Old Skool Scratch DJ needs help with new equipment!

I think you are on the right track. The Z2 is a fantastic mixer and great value now that the price has been slashed to $600 (probably means something new is coming). As you said, you can use it to mix your regular records and then when you get ready, DVS is right there ready to go. I’m not a turntablist so I don’t know how the RP4000 compares to a Tech 12xx, but Reloop as a brand has been very good. I know people really love the RP7000 & 8000. If you like Traktor, I say do it.

There are a lot of used Tech 1200s out there too, if you want to put some time in. I just bought two refurbished 1210s for just over $800 total.

I will also pose one alternative to Traktor or Serato on a laptop. If you already happen to own an iPad, an app called DJ Player supports DVS. I am using a small $250 mixer from Akai called an AMX, which also contains an audio interface (and the xfader is a mini Innofader). For a home/hobby setup, you can’t beat the price. (Note that the AMX is *not* a standalone analog mixer, so it will only work in a software-based setup. It was originally designed for Serato.)

If you still have your old set-up keep it and use that.. you can always buy a soundcard which comes with DVS software. I believe mixvibes is the cheapest.. I use Traktor Scratch Pro with a Traktor Audio 6 ad 1 Technics 1210mk5g and 1 Pioneer CDJ2000 at home. Serato is also supposed to be great for hip hop… I started DJing hip hop with vinyl too but now I play electronic music (I’m not a big fan of much hip hop after 2005).

I would suggest if you go DVS and you are coming from Hip-Hop go Serato. Hands down.
You can get the AKAI AMX and AFX combo, buy the Serato DVS pack and some 10 bucks control vinyls and you are a GO with a plug and play system.
As for turntables I would at least go for the reloop RP-7000 as the lower ends have a lot less momentum…

i just got my z2 yesterday, will be getting a second hand pair of technics on tuesday, thats when they real fun starts

but the mixer it self is amazing, even using it on its own with traktor and the keyboard short cuts is easy buns – cueing, playing, loops, effects. well worth the £400