Pioneer CDJ-800 MK2 vs. Denon DNS-3500

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trancematic
tranceaddict in training

Registered: May 2007
Location:

Pioneer CDJ-800 MK2 vs. Denon DNS-3500

I've had a pair of Numark Axis 4s and a BCD2000 hooked up to my Event TR8s for about three months now. I've outgrown that setup. It's time for an upgrade. (To the decks and mixer, not the speakers, obviously.)

I'm stuck, though. I've been reading reviews for weeks and I just can't make a decision on which CDJs to buy.

I've ruled out the c314s, the Axis 9s, and the CDJ200s. Each seems to be missing something critical. However, I need to keep the total cost of the CDJs and a good mixer to around $1600 US... so that knocks me out of grabbing a pair of CDJ1000s or DNS-5000s.

It seems like I'm left with a choice of either the Pioneer CDJ800s or the Denon DNS-3500s. The DNS-3500s look cool because of the motorized platters. But are they better than the 800s? Are there more features on the 3500s? Is the vinyl emulation more convincing? Is the spinning platter even worth a damn? I don't scratch much. I mix trance, house, and the occasional electro set.

I'm thinking that the CDJ800s are the way to go. But that leaves me with another huge question: which mixer? I've looked at both the DJM400 and the Numark 5000FX. I like the 5000FX because of the number of channels but I don't know about the quality of the FX. I've heard that the DJM400 is damn good in that department.

Thoughts, anyone? A pair of 3500s will run me $1210 brand new and the CDJ800s will run me $1232. I can get either mixer for right around the $400 mark new. So, it's really a question of quality.

Any input would be appreciated.

May-08-2007 20:22 United States

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Mmanu
Green Pea

Registered: Sep 2006
Location: pas loin

I would say Djm800, for the reliability, though I like the spinning platter on the denon

May-08-2007 20:48 France

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Jarvmeister
Building a fire......

Registered: May 2001
Location: Trancentral

I've heard that anyone who owns the Denons switches off the spinning platter to mix cos it's horrible to work with.

Which means the pio's are the solid choice here......

May-08-2007 21:09

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trancematic
tranceaddict in training

Registered: May 2007
Location:

quote:
Originally posted by Jarvmeister
I've heard that anyone who owns the Denons switches off the spinning platter to mix cos it's horrible to work with.

Which means the pio's are the solid choice here......

I've heard the same. Sounds like I'm going with 800s, then.

So... what about the mixer? Should I spring for the DJM400 or is there something that is better for the same price or cheaper? (Obviously, I'd grab an Allen & Heath or a Rane if I could... but I can't.)

May-08-2007 21:41 United States

stan229
Supreme tranceaddict

Registered: Jul 2006
Location: Brooklyn, NY

id go with the CDJ800s and maybe if you cant afford a DJM800, try maybe a 600? definately dont get a Numark 500FX

May-08-2007 21:49 United States

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trancematic
tranceaddict in training

Registered: May 2007
Location:

A DJM600 is way out of my price range... and I don't think I'd ever use four channels to be honest.

How about a 400?

May-08-2007 22:07 United States

stan229
Supreme tranceaddict

Registered: Jul 2006
Location: Brooklyn, NY

Are you going to be using effects? If not, check out Vestax Mixers. I use a VMC-004 and its built like a tank and solid as hell

May-08-2007 22:10 United States

wotyzoid
it's not house

Registered: Apr 2007
Location: New Jersey

quote:
Originally posted by trancematic
A DJM600 is way out of my price range... and I don't think I'd ever use four channels to be honest.

How about a 400?

the 400 is just fine, you wont regret it.

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May-08-2007 22:19 United States

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miamitranceman
Extreme tranceaddict

Registered: Nov 2004
Location: Miami

quote:
Originally posted by wotyzoid
the 400 is just fine, you wont regret it.

+1...I've got 800 mk2s and a DJM-400. It is a great setup. I love the mixer but I'm actually looking to upgrade to a DJM 800. PM if you're interested in the 400 or just have any general questions about it.

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May-09-2007 02:22 United States

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Ryan0751
Supreme tranceaddict

Registered: May 2005
Location: Boston, MA

Hehe, you couldn't have had the DJM-400 that long... resist the upgrade bug!

Within my first year of DJ'ing... I went from:

1. Software only
2. 2 Denon DN-S1000's and a numark DXM-01.
3. Upgraded mixer to a DN-X1500
4. Added Numark TT-200's
5. Upgraded CD decks to CDJ-1000's
6. Upgraded TT-200's to 1200 MK5's
7. Upgraded mixer to a Xone 92

It's an expensive addiction to get better gear

quote:
Originally posted by miamitranceman
+1...I've got 800 mk2s and a DJM-400. It is a great setup. I love the mixer but I'm actually looking to upgrade to a DJM 800. PM if you're interested in the 400 or just have any general questions about it.

May-09-2007 13:16 United States

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sleepydragon
Supreme tranceaddict

Registered: Oct 2003
Location: doncaster, england

Re: Pioneer CDJ-800 MK2 vs. Denon DNS-3500

quote:
Originally posted by trancematic
I need to keep the total cost of the CDJs and a good mixer to around $1600 US... so that knocks me out of grabbing a pair of CDJ1000s or DNS-5000s.

the 5000's are cheaper than the 3500