Hello all,
I need help choosing LOW PRICED a multi format cd player (a pair, actually.) I use Traktor 2 Pro, and I’d like to be able to use midi, so I’m looking at the following models:
Gemini cdj-700
American Audio Radius 3000
Stanton CMP.800
Numark NDX900
I am staying away from high end/high price (Pio/Denon) for 2 reasons: this is just a hobby for me now, and trying to save money.
Does anyone have any experiences (good/bad) with any of these players? Have you used them with T2Pro?
Also, if you have any other players in this same street price range (300-400 each) that you could recommend, let me know. Any help would be appreciated.
PS: I’m using a denon dnx1500s, but will prob. upgrade to a dnx1600, plus I also have an Audio10 somewhere, so having a built-in soundcard is not a requirement for me. Thanks
If you’re using Traktor, why not just use the Denon SC2000?
Some people here claimed that the Gemini had shoddy quality issues, and it was a bit laggy. Reviews I’ve read on the AA Radius 3000 and Stanton CMP.800 look awesome though. I’m really interested in this thread as well.
You might as well just start off with Pioneer CDJ400’s. They’re in the same price range as all the CDJ’s you listed and are by far a better build quality, and also support MIDI.
It might seem like a lot of money to pay for the more expensive stuff when you’re just learning, but you’ll end up saving money in the long run because you won’t have to repair and/or upgrade your gear as frequently. And if you find you don’t have enough time to use your gear anymore, the more expensive equipment has a way higher resell value.
Avoid the Pio 350s and 400s, they’re an utter, utter joke.
EDIT: To answer the inevitable “why” from all the Pioneer fans; 5 inch jogwheel. Why bother buying CDJs (if you’re going to use them with Traktor anyway) with tiny jogwheels? Might as well just use a Contour or a PL-1.
I have now, yeah. The CDJ400 apparently has really poor resolution with Traktor, even using HID.. from what I’ve heard, it’s not a limitation of the protocol (or NI’s implantation of it) but the hardware itself.
Never read any complaints about them; I remember someone saying recently that the performance was decent. Advanced HID is a very recent addition to Traktor though.
Hi all,
Thanks for the replies. To clarify, I am in the US, used to do mobile for MANY years, but now it’s strictly hobby (hence the need to keep costs down, since I can’t recoup the costs). Thought about ddj-sx and remapping to Traktor (or possibly waiting to see if Pio would make a ddj-tx for Traktor) but like the ability/flexibility to use cds/timecode too.
Thanks again for the suggesions/recommendations. Keep em coming! I’d like to make an informed decision.
If it’s any help, you can get the RMP-3a and RMP-2.5a from Juno (who ship to the US), and for some reason they’re actually CHEAPER when shipped to the states (Christ knows why, but if you add the 2.5s (http://www.juno.co.uk/products/reloop-rmp2-5-alpha-cross-media-player-cd-decks-pair/472392-01/) to your cart, then change the shipping address to the US, it cuts the price by $160, from $994 down to $828) Shipping is only $74 as well, so not too bad.
EDIT: The 2.5s are the 3s without the built-in FX, although if you’re using them as Traktor platters you won’t need them anyway
Ahhh. Was viewing it on my phone. Not too bad then.
I’d take Reloop’s quality over the others.
I find it really weird how Pioneer won’t offer link on all their models, but all these budget companies do. I realize it’s probably to set apart the CDJ900, but I think their sales would be much higher if they offered it for the 850 and 400…
The SX is to Serato what the T1 is to Traktor. Take a look at the Pioneer T1. The SX has a lot more features and more functionality but I’m keen to see if Pioneer release a T2. Don’t think it will be called a TX.
Again, thank you for all the replies…I’m going to try these out before I buy if possible. That pretty much rules out the Reloop decks although they look great! As for the Pioneers, I think the T1 is to Traktor what the S1 is to Serato…the SX was a step up using Serato, but the equivalent hasn’t been done for Traktor (but I’m hopeful.)
Have you had a look around for used CDJs? I’ve heard that the 850s can sometimes go quite cheap on the used market over there, and you should be able to find them in-store somewhere to try.
