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Posted by meriter on Mar-05-2010 17:42:

CD decks on a budget?

The search function failed me on this one. Was wondering what you all would recommend for decent low-end cd decks. Not looking for those rack mount front loading kind but the ones with a platter like the CDJ's (I can't afford the cdjs) I was looking at the Denon DS1000's. Any other models you know of in a similar price range? I don't need any fancy effects, just the basics.

Posted by Brandt Slater on Mar-05-2010 19:40:

I have four Denon 1000's and they work great. For its size, it has a lot cool features. The only negative is the platter. It utilizes a disc for scratching or back cueing appose to actual platter movement like a CDJ. One thing I do like about the Denon's is the pitch bend feature. I use this feature a lot for quick bumps. Instead having to do it with the platter. Sound quality is excellent, and for its price you can't beat it. You find them cheap these days since Denon released the 1200. If you look on eBay they're a must have because each one has at least twenty bids on it.

Posted by Schadenfreude on Mar-05-2010 19:42:

you are better off saving up and buying something that will last. I hate denon cd decks...ugggghh so cheap.

Posted by meriter on Mar-05-2010 19:50:

Thanks for the input guys. I'm actually looking at the Stanton c324's right now, those seem like the best bet. Only concern is reliability.

Posted by Brandt Slater on Mar-05-2010 19:50:

quote:
Originally posted by Schadenfreude
you are better off saving up and buying something that will last. I hate denon cd decks...ugggghh so cheap.

I have a few Denon's that are 15 years old, and they're still working. Take care of your gear and it will last. Same rule applies to Pioneer gear. I know a few people who had to replace their MK-3's already. Denon isn't cheap trust me. If it was radio stations and studios wouldn't have them.

Posted by Brandt Slater on Mar-05-2010 19:57:

As a professional audio engineer, I specify Denon as my playback units. I won't accept anything else because it's trusted gear.

Stanton has good stuff. I've used them, they don't suck. Here's my philosophy, if you're a good DJ, you can work on anything they throw at you without complaint.

Posted by MSZ on Mar-05-2010 22:19:

ive used denon 1000s at mobile gigs. theyre pretty well made if you ask me, however you should totally get cdj-200s.

if you want cheap, feel out american audio, numark, gemini, stanton, now that feels rather cheap.

Posted by Schadenfreude on Mar-05-2010 22:24:

i just hate everything about denon cd players, so i suppose i am biased.

Posted by MSZ on Mar-06-2010 00:03:

pioneers feel king to me, solid.

Posted by Schadenfreude on Mar-06-2010 02:02:

they are, but since i made the switch to dvs my turntables get way more action

i am about to sell a few grand worth of gear....the more we progress, the less we need it. This decade is all about plug and play, sniff and lay.

Posted by pzK on Mar-06-2010 16:25:

Reloop has some decent cheap cd players, I'm not sure if they are available outside of Europe though.

Posted by DJ RANN on Mar-07-2010 17:45:

Look for second hand CDJ 100's - I picked one up a couple of years back for a mere 85 quid. Yes, they don't have vinyl jog wheel, but have three basic (but usable) FX and it's a solid little unit.

Even if you find one that needs a service (but obviously still in working order), buy it and I'll up my thread about how to service CDJ 100's to make them work like new again.

Posted by meriter on Mar-08-2010 04:53:

I've decided on just getting a laptop and DJing with Ableton. I can't justify spending the $ on decks and a mixer. :/