Mixer Comparison: Denon DN-X1500S and DJM-700/800/850

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Mixer Comparison: Denon DN-X1500S and DJM-700/800/850
Posted on: 16.12.2012 by Orpha Battel
I own a Denon DN-X1500S. I know it's an old mixer, but it kicks out 24bit sound with editable EQ frequencies and curves (Q). Essentially, I can set it up (EQ-wise) similar to any DJM or even a Xone mixer.

My question is: Are there any good reasons to save up for, say, a DJM-700, 800, or 850? Like I said, I believe the sound is top notch and the editable EQs are a great touch on my mixer.

Just looking for some opinions. Thanks!

By the way, I play mainly progressive house/trance. Effects aren't really a concern, but are a nice addition. I'm believeing more about adaptability to the "club standard"
Shan Bauerly
26.12.2012
Originally Posted by Lineypirate
Looked at the Denon X-1600?
Seriously - I believe everything else eqates to significant diminishing returns. If you believe the X1500 sounds good... just wait. Then there's the faders on the 1600... easily the finest I've used at any price. The ONLY thing I'd consider over my 1600 is a DB4.
Addie Engbrecht
19.12.2012
Originally Posted by kevz718
The djm850 has those beat color effects but I believe thats about the only 'extra' it has.. .
It has Up echo, might be some other stuff....
Cliff Lohman
16.12.2012
Originally Posted by manchild
850 sounds a whole lot better then then the 800. It's basically a somewhat stripped 900, but it also has some features that the 900 doesnt
I might be wrong but I dont believe theres a huge price difference in 850 vs 900 these days.. I recall seeing the 850 for like $1350 and the 900 for $1450..

The djm850 has those beat color effects but I believe thats about the only 'extra' it has.. i remember comparing them and believeing id prefer the 900 (i believe cuz of the xpad + the fx selection if Im remember correctly).
Orpha Battel
16.12.2012
I own a Denon DN-X1500S. I know it's an old mixer, but it kicks out 24bit sound with editable EQ frequencies and curves (Q). Essentially, I can set it up (EQ-wise) similar to any DJM or even a Xone mixer.

My question is: Are there any good reasons to save up for, say, a DJM-700, 800, or 850? Like I said, I believe the sound is top notch and the editable EQs are a great touch on my mixer.

Just looking for some opinions. Thanks!

By the way, I play mainly progressive house/trance. Effects aren't really a concern, but are a nice addition. I'm believeing more about adaptability to the "club standard"
Shan Bauerly
26.12.2012
Originally Posted by Lineypirate
Looked at the Denon X-1600?
Seriously - I believe everything else eqates to significant diminishing returns. If you believe the X1500 sounds good... just wait. Then there's the faders on the 1600... easily the finest I've used at any price. The ONLY thing I'd consider over my 1600 is a DB4.
Addie Engbrecht
19.12.2012
Originally Posted by kevz718
The djm850 has those beat color effects but I believe thats about the only 'extra' it has.. .
It has Up echo, might be some other stuff....
Lora Vandewark
19.12.2012
I had this same issue last week and I ended up with the Denon. Mainly because of the input matrix and the built in sound card, but also because it just "felt better" when I played with them both in the shops. I also didn't believe the DJM 700 was much of an improvement featurewise (note I said features, not quality before I get roasted) over my DDM4000, and that most of it's price tag would have been because of the Pioneer label.

The other factors for the Denon choice was the tension adjustable crossfader (which scratches like a dream) and the fact that the MIDI implentation is amazing (look up AGIPRODJ on Youtube).

However, to provide a balanced opinion, I preferred the effects on my DDM4000 over both the Denon and the Pioneer 700.

I'd just spent most of my money on a pair of CDJ's but if my budget was bigger I might have looked at a better Pioneer mixer, such as the 900/2000 Nexus.

Hope this helps.

EDIT: Just re-read your first post, the Denon X-1600 provide editable X-over frequencies for EQ also.
Valene Guasp
19.12.2012
The Denon 1600 and DJM 700 and above are miles better than a Denon 1500, I had a 1500 for about 3/4 year before upgrading to a 1600 a year or so ago, maybe longer.

Its so dated now sound quality is still good but not as good as newer mixers, the faders feel like sh*t on a 1500 swell, also your cue buttons will stop working as mine did

Try before you buy if you can but through experience I believe you'l agree that any of the mixers you have said will be a big improvement!
Orpha Battel
17.12.2012
So...how do they compare to the Denon line? I'm debating whether it's worth dropping a minimum of $800 to 'upgrade' to either of the DJM mixers mentioned.
Cliff Lohman
16.12.2012
Originally Posted by manchild
850 sounds a whole lot better then then the 800. It's basically a somewhat stripped 900, but it also has some features that the 900 doesnt
I might be wrong but I dont believe theres a huge price difference in 850 vs 900 these days.. I recall seeing the 850 for like $1350 and the 900 for $1450..

The djm850 has those beat color effects but I believe thats about the only 'extra' it has.. i remember comparing them and believeing id prefer the 900 (i believe cuz of the xpad + the fx selection if Im remember correctly).
Orpha Battel
16.12.2012
I have looked at the Denon DN-X1600. It appeals to me A LOT. I guess I'm curious if people who have tried the Denon and Pioneer mixers can chime in about if any one is particularly better.

I enjoy the effects on the Pioneer mixers more, but I've heard sound quality is better on the Denons (apparently under the same parent company as Allen & Heath). My priorities are price, sound quality, effects, and input matrix (only on the Denon). I don't need a Traktor soundcard since I use CDJ-850s as aggregate sound devices.

Anyways, mainly fishing for opinions. Like I said, I know the DN-X1500S is an old mixer, but it's surprisingly well-built and sounds good (the effects kinda suck, though)
Lora Vandewark
16.12.2012
Looked at the Denon X-1600?
Addie Engbrecht
17.12.2012
850 sounds a whole lot better then then the 800. It's basically a somewhat stripped 900, but it also has some features that the 900 doesnt
Janella Gripe
16.12.2012
The 850 is just an upgraded version of the 800 with 2 new effects and it's traktor scratch certified but no x-pad included.

So if you have already a soundcard, you will be happy enough with the 800. If not, the 850 is a perfect solution
Cliff Lohman
16.12.2012
800 or 850 would be great for getting used to club standard mixer (usually 800 or 900 these days).. But if u know how to use the 800, ud be good with the 900...

That said, i imagine the denons are pretty close to pioneers layout so not sure if thats good enuff reason to buy something new..

The 900 is a good step up but its obviously more money.. The xpad, traktor scratch certification & the midi control is nice on it.. Does the 850 have the same stuff?

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