Reply to Another noob/beginner thread...

I've been spending a few months googling/youtubing/browsing beginner threads for gear and learning a lot about DJ-ing.

I've played around with Virtual Dj and Traktor and I like Traktor a lot more. I also borrowed my friend's Vestax Spin to get the feel of a midi controller (wasn't a fan of the sliders).

My biggest dilemma (aside from being a broke college student) is deciding on the medium. Time-coded vinyl with an external mixer seems like my immediate favorite because of the appeal of scratching and the vinyl feel (I breakdance so scratching has always been an attraction). But starting off, I wonder if this is the best way to go instead of time-coded CDJ or a midi controller.

This will be mostly a hobby/djing for house parties/small local venues. I'd like to mostly mix house and hiphop with possible scratching.

As for budget? I don't really know yet. I just acquired an on-campus job that will start in August.

Midi controllers are attractive because it's an "all-in-one" solution which seems like a good inexpensive way to start. They also are the most portable. CDJs seem to be the standard now and are extremely popular. Vinyl seems pretty expensive with all the different gear (turntables, software/soundcard, mixer, optional additional midi controllers). These are also the least portable.

For midi-controllers, mixtrack pro and kontrol s2 seem the most attractive for beginners.
CDJs: no clue.
Vinyl: the stanton t62s seem like good beginner turntables (for sub $100) for very basic scratching and pretty good mixing for house/electro.

Mixers: no clue, but djx 750 seem popular but from the massive threads of community s, people say Behringer is something to stay away from. basic 2/3 channel mixers seem like a good start

I'm not sure exactly what I want. I rather be able to mix well than scratch though. I was also wondering if I should buy bits and pieces over time as I piece the parts together. Ex. External Mixer and soundcard before cdjs/turntables.

Thanks a lot for your help! I've been reading DJTT community s for awhile and all the threads have been helpful in increasing my knowledge.

=]

P.S. I forgot I'm also looking into some studio monitors. KRK RP8s are so sexy, but are pretty pricey. BX8a used to be super affordable but the value jumped tremendously. Any recommendations for $300 for a pair?