Or rather, what is better a SL Box or the actual mixer. I'm assuming the latter.

1200s and a TTM57 Less wires to mess with :)

you also needles, control records, slipmats, plus a SL1 box even if the Rane mixer has one internal, in case you want to play out

I own a vinyl setup and IMO you should only invest if you are playing music on vinyl

Get used to the idea of buying needles and control vinyl regularly, too. I do use Scratch Live too, but I switched to SL with CDJs instead of vinyl last year and I've saved a fortune in consumables since then.

V7s are much better than 1200s in every possible way, in my personal experience (and I used 1200s since 1988).

2nd....yup same here.....loooong time.....V7's rock

At least go with the Denon S3900's, next levelness!! Your gonna be shelling out $$$$$ and I seriously doubt your performances will show any difference. if anything they might get worse lol.

Hmmm...interesting points. Variable maintenance is a given. I love my NS7- does the job nicely, easy to pack, and zero maintenance costs. It's great for my top line.

The NS7 is boss but I miss having 1200's- wish I never sold. Almost a year and a half later....the 1200's keep callin' meee mannnnn...lol. I have to admit, I was unaware of the anti-controller sentiment. I'm on the fence on that debate. If your foundation was 80/90's, you're from the golden era. That was when the game was real. You couldn't do a party unless you had skill. You can use what you want.

On the other hand, as some of you have professed, the possibilities of creativity are endless. However, I don't need all these features. I can only come up with two negatives in regards to controllers:

1. The main one is the look...1200's are timeless. How the fuck can they discontinue that brand.

2. I tried to tell myself otherwise for over a year....but controllers look like toys.

So does the cost savings/comparable performance outweigh 1200's.

My two cents worth. I got my first and only set of 1210s in 1996 and they stayed with me until I sold them in 2007 to help pay for tuition. In 2010, after messing about with a Vestax Spin for 6 months, I bought 2 x V7s and use them with my old DJM600 and I truly believe they provide the best of both worlds. I sometimes have a pang for my 1210s and think about getting some second hand with an SSL box so I understand where you're coming from but it really is a step backwards, especially whn the DJ technology industry is in a state of flux. Digital really is the ONLY way forward and without the extra capabilities of controllers that really utilise your chosen software to the best of its abilities, your going to get left behind (not you personally). Vinyl is so expensive and niche now (which truly is a shame), that you're most likely to be buying digital music, so buy hardware that is specifically designed for that. Like I say, I miss my 1210s sometimes but like old girlfriends, it's tempting to just remember the good times.

I know the US is clinging on to Technics right now, but if you seriously think 1200s will be in many clubs in 5 years time, I'd like some of what you're smoking!

In the rest of the world DJing on vinyl, even with a DVS, has been 'niche' for years already now. And with the 1200s killed off by Panasonic the death of vinyl is just around the corner Stateside too.

If there was a future for vinyl, companies like Vestax and Numark would be launching new turntables; they've done it before and now Techs are dead the market is wide open. But they're not, they're bringing out controllers left, right and centre.

By all means have a pair of Techs in the house, for old time's sake. I've got 3 and I'll take them to my grave! But for actual DJ work moving forward? That sh*t is DONE. ;-)

3 turntables and a dead guy in a coffin...will you get the Flashing LED version coffin? HA! jk

I'm currently thinking about getting a controller too. I'm supposed to be getting an NS7, but I'm not gonna hold my breath on that anymore. I have begun to see how much easier a controller would make my life though. I DJ at a comedy club and a controller would come in very handy for a situation like that especially since I take the train/bus to this gig after work. I would love to be able to throw a controller in my laptop bag and carry it all with me. Obviously I would not be able to do this with the NS7 ,but I'm sure there is a smaller less expensive controller that can handle the job.

I'll always have my 1200s and will use them for gigs that need it, but for this comedy club gig it is way too much trouble to drag them out. Especially since my booth is hidden and no one sees me at the club. They really couldn't care about what I'm using up there.

There's a time and place for all types of equipment. I just prefer 1200's but I definitely need to cop a contoller too.

Just like what Phatbob said Doing a gig with Turntables is dead...If you get paid extra to Dj with turntables by all means....I still have a pair of Turntables I still love them.....But they are not leaving my home.....