New DJ Setup: Out with Old, In with the New

For the past 6 - 8 months I have been back and forth on the internet searching for the latest and greatest DJ equipment for my new setup.  Since 2010 I have been using the Numark NS7FX but I am beyond tired of using it.  Plus it weights almost 70 lbs in a case so I didn't feel like carrying that thing in the DJ booth anymore so I sold just recently to a beginner DJ.  Don't get me wrong the NS7 is a great machine and for people who don't know how to DJ or never used vinyl to DJ, it's probably the best midi controller on the market for DJs.  But for me, I had to get to vinyl.  If you check out every club DJ they are pretty much using Technics 1200s.  They are the prototype for all turntables but in my opinion the new Stanton 150s blow them out.  Also you will see them using the always reliable Shure M44-7s as well.  In my opinion again, the new Ortofon S-120s are the best needs for digital djing software but M44s are the best on real vinyl.  After several months of reading reviews, renting equipment, and trips to Guitar Center I made up my mind about what I want and I decided to share it with you all.  Take a look and tell me what you think.

HP Smart Buy Business Backpack.

Has the same durability and functionality of any DJ bag and way cheaper.

Rane 62Z
Best Mixer on the market for Serato DJs.




10 Pair of Serato Vinyl
You can never have enough of these plus you can match your outfit or occasion.




Pioneer HDJ-2000-W Headphones
Best Headphones for DJs.  Better sound quality than Beats but not for the everyday listener.  Purely a professional grade set of headphones.




2 Odyssey Black Label Coffins




1 Odyssey Black Label Mixer Coffin




2 Ortofon CC S-120 Kits
Best Needles for Serato




Novation Dicers




Dr. Suzuki White Slipmats
Since I can't find white Serato Vinyl I will use clear over white slipmats.




Akai RPM3 Monitors
Something to place in front of me to help me mix.




White Odyssey LStandMWHT
The most versatile laptop stand on the market.  It has every feature a DJ needs and wants.




2 Stanton STR8.150 Turntables
The best turntables on the market with the highest torque.  Better than a 1200 and cheaper.

So there you have it.  Check out my gear and tell me what you think and tell what you use.

One Love,

IAMDJDK
www.iamdjdk.com

The Great Turntable Debate

Are Stanton 150s are better than Technic 1200s?

Yes! Yes! Yes! Stanton 150s are better than Technic 1200s (any model).  Both decks are heavy but the ST150s are built like tanks.  The ST150s weight almost 50 lbs were the 1200s weight in around 38 - 40 lbs.  I used to own a pair of 1200s but the cost to maintain them got pretty expensive so I sold them.  The way the tonearm is built on the 1200s, one good bump will through the tonearm calibration off.  There is no fixing it, just buying a new for $150.  The ST150 tonearm is built much different and can definitely take more abuse than the 1200s.  

The ST150 motor torque is a lil higher than the Technics but both are elite but the speed holds truer when applying pressure on the ST150s.  ST150s looks like Technics too with some extra features minus the 0 click on the pitch control. The feet on the Stantons are spring loaded making for better vibration stability.  Again the main difference is the tonearm and the motor torque.  Higher motor torque = truer speed with pressure and the straight tonearm on the STR8.150s = less skipping.  Most DJs argue the straight tonearm ruins records faster but turning the counterweight backwards does the same thing so WTF cares.

In conclusion, the iconic Technics are still a good buy for 2 reasons, they are no longer in production and they set the standard for turntables.  But with the new Stanton ST.150s, you will see more DJs make the switch due to cost mostly.  I assure you, when they purchase them they will be very surprised and satisfied.