This time out we are going to compare two Pioneer DJ powerhouses. The CDJ vs XDJ machines.
When it comes to being a DJ, the reality is that cash is most definitely king. For most beginners in the industry, you’re pretty much fighting for the best of the worst when it comes to your DJ gear. Even if you’ve got the cash and can afford something a little better, you’re probably not going to splurge on a high-end piece of equipment unless you’re sure you even want to commit to being a DJ.
This is a very common dilemma and often means settling for something that’s only “pretty good” before slowly building up to bigger and better equipment over time. However, That is just a part of the learning process
Luckily, after you’ve managed to build yourself up, learned your trade more, and can afford some of the higher-quality DJ gear, the world is kind of your oyster. This opens you up to a whole new world of problems, namely, what product do you want to get? And nowhere is this such a clear question as when it comes to the two impressive and wholly popular items from Pioneer DJ, the Pioneer DJ CDJ, and the Pioneer DJ XDJ lines.
Easily regarded as one of Pioneer DJ’s most commonly seen products along the professional circuit, the CDJ and XDJ are considered gold-standard choices that any DJ that’s serious about their craft will think about implementing into their performance.
So then, CDJ vs XDJ, which one of the two is the better option?
While both have many similarities, they definitely have their fair share of differences as well. As such, though it’s impossible to objectively say which one is the better of the two, by going over and breaking down the different features offered, as well as their specific strengths and weaknesses, you can make the decision on which of the two is best for you and help you the most when performing.
CDJ vs The XDJ: Our Comparison
Pioneer DJ’s CDJ and XDJ are both DJ player lines created by the juggernaut Pioneer DJ brand. While both excel in their respective fields, when pitted against one another, there are a lot of differences that can begin to emerge between the two.
CDJs Have A Higher Sound Quality
One thing about Pioneer DJ’s CDJs is that they are considered to have very high sound quality. With higher sound quality, CDJs sound better and provide a superior listening experience. It is because of this improved quality and brilliant user experience that so many professionals around the world use Pioneer DJ’s gear in the first place.
CDJs Are A More Complete Option
While both systems have a fairly complete setup, CDJs have a much more rugged and well-established design to them, with actual buttons when compared to the XDJ’s more digital style and setup. Most modern CDJs offer DJs the ability to perform with either a digital screen or with physical buttons, which can hardly be said when it comes to the XDJs. They are very much more dependent on touchscreens.
Some CDJs also offer the use of CDs as well as SD cards to play music. This is in addition to the use of USB and computer features, ultimately meaning that CDJs offer a wider variety of media options. So, if you’ve still got a ton of CDs in your home, you can rest assured that, if you’re using a CDJ, you can still make use of them.
CDJs Are Much More Expensive
For one, when it comes to CDJs, regardless of the brand or particular line, they are almost always going to be some of the more expensive options to play with, especially when talking about the higher-quality options. This, however, becomes even more of a thing when you consider that Pioneer DJ’s CDJ line takes that sentiment and cranks it to a whole new level of pricey – often being regarded as one of the most expensive pieces of DJ equipment gear out there.
One of the reasons for this is because many A-list DJs can be seen using these decks (sometimes four at a time), adding heavily to the prestige and notoriety that surrounds it. As a result, you can often find yourself dropping well over five thousand dollars for these players. And, while I think that’s a bit of an exaggeration on the price tag, I may be more in the minority here, as many people are happily willing to make that investment.
Suffice to say, while there is a lot of popularity surrounding these players, if you’re looking for something that’s a bit more budget-friendly, you’ll have better luck with the XDJ.
XDJs Have A Better Cost Value
One aspect that can’t be overstated is that, between the two, the XDJ is markedly a better overall value for money between the two – even if we’re talking about entirely standalone players. Not only are XDJ players cheaper, but many also have a built-in mixer. This means that you’re going to spend less money, both on the front end as well as later on down the line. Some models will even have a full version of some DJ software already included; something that probably won’t be the case when we’re talking about a CDJ.
There’s also the fact that Pioneer DJ’s XDJs is known for having a much steeper depreciation curve when squared against their CDJs. This means that, because of the difference in build quality, you’re going to have a much easier time finding a good second-hand XDJ player compared to a CDJ player, especially if you’re on a budget but still interested in getting something that’s on the cutting-edge of DJ equipment.
So, Which Is Better?
After seeing what either player offers their respective DJ, you may have concluded as to which is the better option for you. Have you? And, while it is indeed impossible to say which is “objectively” the best option (since both have their strengths and weaknesses), the reality is that, if you’re looking to take your DJing seriously, you’re going to want to invest in a CDJ. However, the one drawback is that you will need deep pockets!
Yes, they are the more expensive option of the two, but that’s not by accident. In exchange for that higher price tag, you’re getting more complete and more varied DJ equipment with a much higher level of sound quality. They are the top of the tree.
What If I Can’t Afford A CDJ?
If money is a factor for you, or you’re just starting, the CDJ shouldn’t be your starting point. The fact of the matter is that you’re going to be dropping some serious cash on a quality set of CDJs. That’s right. I said “set”. CDJs are generally sold at their exorbitant prices separately. This means, if you’re paying a grand for a CDJ, you’re going to need to pay another grand to get a matching CDJ. And this isn’t even talking about the mixer you’ll need to get (also sold separately and hardly a cheap option).
As you can see, for as good as the CDJ is, it’s only good if you’ve got the income to warrant purchasing it. If you’re not already a professional or have decided to take this seriously enough to warrant a high investment, you’re much better off getting the XDJ. Not only are they going to be cheaper overall, but many include their built-in mixer.
Put simply, if money is an issue, you’re going to want to go ahead and get an XDJ. If, however, you’ve got the funds to justify it, or are willing to take your career as a DJ seriously, you’ll want to go ahead and take the plunge and get one of the higher quality CDJ Pioneer options.
What About The DDJs
If you keep up with Pioneer DJ’s different players, you’ll probably be aware of their most recent line of controllers known as the DDJs. We have reviewed loads of them and most of them are insanely good.
These beginner-friendly controllers already have a built-in mixer while also being much more affordable than either the CDJ or the XDJ.
No, you aren’t going to get as many of the same options as you would for either of the other alternatives, but you will get many of the core essentials. Especially if you’re a starting DJ and want to slowly learn about the different features offered, the DDJ is the perfect option available for getting your feet wet.
Another aspect of the DDJ that makes it a compelling buy is that, because it’s also a Pioneer DJ device, it’s going to be made at the same rugged quality level build when compared to any of the other XDJs and CDJs. The durability of Pioneer DJ gear is simply astonishing.
You aren’t going to get something that feels so much like plastic or like something made super cheaply.
Pioneer DJ DDJ 1000: The
CDJ vs XDJ: The Verdict
When it comes to picking out viable media players, there are a lot of things you’ll want to keep in mind, the most important of which is the price of the product as well as what it offers to justify that price.
Both the CDJ as well as the XDJ offer viable uses that make them worthy considerations, with neither of them being an all-around objectively superior option over the other. Still, there is a clear distinction in quality between the two, with the CDJ coming out as the clear winner.
If you are someone that has the money to invest in the CDJ, it’s the best option for any DJ that wants to take their career to the next level. If you are someone that wants a solid device but doesn’t have the money for it, the XDJ is a great option and gives enough good that it’s worth the buy. If you are just starting, and don’t want to burn too much cash on either option, but still want something that works well, consider checking out the DDJ.
There is a great option no matter what your financial set point is. You just need to know what you want, what you’re willing to spend, and how important certain features are compared to others.
Don’t forget, that we also have reviews on a whole array of CDJ, XDJ, and DDJ machines in the DJ GEAR section of our website. Or you can simply use the search bar feature to find a specific piece of kit.
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