opinions on gear I'm trying to get

Hi Roberto,

I think the Pioneer DDJ-SX2 is an excellent choice, I’am also considering it as an upgrade from my current Traktor Kontrol S2 and looking forward to giving Serato a try even though I do like Traktor Pro (However there is a .tsi mapping available).

As for your laptop with 8GB ram I think that should be just fine, you may consider upgrading the hard drive to an SSD if you haven’t already (I would recommend Samsung EVO SSD Series) from a reliability/performance point of view.

With regards to monitors, I have read a lot of good feedback/reviews on the JBL LSR305s (~US$300/Pair) and those are the monitors I’m planning to get in the future. They even have a sub-woofer (LSR310S) which is designed to be used with them (sold separately). A sweet simple setup for mixing/production in a home/bedroom studio.

Best Regards,
Chris

@Roberto,

While the SX2 is a great controller (I have the SX), I wouldn’t say it’s a great beginners/starter controller. You might consider getting something a bit more basic in features (still plenty good enough to get you through your start). You could even consider getting something used and you can upgrade as soon as you feel ready.

The SX2 is pro-level controller that comes with all the bells and whistles. The big risk here is getting drawn into using all it’s functions and exploring all those, maybe becoming a bit overwhelmed by all the buttons that aren’t necessary for “basic” DJ-ing, rather than spending time (lots of it) practicing those basics. It’s like driving a car, you get a decent car to learn to drive and you don’t step into a Ferrari to do that. It’s a way better driving experience, once you understand and have practiced a certain level of driving skills.

The AV40s are ok if you are on a very tight budget. The JBLs I haven’t heard, so can’t comment. KRK 5s or – better still – 6s are somewhat of the mainstay of low end monitoring. You can go cheaper but “you get what you pay for” starts to kick in hard. The KRKs also have a subwoofer available. The 6s are the better choice imho, as they have a bit more presence in the low end.
Another option is getting a set of small (used) PA speakers, 10″ or so, which you can also use to play out a friends parties and such. A valuable place to learn the OTHER DJ-skill, knowing what comes next (a.k.a. track selection). Alternatively there are very nice semi-portable PAs consisting of 10 or 12″ subs with two small tops. Also great for playing out, yet compact enough to sit in your practice room. And they look a lot cooler than AV40s 😀

@Christopher

I’d personally not go for the SX2 with Traktor. Upgrading from the S2 would be to the S4 or S8. Traktor is really not being very supportive anymore of other manufacturers gear. Who knows what happens with that when a new version comes out (3.0?).

+1 on the SSD, although I’d personally spend the extra money and get the Samsung Pro version.

Just my two cents, as usual.