How to choose between Pioneer, Denon, Stanton and Vestax

Should I get Pioneer DJ equipment or no? The following DJ article is a response to an inquiry made by one of our visitors. The question was which one of these mixers should he get. The Pioneer DJM-909 Professional DJ Mixer, Pioneer DJM-700 4-Channel Digital DJ mixer with Effects Black or the Denon DN-X1100 4-Channel DJ Mixer. Another question was asked on if the Pioneer CDJ-2000 - Professional Multi Player was any good or do you have any recommendations. Well here is my response.

I took a closer look at the DJM909 and 700. Both have different applications. The 909 is geared towards battle DJ's (turntablists) but a mixer is a mixer when it comes down to it. The 700 is probably what you are looking for if mixing is your primary concern.

The Denon DN-X1100 is a superb mixer in my opinion. From a design point of view it makes since for me. The knobs and buttons are right where I would want them. When I examine a mixer the first thing I take note of is the look and feel. I ask my self does this layout make since for how I mix. If it does then I test the sucker out. So that's what I did at my local pro shop this week. I remembered your email. The effects sound great and you have enough inputs that you won't use all of them at once. The faders were smooth and the mix was clean. I played with it for about 5 minutes because I couldn't stay long. I wanted to test the Pioneer DJM600 while I was there too but I just popped into the store since I was in the area.

As far as other mixers I like Vestax the best because they've been making mixers for over 30 years here in the US market and they've pretty much perfected it. You really can't go wrong with the the Vestax PMC-05PROIII DJ Mixer

The Pioneer CDJ-200 Pro CD Player is a very good CD player. The best thing the Pioneer has going for it in it's price range is the precise pitch and master tempo but the worst thing is that it doesn't play MP3's. For the price it is a solid choice.

Now Stanton and Denon make similar CD players. With the Denon DN-S700 - Compact CD/MP3 Player you get CD-R/RW and MP3 disc playback plus a bunch of other features in the way of effects and the like. It's a nice CD player and on par with the Pioneer to a degree but I don't recall a pitch lock.

Stanton released the C.304 (now the Stanton C.324 Tabletop CD MP3 Player) when they re-branded themselves. It has all the effects you want plus the pitch bend and lock for the same price as the above.

I saw this demonstrated at the International DJ Expo last summer and I was very impressed. For all that Stanton put into this CD player it should be around for a long time. Just don't get the C.303 which is a different model. You can't scratch with it.