SPL range: Mk1 vs Mk2: only a cosmetic upgrade?

[Evie McCreevie]

I'm considering getting an SPL Track One or Channel One. Used Mk1 units (gold) sell for about half the price of the new Mk2 (white) versions. The physical layouts of both versions (front and rear) are practically identical, and both have the same upgrade options. I cannot find any info anywhere to suggest in the later version has technical improvements over its predecessor. So I have to wonder - is the difference between Mk1 and Mk2 purely cosmetic? Anyone know?

[Wonks]

Certainly for the Track One, the revamp is supposed to be cosmetic only. SPL link to some product reviews, and though a lot are in German, Google translate does a decent job:

https://www.bonedo.de/artikel/spl-track-one-mkii/

"Track One with a Facelift.
SPL has confidently only improved the look of the Track One, under the hood everything has remained the same. Why should one tinker around with something that has proven its worth. All the goodies that you would like to have at the start of a microphone or instrument recording are still available".

For the Channel One, I get the impression that the preamp might have been altered slightly, but the rest is the same. And it may only be a cosmetic refresh to bring all the SPL units in line, and helped relaunch them back in 2009 without having to do too much work.

[Evie McCreevie]

Hi Wonks - that's good to know. Also didn't realise the Mk2 dates back to 2009 - that facelift was pretty successful! The new model does look a lot better, but if cosmetics are the only difference I think I might save my self 500 and go secondhand. Thanks for the info.