I agree with Dj Liquid. This will never be decided because most people here are too damn poor to buy a bunch of mixers and compare them. Most people perfer they first of second mixer they used because they know the layout so well. My first was an american dj mixer and then I moved up to a Pioneer DJM 600. Of course I like the 600 better because the American DJ didn't have most of the features that the 600 did. I also trust Pioneer as a company and I know they deliver quality products. I'm not so sure about a lot of other companies, but mainly because I'm happy with the mixer I have now, and when it comes time to get another, I'm probably going to stick with the same one!

The point isn't to get the best mixer, it's to get one that you can afford and that you are happy with. If you are starting out, get a cheap one and if you stay with it, then upgrade later once you get paid for mixing etc (unless money isn't a problem) That way you will appreciate the good quality mixers but still know how to use the crappy ones if you ever encounter them in a club.

I wonder how noone mentioned Rane.. After all, their sound quality is extremly superior..

That is weird, isn't it? The Rane MP2016 with the XP2016 add-on is probably the best mixer in the world in terms on sound and build quality. I *will* have one of these one day!

Bah, best sound quality, that's more a personal kind of thing.
Agreed, you can make a difference between crap sounding mixers and top of the range equipment.
But once you are in that top range, it comes down to personal preference.

For instance, I love the sound of my Xone:62 (hey I worked my a$$ off for it, it better be good ), even better than the sound of a Rane MP2016. Then again some people like the Stanton VRM10 better, because it uses valve preamps, which gives warmer sound.

As said earlier, you should get a mixer that suits your needs.

But some mixers are known to be top of the range.

At first, if you want a great mixer with good sound quality, lot's of features and hands on operation the DJM500/600/3000 are a very good choice.

Personally I like the sound (and 4th EQ) of the Xone:62/464 better (due to the integrated sampler and effector, the DJM have some residual noise). Build quality is tops, Allen&Heath doesn't have to prove their reputation anymore.

Of course some people prefer rotary mixers, well there are three references in that category : Bozak CMA10, Urei 1620 and the Rane 2016 (the Urei was an attempt to make a cheaper copy of the Bozak, but had a huge success, the Rane is a continuation of the Urei).
But again Allen&Heath wants to get the absolute supremacy in the top range mixers, and if the Xone:V6 delivers what it promises, the Rane will be kicked to oblivion (your wallet also).

I can't really give one name as THE best mixer as everyone is entitled to his/her own opinion. But fact is, many times the same brand names return

Scratch mixers : Rane (TTM series), Xone (:02), Vestax (PMC05/06/07), Ecler (Hak series)

Club mixers (linear faders) : Xone, Rane (MP44), Ecler (Mac and Sclat series), Rodec, Pioneer and if you are rich Stanton VRM10

Rotary mixers : Xone (soon), Rane, Bozak, Urei

Entry level mixers : Vestax, Ecler (Smac and Concept series), in some extent Numark