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Been looking at investing in some CDJs lately. Pioneers are so expensive. I've used them alot in clubs and stuff and would love a pair, but simply don't have the budget. Been looking at a few options:

* 2nd hand CDJ-400s
* 2nd hand CDJ-800s
* A cheaper alternative like Numark

Regarding the 3rd option, the only thing that worries me is that they'll be completely shit and won't compare to the Pioneers at all. Does anyone have experience using the Pioneers AND cheaper alternatives? How do the 400s stack up to the 800s and 1000s? And are there any cheaper makes that are decent in comparison so say, CDJ-1000s?

Been using Serato timecodes with my Technics for a while now, but its such a pain to set it all up in a live situation and I think its about time I went a bit more more digital unfortunately.

You're better off saving for CDJs, seriously. They are the industry standard, same as Technics. Worth the investment.

Don't bother with Newmarks.

I have the numark 400s and I haven't had any trouble with them, plus they're $99 used. I'm sure they don't compare to pioneers exactly but they do what I want. Play, pitch bend, cue, scratch, loop, and cue points. And it takes USB sticks which is very nice. You can even plug in an external HD !

Valid point.
I haven't used Newmarks in years to be honest but when I did, they sucked.

not a fan of numarkles cdjs at all, uncomfortable to use ( pitch shit feels weak, yog wheels are quite iffy)

wub wrote:You're better off saving for CDJs, seriously. They are the industry standard, same as Technics. Worth the investment.

I had a horrible feeling this would be the case! Sooooo annoying! I might get some 2nd hand 800s for now. Get em one at a time

wub wrote:You're better off saving for CDJs, seriously. They are the industry standard, same as Technics. Worth the investment.

shame techs suck in comparison to high end stanton and vestax

had 800s and they are the tits! I wouldnt go for a lesser CDJ personaly

S4 with sync turned off

CDJ800 are good if you can find a pair at a good price. CDJs are just extremely overpriced, they want 2500 USD for the new Nexus pfft. Anyway I think Denon make better CD decks IMO.
Numark NDX800s are very nice for what they are, and you shouldn't have a problem using other decks if you learn on something like that. NDX400 are cheaper and still decent. That's the lowest I'd go though. Also they can both be used to control software like Traktor or Serato.

There are some things you shouldn't cheap out on.

Holy fuck just looked at some cdj's...how the hell could one of these things cost 2 grand?

Attila wrote:Holy fuck just looked at some cdj's...how the hell could one of these things cost 2 grand?

I know right its mad! Thing is every club from here to Timbuktoo has them, so they're laughing all the way to the bank really

Exactly.
For me it sounds like it depends on the immediacy of how badly you need them. I don't know if you have a way of making do for the time being or not, but the honest truth is you need to save for the industry standard. I don't own them personally, but even though the computer route seems more current, the pioneer 1000's are EVERYWHERE. Burning cd's is just the way most "turntablists" have moved towards. They are in place of vinyl for house accommodations at the moment (if they don't already have vinyl setups).

Sparxy, I know you've been in the game longer than I, have been a DSF member longer than I, but just logically thinking, it makes a lot of sense to invest the money when you're going to be spending equal amount of time on them...I don't see another industry standard coming along because computers are the "trump" card so to speak...They're the ultimate customizable piece of equipment and thus have already carved out a niche market...seemingly growing too...It just seems a bench and proper connections are all that is needed these days to deliver a performance. It would be the removal of everything else... so unless clubs start taking away the simulated roots of "dj-ing" (cdjs, because vinyl turntables are being replaced) you will more than likely run into a CDJ 1000 setup. Or if pioneer happens to reinvent the cdj or another medium comes out...but seriously, computers are where the music comes from now and I can't see a laptop being replaces by something more practical/efficient to get the job done.

Some things are more spectacular like when jarre uses the laser harp or the reactable...But ultimately if you don't want to go computer dj, 1000's are the way to go. If it's just for personal necessity, this is all moot....But...you DO want to play your tunes out, yea? If not now, eventually, right?

i don't think you really need the 1000s or higher for home practicing. 800s get the job done pretty well and the handling is almost the same.
also, i'm not saying the high prices for the pioneers are completely justified, but imo cdjs are technically a lot more complex than turntables. if you just dj at home you might get along with some cheaper ones. but if you expose cd players to extreme situations (heat, humidity, dust, vibrations, wearout due to the amount of people playing on them,...) you eventually will notice the difference between a high end pioneer product and a cheap alternative.

But even high end Pioneers break fairly easily. Gig with them once or twice per week without abusing them and they will break every couple of months.

Don't go numark had a pair of ndx800s break within days of eachother they just cant take the abuse im looking at getting a pair of 350s they are of a good build quality and reasonably priced

i was in the same boat as you. I was going to get CDJ800's but ended up getting the Numark NDX400s and they are solid. I havent had any issues at all with them. But the only thing is that now I want to upgrade to some CDJs. so id say just save the extra cash and get the CDJs.

400's and 800/850's/etc are fine for home use.