Back on form!!!

[Shakermaker Promotions]

Hi all,

Just got back in from a short midweek set in my local and used the Denon HD2500 for the first time....although the pub was half full I gave the unit a good work out and what can I say except...WOW!!!

No glitches, mega easy to use, great on board effects too.

I took the back up CD players and CD's and never even touched them...I didn't even muck up once either as I found the Denon easy to use.

This will sound silly but one of the most important things I noticed that was different was when I used the keyboard to search for tunes etc...With the Cortex, if you forget to tab across and start to search by tapping in letters on the keyboard, the unit would stop playing that track..and easy mistake and one that I made a few times. The Denon doesn't do that at all. I also found it really cool being able to switch from internal HD to USB HD whenever I wanted to.

I have 4872 tracks on the internal HD and then 8900 on the USB HD (the same 4872 and lots more). I bought a powered USB hub which is stuck in the flightcase with no nails tape and I used the same stuff to secure the HD in too. All the leads are tidy and well...the confidence is back and I can't wait to use it again.

I will still take the back up CD players and CD's until I am 100% confident (not sure if I will ever be).

Love the unit and apologies to anyone that has a Cortex unit but (from my experience and having used both now), the Denon is head and shoulders above the Cortex. I would honestly say 100% that if anyone is considering moving to digital to get a Denon.

[Shaun]

the Denon is head and shoulders above the Cortex. I would honestly say 100% that if anyone is considering moving to digital to get a Denon.

You aint wrong. :)

The Denon always gets rave reviews by everyone that owns them. I sometimes wonder if people think it's nothing more than 'willy waving' and gear snobbery. The simple fact is that the Denon hd2500 is an amazing piece of kit. As an owner of both the Cortex and the Denon...the cortex doesn't even come close.

Glad to hear you had a stress free 'digital' gig. :approve:

[Solitaire Events Ltd]

Nce to see you have got your confidence back by using a superior product Gary. :sj:

[Shakermaker Promotions]

I sure did Shaun and when I look back over the past month I'm lucky I suppose (now anyway), that I can laugh at the stuff I went through.

You live and learn and it's all trial and error. I may be skint now but I am a lot happier knowing that no matter how good I may be, the gear will be able to back me up and not let me down.

[Richard Veal]

good to hear your pleased with it, I havn't had chance to look at one yet. Had a lengthy demo on a Cortex at the NADJ show though and it seemed very good.

Can you elabirate on what is "better"

Thanks

ps - genuine interest not sarcasm

[Shakermaker Promotions]

Well, I am sure Darren or Shaun would be able to make better comments than me as they have used it a lot more and I am still new to it.

On first impressions though - The Denon software is spot on. The Cortex software (database) wouldn't start up on some occasions and I would have to re-start my laptop. The Denon software is very easy to use (as is the Cortex when it is working).

I've heard people comment on the size of the screen on the Denon being too small but I didn't have any problems with it tonight. I prefer the bright blue Cortex screen but it's not that important. I was speaking to someone today who said that one of the future updates for the Denon will be that you can go full screen mode on each side when that side is selected.

The Denon has on board effects - The Cortex doesn't. I know it sounds wierd but when I was using the Cortex, it felt like I was just selecting tracks, cueing them up and playing them and to be honest, anyone can do that. With the Denon it actually feels like you are doing more but it's still easy. Mixing is easy as there's a BPM counter on the screen and..well, to me it's like using a table top CD Player or dare I say it....a Technics 1210 only you aren't using CD's or vinyl.

I never ever thought I would embrace the digital form of DJing and I will stick to my guns when it comes to laptops as they just aren't my thing but why oh why didn't I get one of these when they first came out!?? D'oh!

[Tom]

So I take you have a Denon then. It's a boy's toy really. :lol:

It's good to see that you trust the digital way so far. :D:D:D :)

[CRAZY K]

Ok heres my 2ps worth again:rolleyes:

Glad to hear your back on track Shakermaker--confidence is the key to success.:thumbs_up:

All I will say is if you want a very simple play out system ( which is all I need)
with no frills I have found the Cortex to be a winner.

I have seen Steves Denons and yes they are far superior in terms of facilities, knobs, bells, whistles--

I think the issue is what it always was--price.

Pay more get more--you still get from A to B if you own a Ford Mondeo or a Mercedes.

But I dont consider long term reliability to be a factor to choose one against the other--both are unproven in the short term i.e one year or so they have been available.

You choose :D

CRAZY K

[Twinspin]

Welcome to the Club Gary.

The Denon kit is the best. Been a Denon user myself for a while and they are spot on.