This is what I have narrowed it down to.

CDJ: Pioneer CDJ-800MK2's or Denon S3500's.

Mixer: Pretty much set on the DJM 400. Is there a better option out there for around $500?

Headphones: Sony MDR-7506 (or V6's), Sennheiser HD-25, or Pioneer HDJ1000's.




I know the Denon's are better technically. However, the 800's are also a great pair. And I also plan to play out eventually, and would like to have the feel of the Pioneer jog wheel. The 3500's wheel feels a bit heavy, is that right? But the Denon's have more features though.

But does that even matter if I'm getting DJM 400 mixer? The effects on the Denon's are basically negated. Is there anything other reason to get the Denon's rather than 800's if I'm getting a DJM 400 mixer?

Also, for headphones, I've heard good things about the Sony's...is that industry standard? The 7506's don't feel right (kinda loose)...but others seem to have no problem.

And do the Sennheiser HD-25's have a loud volume risk? Or was that another model.

The Pioneers also look good, but don't seem as widely used...any cons about them? other than breaking which I have heard



Basically, I'm looking at about $2000 for all of this. I'd really just rather get the original Pioneer 800's and save $400, but does anyone know who's still selling them?

Any help is appreciated.

I'll take pio cdjs over denons any day of the week.

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I would get the Pioneer CDJ-800's.

Of course, I may be a bit biased when I say that, but it seems like most places have CDJ-1000's, so the transition across Pioneer models won't be as great as Denon -> Pioneer.

I know that's one of the reasons why I got the 800's.

From what I've heard, the DJM-400 should be perfectly fine and should last you a long time. Just be aware that the inputs are analog, and are converted to digital internally for mixing.

I'd hardly consider that a 'starter' setup, but what do I know? I started off (still am, hehe) with an Ecler Nuo4 and a Pioneer CDJ-800mk2 (2nd CDJ-800 should be arriving next week).

I did some pricing earlier this summer on equipment, and came up with $1733 for 2x CDJ-800mk2 and DJM-400. You can probably find it for slightly less (try agiprodj.com, djmart.com, etc.). I bought my equipment through agiprodj.

As for headphones, I bought a pair of Sennheiser HD280 Pros last year for around $90 or so. The only issue I have with them is that they are a bit bulky. I would suggest trying out as many as you can and make your own decision. I've heard good things about the HD25's, and have heard about breaking issues (something cleanly snaps, probably the frame) on the Pioneer HDJ-1000's. Perhaps someone could also comment on the Technics DJ-1200 headphones (I think Armin van Buuren uses them? ~$120).

Hopefully this (rather long-winded) post will help you out a bit. =)

I'm gonna go with the Pioneer 800's...it's where my heart's at. DJM 400 to go along with that and still not sure about the headphones. It's gonna be between either the Sony's or Sennheiser's.

Decks and mixer I want at around $1700. Is that a reasonable find? I'll have to do some searching but it would be great to them at that price.

The above pricing was done through DJDeals.com before they lost their Pioneer Authorized Dealer status.

I hope I'm not breaking any rules by saying this, but I got my CDJ-800mk2's for $589 apiece. AGIProDJ may have had the DJM-400 for something like $495 or so (I don't remember exactly how much). Decks and mixer come out at < $1700. Definitely feasible.

Regarding the Sennheiser HD280's, I look kinda retarded when I'm wearing them. The headband sticks out really far on either side, and isn't flush with my head. Think of it like a C-clamp across my ears. Haha.

Honestly, I don't think you can go wrong with either of the two.
Personally, I don't buy Sony because of how they handled the XCP rootkit fiasco a while back.

I recently purchased the exact setup you're l ooking at (w/v700 sonys instead) from agiprodj. 2 800 mk2s and a djm 400. It was my first setup as well and I went with the equipment for precisely the reason that I wanted something over the barebones beginner setup. So far, it has been an absolute blast. Def go with the 800s over the 3500 because, like you said, with the effects on the 400, it negates many of the 3500's "extras" over the 800. PM me if you want more specific details. BTW, I got my geat from 1750.00 (agi-pio authorized dealer) or so so anything around that is solid.

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Try the ECLER NUO3 instead of the DJM-400....you lose the effects/sampler, but you gain another channel, professional XLR ouptuts (if you plan to play out ever) and just better overall build quality...so it'll last you quite a long time, before needing to upgrade. It has an FX loop, so you can always add an EFX-500 or something later

quote:

Originally posted by cherrybarry Also, for headphones, I've heard good things about the Sony's...is that industry standard? The 7506's don't feel right (kinda loose)...but others seem to have no problem. And do the Sennheiser HD-25's have a loud volume risk? Or was that another model. The Pioneers also look good, but don't seem as widely used...any cons about them? other than breaking which I have heard

The bit thats fragile on the Pio HDJ100 is the bit where the cups swivel. I got mine off eBay used but in "as new" condition for next to nothing (originals not fake ). They will be sweet if you look after them & are careful how you use them. The Pio HDJ1000's are an awesome set of cans, absolutely crystal clear sound. I previously got through a couple of cheap pairs of Technics (£20 a pair = v cheap ). No way I'd go back.

Just a bit of info for you from a Pio user... I've heard good reports on the Sennheiser HD25 on the net. Not heard anything on the Sony MDR7506, I think the MDRV700 are the flagship model & are supposed to be very good. A mate of mine bought Sony MDRV500 & they sucked balls. Couldn't hear any bass whatsoever in them & they were sold on eBay the day after he bought them.

For the headphones I reccomend the Ultrasone DJ1 or DJ1 Pro headphones. They are the best I have ever used, they have awesome bass, and great isolation. Im never buying any other headphone as long as these are made.

with that money, I would get the DJM-600 and the pioneer CDJ-200, instead of the 800's.

thwe jogwheel of the 800 in size and shape are similar to the CDJ-1000, but actually the sensitivity it's more similar with the CDJ-200.

and I honestly prefer the CDJ-200 over the CDJ-800, even if you give them to me at the same price.

you can get the DJM-600 wich is propably whatyou will find in almost all clubs, and witht the CDJ-200 you can easily use a CDJ-1000.

as for the headphones , I have the HDJ-1000 and it's true that they break, but I actually paste them with an special glue and everything works perfectly.

I don't think you want to paste them, so get the sony or the Sennheiser, I've just heard wonders about both of them, so thye gotta be fine.

hope this helps you.

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