Numark CDN88

[OllieJames]

Hello Everyone!

I'm on the look out for a new set of CD players and use my KAM's as my backup. Idealy, i'd like something with FX and 'Key Lock'.

I came across the Numark CDN88 (http://www.dv247.com/invt/49378/) and it looks pretty impressive from the videos on youtube. Has anyone had any experience of these CD players? Reliability etc

Cheers,
Ollie

[djpapastu]

Hi Ollie,

Funny you should mention these cd players as I've just sold a pair today, albeit they did need attention.

The effects on them are quite good, you can do some good flanger/phaser type effects if you're into mixing, and yes they do have pitch lock, although its not the best pitch lock I've used.

I'd had mine for around 6 years I think, and the only problem i'd ever encountered was that the drawers didn't always open, unless you left a cd in the deck drawer, a problem that I've seen a few people mention on here before.

Only thing is they don't play mp3 cds, if they did then I think i'd still be using mine today.

Overall i'd say quite reliable and for the price you can get them for these days you won't go far wrong.


Stu

[BeerFunk]

I don't think it's those particular decks I've used, I'm sure it was the CDN-90. I found it slightly less than reliable - I had problems with the CD drawers, and the 'instant start', well, isn't :)

It's a pity, because otherwise they were impressive for the price.

[andyw]

we have the cdn 88 had no problems with it at all.

[OllieJames]

I don't think it's those particular decks I've used, I'm sure it was the CDN-90. I found it slightly less than reliable - I had problems with the CD drawers, and the 'instant start', well, isn't :)

It's a pity, because otherwise they were impressive for the price.

Thanks for the reply.

I really like the idea of the backspin facility & the FX that are built in. For younger crowds I think it'd work really well, so it's a shame about the mishaps you had :(

[OllieJames]

Hi Ollie,

Funny you should mention these cd players as I've just sold a pair today, albeit they did need attention.

The effects on them are quite good, you can do some good flanger/phaser type effects if you're into mixing, and yes they do have pitch lock, although its not the best pitch lock I've used.

I'd had mine for around 6 years I think, and the only problem i'd ever encountered was that the drawers didn't always open, unless you left a cd in the deck drawer, a problem that I've seen a few people mention on here before.

Only thing is they don't play mp3 cds, if they did then I think i'd still be using mine today.

Overall i'd say quite reliable and for the price you can get them for these days you won't go far wrong.


Stu

Hi Stu, thanks for the feedback. Was the issue a regular issue, or did it start/happen out of the blue?


we have the cdn 88 had no problems with it at all.

Fantastic. Do you know what 'U' the control unit is? Cheers.

[DeckstarDeluxe]

only want cd players Ollie? YOu could use the money for these on laptop software and use that as a back up like I do. Its always plugged into my third channel so if someone requests a song which would work for the next track and you only got 30 seconds left of the current song its brilliant. IN fact its coming to the point the denons are back up to the laptop with numark cue

[spin mobile disco]

I used a pair of these for a few years. Had no problem and found them very easy to use. Plus when you buy a D2 they are almost identical layout so easy to switch over to digital:)

[JDB Entertainment]

Ollie

I had Numark CDN90 & 95 Decks and had nothing but hasssle with them, I had them replaced over 7 times.

Although I have not heard anything bad about the CDN88 although I do think it is a bit ugly!!!

The phasers, etc. are good fun, but I am sure adam from htfr will back me up in saying there is better CD Decks with effects on, but it depends on your budget.

James

[andyw]

Hi Stu, thanks for the feedback. Was the issue a regular issue, or did it start/happen out of the blue?



Fantastic. Do you know what 'U' the control unit is? Cheers.


3u

[OllieJames]

only want cd players Ollie? YOu could use the money for these on laptop software and use that as a back up like I do. Its always plugged into my third channel so if someone requests a song which would work for the next track and you only got 30 seconds left of the current song its brilliant. IN fact its coming to the point the denons are back up to the laptop with numark cue

Hey, Yeah - Just CD players. Am looking for a new pair as my main playoout, and use my KAMs as backup.


I used a pair of these for a few years. Had no problem and found them very easy to use. Plus when you buy a D2 they are almost identical layout so easy to switch over to digital:)

Cheers Matt :)


Ollie

I had Numark CDN90 & 95 Decks and had nothing but hasssle with them, I had them replaced over 7 times.

Although I have not heard anything bad about the CDN88 although I do think it is a bit ugly!!!

The phasers, etc. are good fun, but I am sure adam from htfr will back me up in saying there is better CD Decks with effects on, but it depends on your budget.

James

Hey James, I'm not fussed with the look to be honest as long as it has the functions i like :) I can't spend much, but i'm only looking to buy from a certain retailer, as my Dad's company have dealings with them - so could get a nice discount.


3u

Okay, cheers Andy.

[geoffrey]

I had the Numark CDN 95 or lets say 4 replacements in 8 months.
The problems I had was, CD failed to eject as and when.
CD failed to be recognised as and when. (Very worrying when you have only 30 seconds left to que up)
Back spin or reverse play mode caused a seized the whole unit. (Mic skills required when re starting)
Play buttons on one deck started as and when. (No mixing)
Track lock feature was just a gimmick.
CD was inserted and then it would suddenly eject itself and in reverse too.

I was lucky as I purchased mine from DJKIT and they replaced every unit until I sold it on EBay as dodgy for £70 after a year, so I lost £300 plus.

I personally due to my experience of a Numark CDN95 would not go near another.

Personal recommendations would be to save more money as you get what you pay for.

[OllieJames]

Seeing as Numark is being purveyed as unreliable, has anyone got any other suggestions for around the £300 - £400 mark? (will stretch to a bit more but REALLY don't want too). Would like the ability to use a backspin effect, as well as flangers/phasers etc & have a key lock feature. Although many of you will see it as cheating, I like the thought of the auto beat match feature too.

Any suggestions of units that fit that criteria are welcome.

[WWDJ]

The big players tend to be concentrating on either
a) Table Top CD/MP3 players
b) HD Controllers / Hard Disk based units

Of these I have used the CDJ400 which blows your budget but are excellent and do all the things you ask. Spinbacks and scratching are lovely and the built in effects are good too. Worth the money in my opinion if you want to stick to CD/MP3 CD. They will also read memory sticks, so load up a 4gb stick with all the favourites to save hunting for CD's

I have also used the HD2500. This has all the features you want, but is Hard Disk based. Brilliant for finding tracks, even without a keyboard it takes less than 15 seconds once you get used to it. Spinbacks=yes, Effects=Echo, Flange, Filter, Brake, Reverse, Master Tempo=Yes
Slightly over budget but a brilliant unit.

[djpapastu]

Hey Ollie,

In relation to the problems with the cd drawers on the CDN88 sticking, I can honestly say that the problem only started occurring after maybe 4 years of owning them, and i'd never had a single other problem with them, so in my opinion they were very reliable. Also, unlike other Numark cd players i've had, the cdn 88' s start up very quick, as good as Denons and pioneers when you hit the play button.

I only stopped using my CDN88's when I bought the Denon dnd-4500's, because I wanted to be able to play mp3 discs, so the Numarks went in the loft. Its probably my own fault that the drawers started sticking, possibly due to damp, as I didnt box them up! Fool I am!

The Denons were not as reliable, I seem to remember one night where i'd loaded a disc into the drawer and it would play, but then wouldn't let me eject it, so had to switch the unit back on and off to reset it, which got me a few boo's!

I'm using Pioneer CDJ1000's now :) and they've never played up, and touch wood they wont.

Stu

[OllieJames]

The big players tend to be concentrating on either
a) Table Top CD/MP3 players
b) HD Controllers / Hard Disk based units

Of these I have used the CDJ400 which blows your budget but are excellent and do all the things you ask. Spinbacks and scratching are lovely and the built in effects are good too. Worth the money in my opinion if you want to stick to CD/MP3 CD. They will also read memory sticks, so load up a 4gb stick with all the favourites to save hunting for CD's

I have also used the HD2500. This has all the features you want, but is Hard Disk based. Brilliant for finding tracks, even without a keyboard it takes less than 15 seconds once you get used to it. Spinbacks=yes, Effects=Echo, Flange, Filter, Brake, Reverse, Master Tempo=Yes
Slightly over budget but a brilliant unit.

Hiya,

Thanks for your reply :) I'm happy with sticking to just CDs for now, I may go digital at some point - but not entirely sure.


Hey Ollie,

In relation to the problems with the cd drawers on the CDN88 sticking, I can honestly say that the problem only started occurring after maybe 4 years of owning them, and i'd never had a single other problem with them, so in my opinion they were very reliable. Also, unlike other Numark cd players i've had, the cdn 88' s start up very quick, as good as Denons and pioneers when you hit the play button.

I only stopped using my CDN88's when I bought the Denon dnd-4500's, because I wanted to be able to play mp3 discs, so the Numarks went in the loft. Its probably my own fault that the drawers started sticking, possibly due to damp, as I didnt box them up! Fool I am!

The Denons were not as reliable, I seem to remember one night where i'd loaded a disc into the drawer and it would play, but then wouldn't let me eject it, so had to switch the unit back on and off to reset it, which got me a few boo's!

I'm using Pioneer CDJ1000's now :) and they've never played up, and touch wood they wont.

Stu

Hi Stu, Thanks for your reply!

The feedback i have recieved seems to summarise to;

The CDN 88 has been a reliable piece of kit for a few members, where as the newer models don't appear to be as reliable. I've been searching the net for 'horror stories' of the CDN88 and can't seem to find any major issues, bar the draw not opening. I take great care of all my kit, so I don't see the tray sticking to be an issue.

Cheers :)

[DJ James Lake]

Seeing as Numark is being purveyed as unreliable, has anyone got any other suggestions for around the £300 - £400 mark? (will stretch to a bit more but REALLY don't want too). Would like the ability to use a backspin effect, as well as flangers/phasers etc & have a key lock feature. Although many of you will see it as cheating, I like the thought of the auto beat match feature too.

Any suggestions of units that fit that criteria are welcome.

The CDN90 and 95 were duff models, the CDN88 is very reliable, most bars round your area have used them for years Ollie and still do as the beatlock feature can be found on any other player which made it very popular. I use one as a backup source when using timecode cds in my CDJ1000 mkIII's and have never had any issues.

[OllieJames]

The CDN90 and 95 were duff models, the CDN88 is very reliable, most bars round your area have used them for years Ollie and still do as the beatlock feature can be found on any other player which made it very popular. I use one as a backup source when using timecode cds in my CDJ1000 mkIII's and have never had any issues.

Hey James :)

Thanks for the reply, I've also had another suggestion from another forum member - which makes sense.

I've been recommended the Denon HC-4500 along with the BU-4500 draws. This means i can use it as a CD player, but then when I want to go digital i won't have the buy ANOTHER unit so can pay for ProDub. So although it's more than i wanted to pay out in the first place, it saves me from buying another unit later on in life.

What do you think?

[DeckstarDeluxe]

if you want to future proof yourself you could always as I previous said get a dac 3 controller plugged into a laptop?

£300-£400 on a dual cd player seems abit high?

[Tom]

if you want to future proof yourself you could always as I previous said get a dac 3 controller plugged into a laptop?

£300-£400 on a dual cd player seems abit high?

But Ollie uses CD's so the Denon controller and CD draws gives him the best of both worlds. He can use CD's and if and when he wishes to go over to digital, all he needs to do is play a laptop or computer in to the controller and job done.

[OllieJames]

But Ollie uses CD's so the Denon controller and CD draws gives him the best of both worlds. He can use CD's and if and when he wishes to go over to digital, all he needs to do is play a laptop or computer in to the controller and job done.

Yeah, exactly :) Thanks for your help Tom :)

[spin mobile disco]

The cdn-88 is defiantly the better choice I think,. The later models had problems as they where mp3 based but the cdn-88 was simply a very fast very reliable cd player with very good anti shock. I used a lot different cd plyers before buying my old 88's and once I had the 88's they were the last player I used before switching over to digital and was very sad to see them go. I used mine for 4 years without problems. I used to clean the laser every year to keep it clean due to playing a lot of smokey venues but I guess thats not a problem these days.

[DJ James Lake]

Ollie if you want to try the cdn88's I'm in daventry on thursday night doing a prom your welcome to come along. Will also have the CDJ1000s running timecode cds if you want to compare.