A friend of mine recently asked me to look into cd decks for him. He is the director of a local jazz ensemble and is looking for a nice set of cd decks to use before the group performs, and afterwards. The goal to become a complete package for weddings and such.

Anyway, he asked me because I usually know a lot about DJ equipment. I don't however, have a lot of experience with cd decks. I don't own a pair and havn't ever really researched for them other than "hey, those CDJ-1000s look really nice"

So I ask you all. Please give me some recommendations. I'm looking for a dual player most likely. It doesn't have to have all the fancy turntablist features, because most likely it will be someone with no dj experience operating it. I don't believe cost will be an issue, but give me a wide range of prices just in case.

I would really appreciate anybodies input.

Denon 1800f/2000f/2100f/2600/4000

Take your pick.

Can pick up a second hand 1800f for about £150

Keep it serviced and it will last forever.widesperead use in bars clubs and most mobile discos type things

I have the choice of cdjs or denon 2600 at some of the venues i play at- i use the denons every time.

I'm not a fan of the Denons myself, but maybe that is because I have worked with Numarks for as long as i am dj-ing.

When it comes to double cd-decks, i prefer the Numarks of Denons.

I can work with both, but i just don't like the way the Denons work. Don't what it exactly is, but it just don't feel right.

Numarks are easy to use, a lot cheaper than Denons, and will also last a lifetime with some good maintainance.

One think i hate about the Numarks is that the cd-tray closes itself after about 30 seconds. That is really annoying if a search for a cd takes a little longer...

Well, it all comes down to personal preference i guess, one dj can work better with Denon, the other might prefer Numarks. I'm just giving you my expierences, hope it was usefull.

one thing i have noticed when playing in clubs or bars that have numark cd players......numarks do not like CDRs at all- both home made ones and official CDR promos....

I use the Pioneer CMX-3000. (Cost about $800 new). I really like the .05% pitch increments (most are .1%) and the wave table.

quote:

Originally posted by Freak one thing i have noticed when playing in clubs or bars that have numark cd players......numarks do not like CDRs at all- both home made ones and official CDR promos....

Mmm.... Never noticed that.

I have a Numark at home, and i use one at the club i play at, and both do not have any problems with CDRs at all.

wait and get 2 of the tech ones, only 1200 each!

quote:

Originally posted by Scottaculous I use the Pioneer CMX-3000. (Cost about $800 new). I really like the .05% pitch increments (most are .1%) and the wave table.

i want to get the cmx-3000.. is there anything about it that you don't like?

but the reason i'd rather the pioneer than the denon is the size of the jog wheel, the pioneer has a nice big one.

Pioneer cmx-3000 is a fussy beast- it is good though- lots of functions.
Doesnt like anything other than unscratched cds (even minor ones), and doesnt like fingerprints of any kind either.
Some things in the burning process that other players will read through the pioneer will go into apeshit mode over them and then stop.

Competent deck though