Hi, I have a few questions, as I'm just getting into DJ'ing, haven't bought anything yet. I'd appriciate it if you could answer my questions, or you could just tell me to go to hell

As I'm just a beginner, I plan on trying out various musical genres, and I'll prolly try my hand at a bit of scratching, too. Don't get me wrong, I love trance, but I want to keep my options open as far as equipment is concerned.

First, I was wondering if the Beringher VMX 200 mixer was any good. It's pretty cheap, and seems to have quite a few features for the price. It's 2 channel, but I don't think I need anymore for now (?)

Second, I'm not sure which cartridges to get. Like I said before, I'm not quite sure what I'll end up doing, as I want to spin a few differant genres and try some scratching, so I want an all around good cart. I was thinking the Shure m44-7, but those are pretty expensive. Could anyone recommend cheaper carts that are still decent, or should I go all out ?

Also, is there a site that points out the differances in the differant Technics 1200 models ?

Thanks for taking the time to read (and hopefully answer) my questions... I've spent quite a bit lurking here and reading up all over the net, I just don't want to drop so much cash without getting the opinion of people in the know. Thanks.

___________________

congrats on becoming interested in DJing!!!... now prepare to spend some mad $$$$$$$$$$!!!!!!11.....

what's your budget approximately??? that'll help with what you're able to get and how high quality you're able to buy... seriously.

I bought my first mixer about 2 months ago... the Behringer VMX300. it's a sweet 3 channel mixer for the price. If you think you'll have cash and desire to continue DJing, then you can get a VMX300 or 200 now and upgrade to something better later on. otherwise, either of those are great for starters. I love my VMX300!!! (an opinion as you asked, lol!!)

As for decks... I just dropped about $1400 CDN on a pair of the brand spankin new Technics 1210 M5Gs. I intend to never need a new pair of decks in my life b/c Technics have the reliability and reputation that keeps them at the top of the DJ market. You can go alternatively for Numark TTX1s or TT200s or anything along those lines.
Just look for these things in good decks...
-high torque, steady pitch, precise pitch control, slippery mats, S-shaped arm if you're mixing, straight arm if you're only scratching, good anti-skip and a heavy assembly with good support legs that absorb vibration.

Most differences between the different technics models are describes on their website ( www.technics1210.com ).
The discontinued models won't be shown. I think the 1200 M3D is the only discontinued deck that's not on their site.
read the feature lists and compare what's not there and what's consistent with all models.

Of you want to be a CD-DJ.... I'd wait if I were you, b/c DJ CD-players are just becoming better and better... soon there will be some worthwile models out, so just have patience.... but If you want CD-players now... there's the Denon-S5000 or S3000, the Pioneers have been at the top for a while with all of their CDJ models.

DOn't forget about headphones and amp/receiver and speakers.... all very important parts here too. Headphones will be your own personal preference.

hope this helps, and don't only take my word for it... keep reading, and keep shopping and keep doing your homework!
good luck!

___________________

'-.SgtFoo.-'
My SoundCloud

Thanks for the input My budget... is rather low, but I can save up (as I am now), to get good stuff, but I don't want to pay big cash for things that aren't needed.

For speakers, I was thinking I can hook everything up to the computer (for now). I have an Audigy Platnum, and it has all kinds of inputs, the red/white ones, optical, etc...

As far as headphones go, I have a decent pair (Sony Eggo's) that I can use for now. They aren't specifically "DJ" headphones, but they should work fine for the time being.
Thanks for the help mate

___________________

As for needles u can just get the standard Stanton 500AL -II ( pretty inexpensive and just great for starting out in ur bedroom) I think it usually retails around 30 bucks, but if u hunt around u can maybe find it cheaper.

Also the Stanton 680 EL II is pretty good too, a little more expensive tho ( around 50 greenbacks)

Dont buy high end needles if you are just playing in your room. Go for the mid to lows. Try the Shure's. Just spend like 30-40$ on one. Theres not much of a difference in the different model Tech's, they all have about the same torque (even though I think the m3d's feel like they have less) and they all will last you forever. Its good to keep your options open when it comes to music. Remember, there are no rules so you dont have to play a set that is all trance. You can always toss other stuff in there like house, techno, or maybe some psy. Actually I lied, there is one rule...Play stuff that you love, not just because someone else is playing it. And one more bit of advise, go out and buy the book "How to DJ Right: The art and science of playing records" It will tell you a lot.

Oh, and good luck trying to find any good trance stores in Philly, all they have is hip-hop. Actually there is one semi good place called 611 records down by south street. Its off of south street I think by 6th ave. There is a Jim's Steaks on the corner.

Thanks for the tips Loki, Mebot, and Sgt. Foo. I just got a job (start today), so hopefully I'll have some money saved up. I'm going to go with the VMX300 for now, the mid level Shure's, and I'm not quite sure on the TT yet, a 1200, just depends on the money I have, I still gotta compare more prices for it. Thanks for the help guys

___________________

You can check ebay for technics and get a fairly good price. I got mine for 300 each but Im not sure how old they really are. It doesnt really matter cause the motor is still strong and I calibrated it so the pitch is almost dead on.