.