If you really want to invest directly in a DVS system and a good mixer. YOu can directly go for a 57. That's the combination of the best mixer I had (TTM56) and the best DVS system I know (just had mixvibes before). With in addition some nice effects in bonus, and the way to control SSL via the mixer is really a nice advantage.

For turntables, you're launching a tumultuous debate I think :-D (have the same problem on th efrench forum :-))
So I will say don't go for the Numark (had some problems with them) or take the TT500, the Stanton are really nice, but f***ing heavy! I enjoy some PDX right now, and still mix and scratch on Technics at the club. PDX are more confortable, Technics more robust and are part of hitory :-D

And try to buy a few actual records and not just copy a buddies hard drive.

Ha.. thankx guys, yeah i juss started buyingh bunch of records at this store near ma store work... for like 50 cent a record... cant' freakkin wait.
I already ordered 57sl from northersound early this morning. But i'm still lookin for some nice turntables.

Not sure if i'm suppossed to be asking this (it being 57sl thread) but some advice on pickin up used turntables?
I've read earlier that Technics are like "Tanks" but maybe there r things i should watch out for? I sux that i can't play w/ it to find out(cuz i jus wouln't know).

BTW, Ther' nothing wrong w/ having a set of two different of turntables right?
Thnkx in advance

Two different brands might be a problem as the two pitch controls can be different. They do the same thing but plus 2 on one might be plus 3 on another.

I am glad people are taking my northersound suggestion...they are some cool peoples.

Oh that was you... before reading that i was bout to get mine from zzound w/ 4 stretch pay... 1449. thnkx man.

Another advice is to digitalize your records as soon as you have your TTM57 and a turntable, as I was going for digital solution after some years of crate digging I have thousands of record waiting for digitalization and trust me it takes a lot of Time!

Concerning the turntables, the best would be to try them, simply to see if you feel good with them. The motor torque should not be weak, the pitch accurate, and the tone arm well fixed. I think that's pretty much what you can check buying a second hand turntable.

Dub, please dont make the same mistake i did and not purchase doubles. If your going to learn the best way is to have double records and learn how to mix them in and out. Always buy two of the same records.

My first set of tables were Technics 1200mk5's and a dxm09 numark mixer, seRATO sl 1 box, two of "the world is yours" vinyls from NAS, two of "wild" vinyl from J-Dilla, and two scratch records.

I now own the ttm57sl, and its the best asset to my system, even over the 1200's, but it would be a major investment for a starter.

It ain't no big deal as long as you know you are serious about becoming a dj and if you can afford an TTM57 out the gate i say go for it. Ain't nothing wrong with having the best gear even if you are just starting out.

TABLES
Technics > Numark > Stanton

ehh!!!!

DUB - I am not as experienced as these cats (roughly 4 months in) but I bought the RANE with some used MK5's. I have seen a lot of DJ's wreck the hell out of some cheap Stanton's and even the Numark TTM's or whatever. The only turntables out there from what I have seen (being a turntablist fan since I was roughly 19) that compare to the Tech's are the Vestax. I bought my Tech's USED and have used the crap out of them since I bought them (guitarcenter.com). That also includes spending about an hour 3 nights of the week mastering a certain scratch, which really provides some wear. What I do is switch my needles out every night, when I am done, with the other turntable, clean them very well, and switch out the turntables once a week. These things are just flat out amazing. And the RANE mixer? I have had the opportunity to mess with the Vestax Scratch mixer and my buddies Numark and they do not compare. The only one that I have tested out that does is the big a** Pioneer one, but that has way too many buttons for me right now.

Also, I bought the RANE mixer about 8 months ago and just hooked it up to my MAC with my JBL's. This helped a lot because I got to learn the ins-and-outs of the mixer and Scratch Live features with the computer. Once I bought the tables, I didn't even hook them up for about 3 days; I went out and bought some records to learn the ins-and-outs of the turntables. I am mos def not as good as most, but well on my way now. I also have seen what those crappy packages resale for, and they have hardly any value - not a wise investment for someone wanting a long-term setup (from my amateur perspective).

That all said, it also depends on what your going to do with the tables. A buddy of mine that taught me the basics of mixing just does mixing and no scratching (breaks and house). He has the Stanton (Straight 8's???) and has had them for 4 years. But again, he does no scratching or turntablist tricks. He also is not mobile, which makes a difference.

Damage? I dropped $4500, but I had a computer and speakers (luckily, I come from a family of musicians and got my dads old JBL's). That also includes a set of Ortofon's (blue night club), an Odyssey coffin, an extra set of Scratch Live records (which really came in handy for a beginner)and Pioneer headphones. I do mostly underground hip-hop, funk and trip-hop, and strictly as a hobby. My used Tech's were VERY mint, and I dropped $375 for each. They also included the Shure white labels, which I have used maybe twice.

If your like me, DJ'ing has been a longgggg dream. I saw Q-Bert live when I was 19 and was sold. 8 years later, I am watching his video's on youtube and trying to learn the same stuff (and really sucking at it!). Amazing though. Go for it, man.

Sorry for the book everyone!

-d-

buy used technics 1200 or 1210's any model.

do not buy any other turntables or you will wish you didn't, i shit you not.

Dub - It sounds like budget isn't a concern so like anything else in life - buy quality. +1 on the techinics - you won't notice the diff if u've never used them but once u have, it smacks u in the face. I've use crap mixers most of the time and got the 57 last year; IT's worth the investment. Don't settle if u don't have to.