A copy of a Technics 1200 isn't the same as a real one. I got my 1200 M3D for $50 about 6 years ago. I had to replace the RCA leads and already had a collection of Stanton 500, 680, 681, 880 and 890 cartridges already mounted in Technics headshells. I've seen a few 1200 mkII copies and they left a lot to be desired for professional use. For home use though they were OK for the price all things considered. Even better are the Technics SP10 and SP15 turntables and nobody has copied those yet.
Look, I get it. In fact, I've been discussing the very same thing on another (audio) forum for ages, trying to reason some of the individuals who kept trashing cheap(er) clones, because they don't have this or that, or simply because they lack Technics (Panasonic) manufacturing precision.
Thing is, Panasonic is very expensive. It always was and always will be, whenever you're buying video or audio gear - their products are notoriously expensive just about anywhere you look. In fact, their latest SL-1200, Mk.7 sells for approx. 1300, 1400 USD. Depending on a location & availability, prices can go through the roof. Meanwhile, Hanpin-made "clones" (which includes Audio Technica, Pioneer, Stanton, Denon, Reloop, Numark, Lenco, Akai, Roland and many other popular brands) sell for 1/3 of that price, in come cases even 1/4, which is a serious step-down in financial terms. They obviously had to cut corners here & there, resulting with inferior quality (or performance?) but then again you get what you pay for ... and in this particular case you're getting a lot of bang for the buck. I'm no stranger to genuine SL-1200, in fact I've been looking to buy one for a long time. It would have to be used, of course but I was primarily focusing on preserved units, kept (and maintained) in factory & almost mint condition. IDK about the States, but around here those turntables usually sell for $750 & above, depending on a condition & owner's attitude. And if something goes wrong (which it will, sooner or later - SL1200 can develop more than few serious issues, which are commonly known & recognized) you're looking at very expensive repairs, which usually involves ordering the replacement parts from Panasonic or one of their officially licensed repair shops.
In fact, the model which I ordered (Audio Technica AT-LP140XP) is a serious step up from their previous designs, which is now pretty much equally designed & equipped as original SL1200. I'm not saying they are equally durable or reliable (even though AT offers 2yr warranty for all the models), but they finally removed the internal preamp/USB feature, dampened the platter with sound-proof material (again, just like SL-1200) and gave it a more powerful direct drive motor. If I were into DJ stuff, I'd probably go for their higher-end & even more beefier model, LP1240 but for what I want (and expect) out of a turntable, I'm sure LP140 will do just fine. Remember, I had & used LP120 for 2yrs before this one, and even though 120 had some annoying quirks & design oversights, it was a great turntable once I customized it to my personal preferences
) Anyway, I'm not exactly sure if my content will stay visible or get deleted, removed from the forums so if there's anything that you need (or want) to save or bookmark, I highly suggest that you do it now before it is too late. I'm planning to stick around for at least a week or so longer, so there's no rush, take your time & have a good one! 
