CDJ-800 (MkI or II) or Numark NDX 800

[bartboy]

I'm finally ready to take the plunge and pickup CDJ's. I have been researching and gathering people's recommendations and have come down to these two for the money I want to spend. Currently I can pick up a pair of brand new Numark NDX800 for about 800$ or a used pair of Pioneer CDJ 800 (MKI or MKII) for about the same price.

Given this option which would you take?
I love pioneer. I loved my Numark Total Control though. I haven't heard the best track record with their previous CDJ's but everyone has something positive about this model. Any additional feedback before my wife notices I spent another grand on my "stupid hobby"

[sidetrakd]

Personally I dont like the 800's.Im not anti-pioneer,I love my 1000's.Unfortunately I know 2 people that bought second hand 800's and got trouble with them.Laser pickups and pressure sensors,but I suppose thats a possible risk with any cdj.I cant comment on the Numark because Ive never used one.

[Nicky H]

I had some MKII 800s and they were great

I'd prefer them to the Numarks, but make sure you get a good pair like sidetrakd says

[Bisimoto]

i absolutely hate the 800 mk I or mk II, i find them buggy as hell,
maybe the ones i use have through hell :P, personally though i'd go for some
400's for the money! good luck in your search

[space monkey]

I used the NDX800s last summer for a month or so and they were solid. The platter is large enough and even in midi mode does a good job of scratching. I hated the textured surface of the jogs though and wrote Numark to request better LED feedback for the jogs if/when they did a firmware update. They come with a decent feature set but forget the EFX section.

[Ryan Leo]

I think if your getting CDJs you should get a pair that can play off of usb.

I think the 400's are you best bet.

You definitely can find a pair used in your price range. They have the usb feature.

The 800's are ok, but I think where you have started on the digital side of things burning and collecting/organizing a cd collection may be a little bit counter intuitive.

I bought a pair of cdj 800s 4 or 5 months a go on a similar journey and now I'm financing a s4. I think the feel of the s4 jog wheels is great. Theres a good chance jog wheels will stay in my setup. I use them as the "big red emergency button" just incase I missed a grid or it happens to be off a bit.


Also, one of the CDJ800MKIIs I purchased had a broken cue button. Unfortunately, once the button breaks the mirco switch experiences extra force and will break at an accelerated speed. Right now I have the switched and a new button here just need to find the time to open up and solder.

From now on, I may just purchase brand new gear because at least its got insurance.

I know this isnt an option probably but I'd like to open your head up a bit.

That RGAS can do some damage if it goes undetected/treated. It primarily affects the communication channels between male and there female counterparts. I'd watch out.

[bartboy]

LOL yeah thanks for the heads up on the CUE button on the 800's. As far as RGAS goes I try to sell something before I buy something. One in One out. I have a few bids in on another turntable if that goes thru then I'll stick with a DVS setup with my digital. If I like it and want more I'll get the CDJ's. I already have a Traktor Sound Card so a few vinyls plus 100$ for another turntable is a lot cheaper investment into something I only think I want.