What is a good set of intro turntables?

[hyperjoga]

I'm a seasoned keyboardist with a sizable synth project studio. I'm interested in getting into DJing with vinyl. I'd like to be able to beat match as well as scratch. What is a good set of turntables + mixer you could suggest for between $200 and $500? What sort of quality do you get in the DJ realm for under $500?

[GoldSeraph]

We get this question all the time, the truth is you're really not going to get a worthwhile set of tables and mixer for under 500. I guess if you really wanted, get one of those cheapo dj starter kits, just make sure that they are direct drive, not belt drive. If there is any way you can save up for Technics 1200's, even used ones, I would do that instead. They are the industry standard for over 20 years. They are built like tanks and last for years and years. The cheapo turntables and mixers often go to crap in under 1 year.

[hyperjoga]

How much are the 1200s new/used? I could feasably spend <=$1000. I just don't want to put too much into this before I know whether it's going to work out or not. Over $1000 is probably not an option on my income... :)

[GoldSeraph]

new, about 800. used maybe 6-700 on Ebay. One great thing about them is they have dynamite resale value. I see 3-5 year old 1200's selling for 300 bucks on Ebay when brand new they are 400. Buying them new is best because you get a warranty, and also with a used one you don't know hold old it is, where its been, how much its been used, etc. You can afford to get a cheapo mixer first starting out because those are easy to upgrade later , but I would only buy one set of decks if I were you because they will last forever.

[GoldSeraph]

So for under 1000 bucks here is my recommendation:

2 new Silver SL-1200 MK2 Technics direct drive Turntables - 800$
Vestax PCV-003 Mixer - 169$

These prices are taken off of 123dj.com, the cheapest place I've found online. I have had good experiences with them. I don't know many people who have gotten into mixing/scratching and didn't like it, once you've done it for a while you will be so glad you got 1200's instead of blowing a few hundred bucks on geminis which you'll grow to hate.

[6ftabovsealevel]

Originally posted by GoldSeraph
I don't know many people who have gotten into mixing/scratching and didn't like it, once you've done it for a while you will be so glad you got 1200's instead of blowing a few hundred bucks on geminis which you'll grow to hate.

Agreed. I don't think starting off with a lower end turntable is such a terrible thing, but if 1200's are even remotely an option, that's the way to go. Although I do have another opinion on the whole new/used thing. I think for a beginner a used pair is the most locigal choice. If you buy used and you decide spinning isn't for you, you'll probably be able to sell them for just as much as you paid. Assuming you stick with it and assuming you bought a pair that are in good condition, you'll be able to play on them for years. Also, when you're just starting out, the tightness and accuracy that a new table affords compared to an older one doesn't make a big difference. Just be really careful about which ones you buy if you get them off ebay or something like that. People love selling seriously flawed 1200's without mentioning their problems.

[hyperjoga]

Thanks for the responses guys, much appreciated! Don't know that I'll be making this purchase immediately but certainly within the next year, so $1000 is definately within my price range. I'm assuming that turntables do not have to be a "matched pair"...? Reason I ask, I'm thinking I'll go ahead and buy one deck for now to use to compliment my current synth music, then buying another one later on with the mixer.. I can still scratch with one deck, and I can use it to sample as well.

[GoldSeraph]

Yes any direct drive turntables should be compatible once you get two. As 6ft said about Ebay, indeed be careful. That is why I warned against buying used, youre paying a lot for something that you don't know whre it's been or what's been done to it. If you go the ebay route make sure they have a lot of positive feedback, no negatives would be best. Do not buy such a pricey item from people with zero feedback.