Decision Time: CDJ 800/850/900/1000mk3/Denon S3700? Opinions?

**FauxRill** · 05-31-2012, 03:51 PM

Hey all,

Recently sold my old DN-S1200s and a X-120 in a bundle on Craigslist, and I'm really itching to upgrade ASAP so I need some advice. I've got an A&H Xone 92 mixer and need some new CDJs to go with it.

My budget isn't huge enough at the moment to warrant any CDJ 2000s, and I use Traktor mainly, just as some background.

I am torn as to what model I really want and would like your opinions. I am leaning towards Pioneer because my DN-S1200s had an issue soon after my warranty ended... But a rotating platter sounds pretty cool.

Thanks, everyone.

**roguedna** · 05-31-2012, 04:05 PM

Don't forget the new Denon sc3900, it got Engine software vs the s3700 Music Manager (no longer updated

)

After using the USB drives (320GB + 500GB) with my DNS1200's, to manage my music

I find much easier than burning CD. Just plug in and go with so many tracks and no need to hunt for a CD. Just open the folder on the USB drive.

http://www.djforums.com/forums/showt...experience-yet

http://www.djforums.com/forums/showt...-for-CDJ-850-s

Originally Posted by FauxRill

Hey all,

I am leaning towards Pioneer because my DN-S1200s had an issue soon after my warranty ended...
Thanks, everyone.

What was the issue ?

**FauxRill** · 05-31-2012, 05:16 PM

The jog wheel stopped working properly and then disks stopped reading sometimes. It was sort of a bummer.

**Era 7** · 05-31-2012, 05:21 PM

if you only use traktor: 800MK2 or 1000s.

**Irrational_Fear** · 05-31-2012, 05:21 PM

If it's any help I had exactly the same dilemma a month ago and plumped for a pair CDJ900s. Although I was going back to CDJs to get away from using a laptop- just playing off usb sticks/external hard drives.

Out of the ones you've listed I ruled out the 850s pretty quickly, my opinions on those have been expressed in a couple of other threads but suffice to say if you can afford the 900s then I wouldn't even consider the 850s. The amount of stuff they have left off of them goes beyond 'product differentiation' and deep into 'taking the piss' territory considering you are still paying £1,600 or so for a pair.

If you like the spinning platter the 3700s are an excellent deck (but sadly no longer being firmware updated as mentioned above), and if you will be mainly using software then also as mentioned take a look at the 3900s- I've only heard good things about them and they seem to be well geared toward use as hybrid CDJs/software controllers. These would be my choice in your situation.

If you are going to be using them mainly to control Traktor, all the bells & whistles features you get on the Pioneers (850s aside) will presumably be redundant as Traktor will handle this- therefore you could get away with the cheaper, more basic CDJs and save yourself a packet.

It's worth also pointing out that the Denons actually 'feel' like heavyweight professional gear, the CDJ850 & 900s are suprisingly plastic & lightweight. This wasn't an issue for me, I went with the 900s as they do everything I want as stand-alone units without needing a laptop involved and I like the Pio CDJ feel. (In fact I frickin' love the 900s!- but they don't feel like £900 decks)

Bottom line, if you were going to spend a fair deal of time using them away from software i.e. cds/usb I would go CDJ1000mk3 (second hand) or CDJ900 no question.

If they are mainly going to be controlling software, either go for a cheaper CD deck with a USB-to-PC connector, or if money's not an issue I'd plump for the SC3900s (same price over here as CDJ900s) without a doubt.

Please note the opinions I've expressed above are purely my own!

**FauxRill** · 05-31-2012, 07:05 PM

That was a really helpful post man, I appreciate it! I'm looking into the 3900s as we speak, and a used pair of 1000s/800s.

**TrueWind** · 05-31-2012, 08:54 PM

Originally Posted by Era 7

if you only use traktor: 800MK2 or 1000s.

I got imo, better advice. Wait for the Denon DN-S2900. They are pretty much like the Denon DN-S3900 with static jogwheels and a platter that is COMPATIBLE / midi mapped in traktor scratch pro 2!

**FauxRill** · 06-26-2012, 01:26 PM

So, I have still been on the lookout, but I came across a deal on Craigslist for 2 CDJ 800 MK2s for $750. Think its a good deal? Anything in particular/known issues I should look out for in used Pioneers besides disk read errors, jog wheel, and button functionality?

I want to wait for the 2900s, but I can't hold out till October. I can always sell the 800s again for some cash towards new gear later on anyway, but they look great.