I will stand up and say how much I agree with any comment on the price of Pioneer DJ equipment. Yep - it's a joke that's worn out. The gear is overpriced.

But I must say, as a user of Pioneer equipment - I have no complaints.

I just hope that the new rival companies products are cheaper than Pioneers - and give them a run for their money. Maybe then, the prices will be brought in-line and make them more affordable.

They (Profiteer) DO however seem to be learning, judging by the huge drop in price on the DMP-555, however, since this was their only MP3 player, the price drop may be related to them stating that they were turning their back on the MP3 market, due to the legal implications. If this is the only reason why they're dropping the DMP-555, then it seems a shame that they're only focusing on the negative side of MP3.

Sure, there are lots of illegal/legally grey MP3's around, however, even the big highstreet names are already providing 100% legal MP3's eg: HMV downloads, and Woolworths Digital Service. On the Promo side of things, DJinthemix.com have been providing promo MP3's of up & coming tunes for several months now. All legal, with nothing "shady" about them at all.

The huge cashbacks on Pioneers CDJ range also show just how much profit was on the original price. You can be sure that they're not "losing out" even at the Cashback prices.

Theres no doubt that the hardware which Pioneer utilise is good, and fairly robust (except CDJ-800/1000 platters, which have flightcase conflicts). The software side of things has given users plenty of unusual hiccups over the years though.

With the historic software issues, and regular price drops, I would suggest to anyone thats looking at Pioneer gear, not to get anything from them in the first couple of years of launch, let 'em work the bugs out, and drop the price a few times first.

Theres nothing worse than buying something one day, and seeing it half price only a short time later.

On the mixer front, the new DN-X1500 will certainly give Pioneer a reason to drop the price on the DJM-600, which is coming up for a half a decade old now. The DN-X1500 (Expected: January UK) offers more features, better options, cleaner audio output, and all at a lower price tag.

Pioneers press release, later this month regarding their new DJ DVD CD-deck...(DVDJ-1000 maybe) should show whether or not they've truely taken users comments on-board about pricing.

Watch out don't get gary started with pionner i own a pair on pioneer 500s and a djm 500 mixer both have done me proud and when i got them i managed to get a good price they have also recived a good sell on value as i am upgrading to a denon setup i already have 1 dns 5000

Glug!

That's ok, I've had my little say now.

Robust on the outside, squidgy software on the inside, and priced as if they were the only CD-deck on the market.

Can't argue with Gary's comments about the flightcase probs.

Solved mine for now with the 1000IIs, but not 100% happy.

I'm interested in the Technics player. Any news yet Gary on price?

Price on the Techs was a confusing issue at Plasa, where I managed to call in a favour or two, and get about 20 minutes play on them, together with a couple of hi res shots.

Price was hinted at approx £700 each, but only(!) £650 ish for the dark grey finish ... if ever launched.

Technics, i hear, have postponed launch of either model, due to "changes". Hopefully, this will include a lot more features, better "record" template holding, and a less "proud" display hump in the middle of the platters working area.

The Technics is shiny, but offers nothing (except the motorised platter) which a cd deck of 4 years ago offers. Oh but it sure is shiny....