Really Pleased with This Product

Until now, I have used a carousel style multi CD changer. I liked my previous model, a Technics, very much but the time had come to replace it and a previous buyer's review made me opt for this type instead.

It is smaller in depth than the carousel models and therefore would fit better into most racks or cabinets. It is easy to set up. I used my existing leads to save unplugging them from the amplifier. The unit has a fixed power cable. Leads, remote, batteries for remote are all supplied.

I would recommend buying an additional cartridge. Loading discs into a cartridge takes longer than dropping them into a carousel and it is nice to have programme 2 ready for when program 1 has finished. One thing to be aware of: discs need to be fitted into the cartridge playing side up, not label side up. This takes a little getting used to if you are used to a unit where the discs are inserted label side uppermost.

I have only just taken delivery of this unit and already, I am really pleased I have it. Recommended.

Industry Standard CD Turntable

The Pioneer CDJ series have revolutionized DJing and tempted many vinyl purists over to the digital dark side. The problem with previous CD players was that there wasn't that hands-on feel of spinning records on a turntable. The CDJ 800/1000's solved that problem by incorporating a large jog wheel which allows the DJ to directly manipulate the CD. In CDJ mode, the turntable acts like any other CD player but in vinyl mode if the jog wheel is dragged back the CD will track back just like a record. The jog wheel is therefore used to bend the pitch of the CD (which is set on the +/- 100% pitch slider) in order to line the track up ready to mix. The jog wheel is so stable, advanced scratching techniques can be employed with no fear of the CD skipping. The CDJ's also allow you to set cue points so you can quickly jump the CD back to a set point at any time. The looping function allows you to record samples and pitch them up to add to the mix. Loops and samples can be stored on standard SD cards which the CDJ 1000 mk3 can read. The mk3 also reads mp3s which is one of the main upgrades on the mk2. It has a simple to use folder browsing system to access mp3 files. I could ramble on and on about the technical features of this amazing machine but it's best just to point out that this is the most user-friendly, intuitive and skip-free CD player a DJ could have and it has truly allowed me to further my own skills.

Like this? Try: Pioneer EFX-500