Audio quality of CD DJ decks?

[Andy Grange]

I was just wondering whether anyone had compared the sound quality of a normal CD player to that of a CD DJ deck? At the moment I don't have a bespoke CD player, but have a couple of Pioneer CDJ 1000 Mk3 decks. These are linked into a Pioneer DJM 700 mixing desk, with an old Marantz amp and Mordaunt Short bookshelves completing the kit.

I'll be getting a new amp and speakers at some point in the near future, but was just wondering where these decks would sit compared to a standalone CD player. Would they be comparable to say a £100 CD player, or perhaps something a bit more expensive? I know Pioneer are a well thought of brand, but the decks are obviously designed for something more than just listening to music.

Has anyone ever managed to make a comparison? Thanks

 

[Anonymous]

Comparing sound equipment is harder than most people imagine...

Sound quality from digital sources depends on the DAC anyway. Your decks have digital output, leaving the D/A conversion to your mixer. I don't know how well it does the job, but I doubt the internal DAC in a cheap CD player would do it better. Whether a reasonably prized external DAC would, I can't say.

The only reason for buying a new, cheap CD player, would be the convenience of remote control etc. But then it's even more convenient to drop the CD's altogether, and rip your music to hard drive.