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CD Turntables: Denon DN-S1000 or Pioneer CDJ-800 MK2
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CD Turntables: Denon DN-S1000 or Pioneer CDJ-800 MK2

ditc 5:04 AM - 18 December, 2006
I know there are multiple discussions on here that already exist that talk about cd turntables but I am in a situation where the new gig I am doing, I can't bring turntables for space reasons etc. I won't be using these forever, so I don't need top of the line stuff, and I don't care about all the extras (effects, cues, usb ports etc.) as I'm just going to use them with Serato. I just need something that is durable, will let me mix and scratch the way I can with technic 1200's that will work well with serato. From the research I've done so far it looks like the Denon S1000 and the Pioneer CDJ-800 MK2 are both really affordable and could do the trick, but I'm curious to find out from anyone really knowledgable with cd turntables what they think of these units and if there is something better than either of these that would be in the $800-$1100 price range for a pair. I've never used a cd turntable and really know nothing about them, so any advice, pro's con's etc. would be huge. Thanks in advance!
matt212 5:14 AM - 18 December, 2006
All I know is that if you have a choice between the two...get the CDJ-800's. The S1000 is a beginner's cd player and the 800 is a stripped down version on the industry standard. That's like asking should you get a belt driven Gemini or a Technics 1200.
DjWoody 6:03 AM - 18 December, 2006
CDJ800 you won't regret it! I love them!
BriChi 8:36 AM - 18 December, 2006
CDJ800 hands down. Have had them for a year and love them over Denons
Richierollz 9:49 AM - 18 December, 2006
CDJ definaltely, Im having some serious issues with denon 3500's that I have already installed in a club. I love denon products, but after this i would recomend PIO
plus the S1000 is pretty flimsy
ditc 6:03 PM - 18 December, 2006
i totally appreciate the info guys. would you say the cdj-800 is very responsive scratchwise? any lag etc?
BriChi 7:47 PM - 18 December, 2006
Quote:
i totally appreciate the info guys. would you say the cdj-800 is very responsive scratchwise? any lag etc?


They work perfect for me, I don't have any latency
tig ol' bitties 8:07 PM - 18 December, 2006
yo where the new gig at?
Dustin Fields 10:52 PM - 19 December, 2006
CDJ-800s. They totally outclass Denon DN-S1000.

I would recommend you put your hands on both and make your own decision - but the CDJ-800s blow away the Denon DN-S1000s.

Pioneer CDJ's also use their own lasers, rather than Sony or Sanyo lasers, which are found in the majority of other brands. My personal experience has been that the Pioneer lasers are much more rugged. Nothing is failure-proof, but I would trust Pioneer over anything.

The action of the jog wheel on the Pioneer is much smoother and more controlled, as it sits on ball bearings, and the sensitivity of the scratch feature is more natural. On the Denon DN-S1000, you have to apply more pressure to the 5 inch wheel, whereas on the CDJ-800, the wheel is 7-8" and requires only a very light touch.

Personally though, I'm a turntable guy, and I feel like a robot when I have to play on CDJs. And to be honest, I know a lot of people who started off on CDJs, then bought top of the line Pioneers, only to become enamored with turntables.


Dustin Fields
Ortofon USA
bangpow77 5:22 AM - 21 December, 2006
Quote:
The S1000 is a beginner's cd player...


I totally disagree with that comment. Granted, if you are going to do more turntablism stuff and scratch and all that jazz, the DN-S1000 isn't the way to go. However, there are a lot of people that don't do that stuff and it's a damn good CD player. Like, I don't scratch or anything, I only mix, and I use turntables and if I have to use a CD player, I like using the Denon.

I like it because it's small, plays MP3's, has key correction, and is actually built pretty well.

So, yeah, it's not a beginners table at all, but it's not good for scratching.
matt212 9:05 AM - 21 December, 2006
Ooookkkkaaayyy, whatever you say. But still...

CDJ-800
en.wikipedia.org

S1000
us.st11.yimg.com

Granted if you actually want to drive with the big boys, you may have to step your game up a little. Just a thought.
BriChi 7:19 PM - 21 December, 2006
LMAO
bangpow77 7:27 PM - 21 December, 2006
Quote:
Ooookkkkaaayyy, whatever you say. But still...

CDJ-800
en.wikipedia.org

S1000
us.st11.yimg.com

Granted if you actually want to drive with the big boys, you may have to step your game up a little. Just a thought.



Hmm, that clearly shows that you don't really know anything about the DN-S1000's or what purpose they might have.

Can the CDJ-800 play two tracks off the same CD?

Nope

Does the CDJ-800 have effects?

Nope

Can the CDJ-800 store 2 different loops?

Nope


Like I said, for scratching the DN-S1000 isn't for guys that want to scratch, but it's in no way a beginners table.
bangpow77 7:41 PM - 21 December, 2006
And actually, Matt212, I see you have the DJ-S3500 in your profile there. The S1000 has almost as many features as the 3500, without the large rotating platter among other things.
matt212 8:26 PM - 21 December, 2006
Quote:
Hmm, that clearly shows that you don't really know anything about the DN-S1000's or what purpose they might have.


I know a little bit about Denon's tabletop CD players, being that I owned the 5000's, upgraded to the 3500's and used the 1000's many times. What I do know for certain, is that you don't need CD players or Turntables for your purposes, all you need is internal mode of SSL, or maybe even itunes.


Quote:
Can the CDJ-800 play two tracks off the same CD?

Nope


True...but I didn't know the 1000's had Alpha track to play two tracks of the same CD. Maybe you are referring to next track cross fade.

Quote:
Does the CDJ-800 have effects?

Nope


True....you got me there, but you said only thing you do is mix, so its kind of hard to believe you would even use those effects.

Quote:
Can the CDJ-800 store 2 different loops?

Nope


Damn.....you got me again there. Shit, let me sell my turntables and 3500's and get these........yeah right.

All I have to say again is, S1000's are to Belt Driven Gemini's as CDJ-800 are to 1200's.

But I will rephrase my comment just for you.....

The S1000's are an entry level CD player.
bangpow77 8:40 PM - 21 December, 2006
You're still missing the boat on those.

The Gemini CDJ-15's, or any Gemini CD player for that matter, are "entry" level CD players.

Your belt drive to 1200's analogy is way off base.

Also, I think you're missing the point on what "mixing" really is. Mixing is when you take two tracks and play them on top of each other at the same tempo, not just crossfading from one track to the next like wedding jocks.

So, yeah, the effects do come in handy when trying to manipulate songs on the fly.

And I NEVER said that the 1000's were better than the 800's are 3500's, but it seems that you got it in your mind that if you can't scratch with it, it's a beginners table, which is wrong.
matt212 10:47 PM - 21 December, 2006
No, I'm not missing the boat....I'm on the boat, watching you swim behind it in circles. I think you're missing the point of this thread. Just read what the guy is asking in the first thread.

Quote:
I don't need top of the line stuff, and I don't care about all the extras (effects, cues, usb ports etc.) as I'm just going to use them with Serato. I just need something that is durable, will let me mix and scratch the way I can with technic 1200's that will work well with serato.


Now, he said he needs to mix and SCRATCH the way he can with his technics 1200's. Also, he needs it to work well with serato. The 3500's just got an update for it to work well with serato so I doubt the 1000's will do the job. Hence my original analogy of.......well you already know.

Okay, one last time.....In regards to DJ's that need to mix and scratch, the 1000's is a great beginner, novice, push button enrty level CD player. For all DJ's like you that just takes two tracks and play them on top of each other at the same tempo, not just crossfading from one track to the next, the Denon 1000's are at the top of your must buy list.
CSR 11:59 PM - 21 December, 2006
I tend to agree and would recommend the Pioneer 800 over the Denon1000, however I've used the 1000s and they are not as bad as made out to be here. There are lots of REAL entry level crap out there... the Pioneer 100, 200, Numark stuff, Gemini stuff,... CD tabletops that are impossible to cue accurately and won't read half your discs if they have as much as a fingerprint on them.

The Denon 1000 is lowly in terms of pro tabletops, but it does fit in that category (at the bottom)... unlike the plethora of el cheapo units available that WILL let you down.

I've mixed (yes MIXED) on the Denons, and used them with SSL before and it was not a big problem. I still recommend the Pioneers though.
CSR 12:00 AM - 22 December, 2006
Here's a video of a guy who can't scratch on the 1000:
hometown.aol.com

Check this out too, FYI. Interesting:
hometown.aol.com
Dj KaGeN 12:54 AM - 22 December, 2006
^^ that second video SAYS ALOT without words...

TECHS CD's SUCK BOOTY HOLE !!!
tig ol' bitties 1:06 AM - 22 December, 2006
forget the s-1000 grip on this thing..wtf is it!!! lol

newyork.craigslist.org
bangpow77 2:43 AM - 22 December, 2006
Quote:

For all DJ's like you that just takes two tracks and play them on top of each other at the same tempo, not just crossfading from one track to the next, the Denon 1000's are at the top of your must buy list.


Wow, that statement coupled with the fact that you don't see how mixing dj's would use the effects and looping pretty much somes up the fact that outside of the scratching world, you really don't know much about DJing.

That's cool, though.
matt212 3:00 AM - 22 December, 2006
LOL! Quit DJing and enter politics. You have tried to flipped my posts in every reply, now you are even flipping your own quotes.

I never said that I didn't see why how mixing DJ's wouldn't use effects or loops.....I said its hard to believe YOU (key word here is YOU) would use to effects because all you do is mix.

I'm still trying to figure out how you are able to play two tracks from the same CD on the 1000's as you stated. Answer that question and I'll shut the hell up. Otherwise, you are the one yip yapping and looking like you don't know anything about those players or anything else about DJing. What you are saying has no relevance in this thread in relation to with the original poster is asking.

But I also respect your comments and that's cool for real.
matt212 3:26 AM - 22 December, 2006
Quote:
CD tabletops that are impossible to cue accurately and won't read half your discs if they have as much as a fingerprint on them.


That was the 3500's for awhile. lol

Quote:
The Denon 1000 is lowly in terms of pro tabletops, but it does fit in that category (at the bottom)... I still recommend the Pioneers though.


Thanks you sir....now this is a man I can have a educated discussion with. Even though its a pro player, its still at the bottom in the professional catergory. "The bottom" meaning entry level or beginner status of the pro cd player food chain.
matt212 3:27 AM - 22 December, 2006
Quote:
Here's a video of a guy who can't scratch on the 1000:
hometown.aol.com


You can also scratch with your mouse and SSL, but I wouldn't recommend it. lol
bangpow77 6:13 AM - 22 December, 2006
Quote:
LOL! Quit DJing and enter politics. You have tried to flipped my posts in every reply, now you are even flipping your own quotes.

I never said that I didn't see why how mixing DJ's wouldn't use effects or loops.....I said its hard to believe YOU (key word here is YOU) would use to effects because all you do is mix.


Why wouldn't I use effects when mixing?

Quote:
I'm still trying to figure out how you are able to play two tracks from the same CD on the 1000's as you stated. Answer that question and I'll shut the hell up. Otherwise, you are the one yip yapping and looking like you don't know anything about those players or anything else about DJing.


There's the "next track" feature on the 1000's that is also on the 3500's. If you go back, I never said you can mix them and play them at the same time.

Quote:
What you are saying has no relevance in this thread in relation to with the original poster is asking.


See, now here's where I think the confusion might be. Not once did I say that the 1000's give you that turntable feel or that I think they are a good CD table if you want to use like a turntable.

What I took exception to the fact of is that that 1000 is not an entry level CD player. It is built well and is a quality unit and has a lot of features, especially for the price. I believe it is the best CD player in the $400 range. It blows away the Numark Axis 9, the American Audio CDI-500, the Stanton C-314, and the Pioner CDJ-200.

To me, "entry level" means like the $150-$200 jobs, like the non-scratching CD players that don't play MP3's. Or they "scratch", but they aren't touch sensitive on the platter and it's really pointless to say they scratch.

Also, for mixing guys that use turntables, the 1000 is a perfect CD player to have and take with you to gigs to use as a 3rd deck. Since it is touch sensitive up top, it makes it easier to cue and the fact that it is soo small makes it easy to carry around. Much easier than lugging and CDJ-800 around. Plus, the seemless looping is a plus as well as the effects and what not.

Again, for guys that want to mainly scratch, it blows, but that doesn't mean it's not a quality piece.
matt212 6:42 AM - 22 December, 2006
Quote:
Again, for guys that want to mainly scratch, it blows


...and I rest my case.
djtekno 6:43 AM - 22 December, 2006
Lol. That vid. was pretty cool. I was about to get the S1000's a while back, when I didn't know about Serato. I always looked on eBay everyday, and one day I came across a deal; this guy was selling 2 Denon S-1000s and 1 BEHRINGER VMX-1000 for $350, and it was pretty much in new looking condition and all. So I told my friend to get it, and I guess he's havin' fun w/ it.
bangpow77 6:47 AM - 22 December, 2006
Quote:
Quote:
Again, for guys that want to mainly scratch, it blows


...and I rest my case.


This was taken directly from my first post...

Quote:
Granted, if you are going to do more turntablism stuff and scratch and all that jazz, the DN-S1000 isn't the way to go.
matt212 6:50 AM - 22 December, 2006
....Once again I rest my case. You don't know if you want to be on the defense or the offense. lol
bangpow77 6:51 AM - 22 December, 2006
No, I never took a side, you just aren't reading what I posted. I never disagreed with your statement about the S1000 not being good for scratching, but with the comment about how it's an "entry level" CD player.
matt212 6:53 AM - 22 December, 2006
All I can say is......WOW.
bangpow77 7:00 AM - 22 December, 2006
"WOW", what?

Let's analyze, shall we?

This is my first post as a whole..

Quote:

I totally disagree with that comment. Granted, if you are going to do more turntablism stuff and scratch and all that jazz, the DN-S1000 isn't the way to go. However, there are a lot of people that don't do that stuff and it's a damn good CD player. Like, I don't scratch or anything, I only mix, and I use turntables and if I have to use a CD player, I like using the Denon.

I like it because it's small, plays MP3's, has key correction, and is actually built pretty well.

So, yeah, it's not a beginners table at all, but it's not good for scratching.


As you can see, I agreed with the fact that it wasn't good for turntablism or scratching. Yet, you failed to read that part.

Here's my next post...

Quote:
Hmm, that clearly shows that you don't really know anything about the DN-S1000's or what purpose they might have.

Can the CDJ-800 play two tracks off the same CD?

Nope

Does the CDJ-800 have effects?

Nope

Can the CDJ-800 store 2 different loops?

Nope


Like I said, for scratching the DN-S1000 isn't for guys that want to scratch, but it's in no way a beginners table.


Yet AGAIN, agreeing that they aren't good for scratching and that there are other uses for it. And AGAIN, you failed to read that part.

Here's post #3, and stop me if I am going to fast for you, here...

Quote:
You're still missing the boat on those.

The Gemini CDJ-15's, or any Gemini CD player for that matter, are "entry" level CD players.

Your belt drive to 1200's analogy is way off base.

Also, I think you're missing the point on what "mixing" really is. Mixing is when you take two tracks and play them on top of each other at the same tempo, not just crossfading from one track to the next like wedding jocks.

So, yeah, the effects do come in handy when trying to manipulate songs on the fly.

And I NEVER said that the 1000's were better than the 800's are 3500's, but it seems that you got it in your mind that if you can't scratch with it, it's a beginners table, which is wrong.


Yet again, me stating that the 1000's were not better than the 800's and that I don't think you quite understand what exactly goes into mixing songs together.


Now, here's where I wrap it all up for you so you can understand my viewpoint...

Quote:
Quote:
LOL! Quit DJing and enter politics. You have tried to flipped my posts in every reply, now you are even flipping your own quotes.

I never said that I didn't see why how mixing DJ's wouldn't use effects or loops.....I said its hard to believe YOU (key word here is YOU) would use to effects because all you do is mix.


Why wouldn't I use effects when mixing?

Quote:
I'm still trying to figure out how you are able to play two tracks from the same CD on the 1000's as you stated. Answer that question and I'll shut the hell up. Otherwise, you are the one yip yapping and looking like you don't know anything about those players or anything else about DJing.


There's the "next track" feature on the 1000's that is also on the 3500's. If you go back, I never said you can mix them and play them at the same time.

Quote:
What you are saying has no relevance in this thread in relation to with the original poster is asking.


See, now here's where I think the confusion might be. Not once did I say that the 1000's give you that turntable feel or that I think they are a good CD table if you want to use like a turntable.

What I took exception to the fact of is that that 1000 is not an entry level CD player. It is built well and is a quality unit and has a lot of features, especially for the price. I believe it is the best CD player in the $400 range. It blows away the Numark Axis 9, the American Audio CDI-500, the Stanton C-314, and the Pioner CDJ-200.

To me, "entry level" means like the $150-$200 jobs, like the non-scratching CD players that don't play MP3's. Or they "scratch", but they aren't touch sensitive on the platter and it's really pointless to say they scratch.

Also, for mixing guys that use turntables, the 1000 is a perfect CD player to have and take with you to gigs to use as a 3rd deck. Since it is touch sensitive up top, it makes it easier to cue and the fact that it is soo small makes it easy to carry around. Much easier than lugging and CDJ-800 around. Plus, the seemless looping is a plus as well as the effects and what not.

Again, for guys that want to mainly scratch, it blows, but that doesn't mean it's not a quality piece.



And yet AGAIN, you failed to read it and can't even come up with any response to it whatsoever. Yet, I'm the one that is confuse.

Please!
bangpow77 7:02 AM - 22 December, 2006
But it's cool, man. You live in a world where scratching is everything and if you can't scratch with it, it's an "entry level" piece. That's fine. I mean, it's kind of shallow and half-witted, but after reading your posts, I expect nothing less.
matt212 7:04 AM - 22 December, 2006
Half witted? You are the one arguing with yourself, how smart is that?
bangpow77 7:04 AM - 22 December, 2006
Nope, I am just backing up my points that you failed to read or acknowledge. Again, it's cool, though. It's your loss really.
bangpow77 7:05 AM - 22 December, 2006
I understand that it might be information overload for you and all.
matt212 7:07 AM - 22 December, 2006
Buy SSL first then you can talk to me about loss.
bangpow77 7:09 AM - 22 December, 2006
I do own it. I don't have the serial number, otherwise I would put it in.
bangpow77 7:10 AM - 22 December, 2006
Nice answer, though. Still not acknowledging a damn thing that was said.
CMOS 12:40 PM - 22 December, 2006
Its beginning to feel a lot like xmas. This thread reminds me of xmas at my moms. Always full of fun.
matt212 7:10 PM - 22 December, 2006
LOL. Yeah, it's like telling the drunk uncle he's had enough to drink.
DJ_lacoste 1:46 AM - 24 December, 2006
god damn KIDS. Pioneer rules!!!
bangpow77 9:04 PM - 24 December, 2006
Quote:
god damn KIDS. Pioneer rules!!!


Their mixers sure as hell don't rule, that's for sure.
BriChi 9:11 PM - 24 December, 2006
Quote:
Quote:
god damn KIDS. Pioneer rules!!!


Their mixers sure as hell don't rule, that's for sure.


gotta agree with that one
DJSWIZZ 10:01 PM - 19 January, 2007
The only thing I'll say about the s1000 is that they do read MP3...but now that I know they don't work too well with Serato, I might have to go with the MKII Pio. 1000....which now is MP3 capable!
Panic City 10:15 PM - 3 March, 2007
go w/ the 800, works real real real well. that thing is a workhorse. i was thinkin bout buyin the 1000's (denon) b4 i got the 800 and the saying is true. "you get what you pay for" . I was tryin to scratch on the 1000 and it made this distored digital gwarbiliy sound.
Dj Maxim S 2:19 AM - 4 March, 2007
Quote:
CDJ definaltely, Im having some serious issues with denon 3500's that I have already installed in a club. I love denon products, but after this i would recomend PIO
plus the S1000 is pretty flimsy


wats wrong with you denon 3500s? if you do then post ur problem on my forum...and i will actually report tht to the denon uk....they r actually handling the case of 3500s havin hiccups n stuff///
ditc 7:01 PM - 5 March, 2007
No offense, the Denon 3500's suck. For every 1 positive thing I've heard about them, I've heard 4 negative. I bought one and had problem after problem and had no choice but to return them. Denon customer support did not help, their forums were unsopportive, and everyone all around "claimed" that they had never heard of such problems, yet from everyone I talk to, they can point out these same problems with the 3500's. Why would Guitar Center in my area have 5 open box returns on Denons since January? The sales rep told me all 5 had been returned due to similar problems. Kind of coincidental, don't you think? Needless to say, I returned it for Pio 800mk2 and couldn't be happier.
Coro 7:06 PM - 5 March, 2007
I would go with CDJ's for the reason, if you ever play in a club. The CDj's will probably be the cd player installed.
D-MINH 1:46 AM - 7 March, 2007
Quote:
I would go with CDJ's for the reason, if you ever play in a club. The CDj's will probably be the cd player installed.


yea i agree. its not that the 1000s are bad or have a bad scratch sound. i don't know why people are saying that. I think pioneer users sound bad on the denons because they don't have very much experience with them or know the "feel" of it. i use the dns 1000s and I'm very happy with them. I used the cdj 800s and I wasn't used to it so my tricks were off. back to what i was saying. I agree that the CDJs would be the best way to go because it is the most popular cd player installed in the club just like 1200s are for installed club turntables. The CDJs were the first on the scence and djs got used to them. That's why alot of djs rep pioneer cdj 800s. I'll probably pick up the cdj 800s over the summer but not becuase the 1000s sound bad. the reason why i'm picking it is so that I don't have to carry any equipment. the other why I would pick up the cdj 800s is that with the 1000 the jog wheel is almost like one big button that you have to push down on. also in order to switch from scratching to searching/speeding up and slowing down you have to switch out of scratching mode.
so that's the honest truth on the real cons of the dns 1000s.
D-MINH 1:48 AM - 7 March, 2007
and the cdjs have two wheels so u don't have to press any buttons and cdjs are the standard so u better get used to them if you wanna feel comforatble and have a tight performance in almost any venue that has a club type dj setup installed.
so there u go.
Penrose10,000 3:19 AM - 15 April, 2017
The thing about the internet is that it remembers. This thread is going to be read for as long as these cd players run.

@Bangpow77 - thanks for providing good, useful information that's helpful in deciding whether a used Denon is worth $50 for someone interested in getting into DJing.

@Matt212 - I hope you've grown up enough since this to look back and be ashamed at yourself.