CDJ900 build quality issue :(

Prior to buying my new CDj900s around 3 months ago, I had a pair of 1000mk3's which I owned for 3 years without a single issue.

The first problem is the tempo control. It feels cheap and floppy compared to my 1000's (which I still have regular access to and use)

But the main problem with the tempo control is that there is a good 2-3mm play in movement before it starts to register any movement on the display, when adjusting from -0-. My old 1000's are razor sharp and the slightest movement would increase or decrease tempo. However, put the 900's on -0- and there is around 1 1/2mm play up and down (3mm total ) before anything happens. I don’t look at the BPM when mixing, so I assume that a slight movement will increase or decrease the BPM, but it does not if I'm anywhere near -0-.

Really annoying considering the older 1000's are better?!!?!?!

Another issue is the jog wheel. Not that I do 'spinbacks', but if you place your hand on the platter and spin forward or back with any sort of pace it will stop and start a few times, or stutter. Again, a problem the CDJ1000's did and do not have.

I see another thread complaining about the plastic marking very easily, which I can agree with. I would go as far as saying nobody on this planet takes more care of their decks than me!! If anyone wants to see how my equipment is kept I'll post some pics, seriously looked after.

I got a new DJM700 at the same time to replace my old indestructible DJM600. I know this is not the right forum for mixers, but I just want to say another disappointment. My 600 is around 5 years old now and is still perfect. However, with around 3 months home use on my new 700 channel faders have so much side to side movement in them they have scratched the mixer!! My 600 has not got a mark on it and that thing has been USED!

Whats happening to the Pioneer build quality?

KevReason October 22, 2012 15:04

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@KevReason > You're the first person I've heard complaining about the tempo control - unlike the CDJ2000 it has a 'notch' on the rail to facilitate quicker returning to 0 - this is likely the difference you are noticing. In my experience, any realistic nudge of the tempo is going to be in excess of 1.5mm, in either direction.

As for your second point... are you on the latest firmware and in Vinyl mode?

I've had all manner of CDJs since before they were announced and I've yet to get scratches on any of my kit - I use them for mobile work and they've been involved in one house move - all the time not in a case.

When did you buy the DJM700? Did you buy it new / second hand / B-stock?

Gavin October 22, 2012 19:01 0 votes

Hello Gavin,

The play in the tempo accrues outside of the notch. I'm not even sure why there is a notch there? If the flagship CDJ1000 & 2000 decks don’t have it? Even Technics deleted this feature form their 1210 turntables. So why its popped up now I don’t know?

Due to the price of 2000's and the lack of demand for them in small clubs, I often use 1000mk3s (and mk2s) when I play out, and the tempo control and feel is much better. There is no hysteresis in movement.

As for the latest firmware, I don't know? I just put CD's in and play them, lol. What’s firmware?

Also, they are always in Vinyl mode.

I tried to capture some images of the scratches, but they did not show on the camera. But, like I said, I take very good care of my stuff and I am being very fussy here with the CDJ's . But that is not the case with the DJM700. It is quite disgusting how it scratches itself due to poor build quality, like I said before my old 600, not a mark. My friends DJM700 has done the same thing, one of his faders has also snapped off, although I am sure that is also down to the amount of use it gets combined with poor build quality in comparison to an older 600.

All my stuff is brand new (around 3-4 months old), purchased on line and I am not aware of it being B-stock whatever that is?

I was much more impressed with the 1000's and 600 mixer. I get the impression Pioneer have nothing to prove anymore, know that they have already earned the title of the industry standard and let’s face it, is any professional DJ going to buy anything other than CDJ's?

On the plus side, the auto loop is awesome (why don’t the 2000's have this?).

KevReason October 23, 2012 09:00 0 votes

A firmware update is a software update for your players - it's just like a software update for your smartphone or laptop etc. firmware updates improve performance and functionality.

You need to update your firmware given that you've probably never done so. You can download the firmware from PioneerDJ.com/support/

Gavin October 23, 2012 10:23 0 votes