I know ive missed this topic by a good month but feel the need to point out i think pioneers mixers are shite too.
I use the new Beringer VMX1000 cos its got adjustable crossfader curve, really smooth faders n volumes, gains that go -32db to +12db, and enough channels for me to have two mics, two cd decks, 2 vinyl decks and laptop all in at once. The spares are quite hard to get but seem to last loads longer than other mixers ive used.
In the last four years ive gone through only one beringer DMX500, (which does still actually work but has an obsolete crossfader. My DMX1000, and VMX1000 are still both 100%mint, and i rekon thats a good testament to their build quality as i fookin rag my equipment/mixers. Only cos im not just into digital media and scratch/mix hiphop, jungle etc too, im well impressed by them. I once broke about £500 quid of vestax scratch mixer in about four mixes.... crap build.
My house mates have gone through 3 pioneers DJM 300's in the last 6-8 months. The faders dont work and its generally the shoddiest built bit of kit ive ever laid my eyes on. Had pioneer kit fuck up on me at gigs several times. Crap digital processing.
Ive had the privelege of seeing inside most of these bits of kit (as my mate used to service and distribute them), hed get a tester order off the company, take it apart to check the quality of the components and then sell/distribute them as appropriate. Its got to the stage where he completely disregards any pioneer kit because of the aparent lack of build quality. (oh, while were on a vague topic, avoid the technics cd decks for the same reson)
But this links to my general arguament on ALL pioneers equipment, including cdj1000's.... Hastily designed, cheaply built, mass produced, commercial shit.
Good luck finding some kit that suits you. I decided a long time ago that i love the layout and build quality on Beringer mixers and Gemini decks. Neither has failed me yet in years of partying. I once even got my decks and mixer WET at an outdoor party. They were working again after about half an hour drying time, and dont even glitch. (still using same decks 18 months later)... (I dare any Pioneers pioneer to argue that theyd hold upto that kind of use??????)
Peace,
N