Reply to Rack mount mixer

I need some help selecting a good rackmount mixer for my new slant top SKB case.

I have been using a Behringer PMP 3000 and am for the most part happy with it but I can detect some fidelity issues. I like the features, I just notice a jump in volume and a change in sound when I reach peak. Note: I have been using the board passively even though it has an amp in it. I would like to retire it and use it strictly as a backup and small gig board.

I just got a Gemini off of another DJ for a hundred dollars. I can't seem to eliminate a buzz and either it's bad cables or a bad mixer. Haven't bothered swapping cables yet.

I just believe I need a real mixer but am not sure what my price range is. A local DJ/ sound and lighting rental/retailer has a "Brand New" Phoenix 16ch rack mount mixer that was mounted in a case for "display purposes only" "back when he had a show room". He wants $425 for it and the only information I can find on it is that it retails for $599 or $699. I forget which. I found one in a pawn shop that they wanted $200 for but it had 12 dirty pots and 4 broken pots.

I don't know what to get. I really wanted to get the alesis 12 channel mixer from musicians friend. It's less than $300 and got some great features. I was researching it and I heard there is a manufacturing issue where a component inside breaks off it's mounting under a minor impact such as those gear encounters when being shipped. The reviewer claims to have gotten a few DOA mixers.