Depends on what you need
FTdub said:
Didn't you used to have Denons, if so what was your take on them? Did you use the scratch pad or a 45?
Yeah, I had the Denon 3000's (actually I still got one;interested?) I'll be straight up with you. The Denon's are a better ALL AROUND player, IMO. I used the 'scratch pad' which actually is a clear vinyl disc over a black slipmat, I didn't see the need to change to the 45. The pitch control is tighter for mixing, it has that next track reserve, and an additional 15 sec. sampler, and a better search function. It was a little quicker with loading and in playing mp3's. If you are more of a 'mixing' DJ, than a 'scratch' DJ, I would recommend 'em. the more advanced scratches on the Denons start to sound a lil digitized to the knowing ear, but most can't tell.
But if you a scratch/turntablist/hip hop, etc. DJ, then the Numarks are the best. The scratching is MUCH cleaner w/no digitized delays or clicking, even with the most complex and faster advanced scratches. Those who messed with CD joints know what I mean. The 12" platter, though, is the hook. If you been rocking turntables all your DJ life, the platter is well worth it. It has also has an effects board (not on the Denon) built in with 8 different FX, it's programmable, utilizes MIDI, you can manually tap in the BPM's, did I mention you can change the vinyl and slipmats to what you want?
Out of all the CD turntables, here is how I would rank them as far as overall specs and performance:
1) Denon (DNS5000, then DNS3000s)
2) Numark CDX
3) Pioneer CDJ1000 MKII
4) Technics Sl-DZ1200
5) Pioneer CDJ800
Denon just came out with a smaller DNS1000, but I never tried those.