Digital or analog? CD or vinyl? Should I get a set of turntables or get a CD player?

Those questions have plagued countless DJs the last decade. The truth is, whether you are spinning and mixing with discs or 12-inches, everyone can agree on one thing: Your source gear is one of the most important features of your rig.

If you’re a DJ just starting out and thinking about what pieces of equipment you’ll need, read on, as we’ll break it down from top to bottom. Of course, we won’t be able to cover every piece of equipment ever made, but this will give you a head start and an approximate price guide for new purchases. If you’ve already got yourself some equipment, you might want to upgrade or add to your system. Whatever the case may be, everyone starts at the source.

From my years of retail experience (read: Hell) at Sam Ash Music in New York City, I always asked my clients one basic question: "What did they want the equipment to do?" Once you’ve got an idea of what you want out of your equipment, making a decision is that much easier. If you are just looking for a turntable as a backup or emergency piece of gear, then there is no reason to buy the top-of-the-line unit. If you’re mixing three to four nights a week at a serious club, then a beginner CD player may not be for you. Qualifying what you want from the gear is going to make for a better purchase and you’ll be much more satisfied. Remember to allow yourself to grow into gear, rather than having to replace gear each and every time you take a step up in experience.

So where do we go from here? Are you set to choose a set of turntables or a CD-mixing system? Let’s take a look at some of the options you have. In the following round-ups, we’ve attempted to give you the manufacturer’s minimum advertised price (M.A.P.), which is usually somewhere between the listed retail price and the actual price you’ll pay. (All prices are M.A.P. prices, unless otherwise noted.) Also, we’ll list a few items that have been discontinued by the manufacturer, but are still available in the retail pipeline.

Your Wheels of Steel

First off, let me begin with the facts. There are two types of turntables – belt-drive units and direct-drive models. The lower-end units are belt-driven and are just for the beginner. If you’re spinning, mixing, scratching or anything else besides just "playing" records, you’ll need a direct-drive unit. Now, let’s go on to the important stuff.

I can say with utmost confidence that I never lied to a client about my turntable preference. In my opinion, the leader is clear. The hands-down, knockout champion is Technics SL-1200 series. Marriages may end, your girlfriend or boyfriend can cheat on you, friends can disappoint you, but your SL-1200 will always be there for you. In fact, the turntable hasn’t changed much since its inception in the late ’70s. I know clients who have their original platters from decades ago. So, what is it about the unit?

It’s just a perfect working machine. Truly instant start-up, dual 115/230-voltage switching, an 8-percent pitch slide up and down and heavy set anti-skip design. It weighs as much as a five-year-old kid, about 40 pounds, but it’s worth its weight in gold. The SL-1200 MK3D has a few new features, including an override button that will bring the unit back to its original pitch without moving the pitch slider back. (They also have units in black and gold, too.) The unit is among the priciest turntables, but it’s the centerpiece of a vinyl-spinning DJ rig. Depending on the retailer, you will probably find them priced between $479 to $529. The units sell out quicker than any product I’ve ever seen, so if you find a great price, be prepared to bounce on it.

Another company making interesting and innovative turntables is from Hollywood, Fla.-based Vestax (www. vestaxdj.com). The PDX-D3MKII ($599) is the world’s first digitally controlled turntable. Digital turntables? Yes. There is a digital display of BPM, giving the DJ an instant readout of tempo. For some, that’s a major advantage in beat mixing. There is also a stick controller that allows for plus/minus 50-percent speed adjustment and pitch bend of 1-, 2-, 3- or 6-percent. Hold up! There is also a reverse play feature. The innovative and new technology available in the PDX-D3MKII can afford a DJ a whole host of new tricks. There are also other strong and durable models from Vestax, including the PDX-a1s ($399, discontinued) and PDX-a2s ($499). Vestax’s latest is the PDX-2000 ($529), which features reverse-platter action, an adjustable brake, a DC motor, +/- 50-percent pitch, and anti-skipping tonearm. Also, its new configuration’s designed to greatly reduce bass feedback.

Based in Carteret, N.J., Gemini Sound Products (www.geminidj.com) is also a well-known name in the DJ game. They have made a niche for themselves in providing quality DJ products at affordable prices. The turntables they make are economical and perfectly suited for a beginner or moderate level DJ. Anyone who cannot afford to break the bank with his or her table purchases can find plenty here. They offer two belt-drive units, the entry level XL-100 ($99) and the XL-400 II ($129) – the XL-400 IIC includes a cartridge ($149). There are other models offering different features, price points and performance such as the XL-500 II ($199).

If you’re ready to get a direct-drive table, check out the new PT-2100 ($299) model which features 115/230-volt switching, up/down 10-percent pitch control and a locking reverse button. There is also a new model called the PT-2400 ($369). It’s a high-torque unit with a large LCD readout of speed, pitch and direction. The unit also plays at 33 1/3, 45 and 78 RPM. Over the years, I found Gemini to be a reliable performer at a very good price point. Lately I’ve been hearing excellent things about their turntables, especially the PT-2100 and PT-2400.

Best-known for its CD players, Pine Brook, N.J.-based Denon Electronics recently began shipping two new, interestingly featured turntables. The Denon DP-DJ151 ($449) direct-drive unit offers a key-adjust feature, +/- 12-percent pitch, co-axial digital outputs, three brake speeds, detachable RCA and power chords and a built-in phono amp that allows the DJ to connect to line-in, as opposed to phono-in. The DP-DJ101 ($379) unit offers the similar specifications, but does not offer key-adjust or digital out features.

Another player in the turntable marketplace is North Kingstown, R.I.-based Numark Industries (www.numark.com). There is the belt-driven, starter unit TT-1510 ($99) and the affordably priced ($179) TT-1520 direct-drive model. The upper-tier, direct-drive unit, the PRO-TT1 ($389), which plays at 33, 45 and 78 RPM, has a reverse switch, a cool LCD readout, +/- 20-percent pitch, and is a perfect solution for the DJ who cannot afford to miss his/her rent payment because they want a set of tables. (The chrome-plated version of the Pro-TT1 runs for $399.) The top-of-the-line Pro-TT2 ($399) features a ball-metal tone arm. Since their introductions, the Pro-TT models have gained plenty of favor. Numark has been here for a long time and their dedication to the DJ shows in their products and pricing.

Bronx, N.Y.-based Gem Sound (www.gemsound.com) also is known for manufacturing DJ products for budget-conscious jocks and the company offers two affordable turntables. They include the belt-drive DJL1150 ($139) and the direct-drive DJL1200 ($189). Brooklyn, N.Y.-based GLI Pro (www.glipro.com) offers three turntables. They include the SL-1800 ($229, list) and SL-2500 ($199, list) direct-drive models, plus the SL-2100 ($199, list) belt-drive unit. All three are capable of +/- 10-percent pitch shift.

Next!, based in Hollywood, Fla., (www.nextdj.com) also makes turntables and, like Numark, they have a limited, but focused model line. They have the belt-driven NT-1500 ($139). Coupled with a 500AL cartridge, the unit costs $149. The NT-2500 ($199) direct-drive unit has all the basic controls including 10-percent pitch control, anti-skating adjustment and a start/stop button. There is also a cool remote control feature. Available with a 505SK cartridge, the NT-2500 costs $219.

Their parent company, Stanton Magnetics, also makes two units. As with Next!, one unit is belt-driven (STR8-50, $159) and other is direct-drive (STR8-60, $229). The former is an affordable, entry-level unit with standard features. The STR8-60 has 10-percent pitch, beat outputs, a skip-proof tone arm and a cool blue strobe indicator. In a synergistic move, both units come with 500 ALII model cartridges, mounted on the headshell.

Los Angeles-based American DJ Audio (www.americandj.com) makes four units. The two belt-driven units are the TTB-2010 ($199, list) and TTB-2010C ($229, list) – the difference being that the "C" model comes with a cartridge. The Direct Drive units are the TTD-2500 ($299, list) and TTD-2500C ($319, list). As above, the "C" model comes with a cartridge. Both are affordable and solid models for the price-conscious DJ.

So, have we covered everything? Probably not, as I am sure we’ve missed some models or features. For more detailed information on turntables, check the websites of the listed manufacturers as well as retailers. Keep in mind that most turntables, unless indicated, do not come with cartridges/needles. They all should come with headshells though. Now it’s off to CD players.

CD Players

If you choose to get going with CD players there are a multitude of options with various price points and features. One of the more popular units is from Denon. The DN-2000F-MK3 ($799) has been around a long time. It’s a solid performer and all of the bugs have been shaken out of the earlier versions. Unlike the earlier versions, it now comes with a jog/shuttle wheel, digital output, and pitch control of either 4- or 8-percent. The new DN-2600F is their top-of-the-line machine. At $1,299 M.A.P., it’s expensive, but worth it. Some of the new features include three on-board effects (reverb, flange and filter), two hot starts per drive, seamless A-B looping/sampling, key adjust and control of either 4- or 16-percent. That will enable the BPM to be sped up without affecting the pitch of the vocals. There is also a new scaled-down model, the DN-1800F ($649), with instant start, 10-percent pitch control, fast cue-up time and digital output. Check out more details at www.del.denon.com.

Long Beach, Cal.-based Pioneer (www.pioneerprodj.com) has made quite a splash in the CD marketplace over the last few years. They now make four models that complement each level of experience and performance. The CDJ-100S ($589, list), CDJ-500SII LTD ($799, list), CDJ-700S ($999, list) and dual CMX-5000 ($1,799, list) are all excellent choices for any DJ. The CDJ-500SII was the first one to enter the market and due to overwhelming demand, the brains at Pioneer decided to put it back into production.

The bells and whistles are endless on all of the products from Pioneer. The CDJ-700S is one of the more popular units of choice. The cool thing about the Pioneer CD products are that they emulate vinyl. There is a giant jog wheel that simulates the spinning of vinyl. They all have the instant start necessary for perfect mixing and once you play with their seamless looping, you’ll be hooked from first use.

Up until recently, Pioneer had made a name for itself with single-unit pieces, which stood apart from other CD-player manufacturers’ rack-mount, dual-transport designs. But with the addition of the CMX-5000 to the product line, Pioneer has given the user a twin-CD station with all the functions and tricks of the CDJ line. Auto-fader start capability, pitch correction, seamless sampling, 16-percent pitch change and a host of other options abound on this mack-daddy unit. From my years of retail, I can tell you that Pioneer CD players are the products that I could not keep on the shelves. They went as quickly as they came in, just like the Technics turntables.

Long known for its excellent studio products, Montebello, Cal.-based TASCAM has introduced a serious piece of DJ gear, which has quickly been absorbed as a major player in the crowded CD player market. The CD-302 ($800) is a dual-CD, true instant-starting godsend. The unit includes 10 seconds of shock memory, seamless looping and a large BPM meter. I loved the 32-percent tempo control without changing the pitch and the 32-percent pitch change without changing the tempo. There is turntable emulation with brake function and scratch play. Meaning? This could be the new king of the hill. Check out some of the other features at www.tascam.com.

Vestax also makes an interesting unit called the CDX-15 ($999). It’s a top-loading dual CD player with a memory buffer that also has a self-contained mixer section. The memory buffer makes the unit ideal for club, mobile or studio use. You just hook the unit up to your amp or stereo and off you go. It’s got 8-percent pitch, a dual function joystick for cueing and pitch bending and in addition, the mixer has been simplified since its origin in the since discontinued CDX-12. I like the unit a lot and its instant start is fast, fast, fast. The Vestax CDX-35 ($1,099) is a controller and transport system. One controller will, however, control two transports, so that the DJ can add on, if necessary. Check out more info on the unit at www.vestaxdj.com.

Numark also keeps its product line slim with a handful of very functional CD players. There is the CDN-22 ($399) dual-CD player with its 12-percent pitch control and pitch wheel. I also liked the CDN-24 ($599, discontinued) with its BPM counter and looping capability. Both units now come with digital outputs. The CDN-20S runs for $369. Then there is the top-of-the-line CDN-34 ($699). It has 12 seconds of anti-shock memory, true instant start, seamless looping, a beat counter and numerous other spices. The CDN-12 ($179) is a single unit. A practical line of CD players, the CDN series from Numark will give even the experienced and busiest DJs a good amount of service.

Like their turntable lines, Gemini offers numerous products and price points for all DJs. Starting with the CD-210 ($399) and moving up to the CD-240 ($499), both of these models are excellent places to start out if you’re looking for functionality, affordability and basic features. The CDJ-10 ($159) looks similar to the Pioneer CDJ systems. It claims an instant start, 8x over sampling, 16-percent pitch control and a jog wheel search with forward and reverse stutter. I also thought the CDJ-1100 ($269), which is their top-of-the-line top-loading unit, was cool. It has a digital output via a BNC connector, a pitch lock control, and precision frame searching. Their top level rack mount dual system, the CD-340 ($599) features instant start, a 20 second memory buffer, digital outputs, Robo start and lots of other tricks. Their products are solid, economical and will last for years if you take care of them. Check out more details at www.geminidj.com.

Another dual CD line is available from Next! They have three systems that DJs can choose from, all of which have different features. The starter level unit, NCD-5000 ($349) has a 16-percent variable pitch bend, accurate cueing, instant start, 8x over-sampling and digital outputs. The next level unit, the NCD-6000 ($399) has all the features of the NCD-5000 with a jog wheel for more accurate frame searching. The big guy, NCD-7000 ($599) has all the tricks and treats of the NCD-6000 with seamless looping, BPM counter, direct track access and digital outs. They have put together a nice array of systems, certainly more than enough for a mid-level DJ. Check out more facts and see some of the pictures at www.nextdj.com.

Gem Sound offers a pair of dual-drive CD players. They include the CD55 ($399) and the CD25 ($349). GLI Pro has the DC-6000 ($599, list), DC-5000 ($749, list) and LCD-25 ($499, list) dual-drive models, plus the DC-3000 ($399, list) single unit.

American DJ Audio offers numerous products, trying to fill every niche. American DJ’s line of dual-CD rack systems offers everything any level DJ can ask for with a price that would not cause you to become homeless. There are four systems in the product line. They include the DCD-PRO200 ($699, list), DCD-PRO300 ($999, list), DCD-PRO400 ($999, list) and DCD-PRO500 ($1,249, list). I particularly liked the DCD-PRO500 with its unique storable cue points, sampling/looping capabilities, and various effects. Look for this feature-filled model to win over club and mobile jocks.

ADJ Audio has also introduced three front-loading units, similar to those from Pioneer. They include the PRO-DJ1 ($349, list), PRO-DJ2 ($489, list) and PRO-DJ3 ($649, list) models. I thought the PRO-DJ2 offered an excellent list of features (seamless looping, +/- 16-percent pitch shift, etc.) for the price tag. Check out more of the details at www.americandj.com.

I think that ought to do it. As a shopper, you should have a better idea of what you want now, what you can afford and what you’d need to make your business and DJ experience more enjoyable. Before buying anything, you should give some thought about how easy it is for you to buy music. Why? If you live in an area where buying 12-inches is impossible, you’d have to opt for mail order or Internet purchases. So is it more efficient for you to buy CDs rather than wax? Analyze those options as well before making up your mind on source gear.

And please, make sure you have some good quality cables. There is nothing cool about a CD player that is connected to a lame 14-year-old, half dog-chewed cable, ya know? If you have questions about which products are right for you, check the Internet, speak with other DJ friends or visit your local retailer. Trust me, having a head start on your options will make your retail shopping experience more enjoyable and beneficial.

 

If you have any questions for Scott Rubin, please write to DJ Times, 25 Willowdale Ave., Port Washington, N.Y., 11050, fax 516-944-8372 or e-mail djtimes@testa.com.