OVERVIEW
The upgraded version of Pioneer's popular CDJ-800 digital vinyl turntable. The 800 was already gaining wide use for its unmatched combination of performance and price tag (it's basically the same as their top of the line CDJ-1000 player, just without some of the deluxe features), and this new model should continue to be the best value on the CD turntable market.

FEATURES
There are a few major differences between the CDJ-800MK2 and the CDJ-800 (which has now been discontinued), the most important being the ability to play mp3's. While the CDJ-800MK2 doesn't offer a USB connection or any other way to hook up to your computer, it is now capable of playing all mp3 files burned onto CDs. Another major improvement is with the unit's display features. You can now switch to "text mode" and get the artist name, track title or file name on the display, as well as perform a "folder search" during mp3 playback. The display is a higher resolution, closer to the surface for better viewing, and includes a few improvements on the jog wheel such as 45 degree angle markers. The jog wheel itself has also been altered from the original CDJ-800, featuring a "heavier" platter more similar to the CDJ-1000 and a new metallic finish. Lastly, the cue point memory has been increased from 500 on the old unit to 4000 on the new CDJ-800MK2.

Aside from that, the CDJ-800MK2 remains almost identical to the very successful CDJ-800. It features all the details that you need to successfully dj with cds, including perfect scratch performance, an excellent cue point system, auto beat loop functions and more.

OUR OPINION
While Pioneer hasn't made any drastic improvements to the CDJ-800, this is still an outstanding piece of equipment and the new features have really optimized the 800's performance. Please note that rather than being a piece that current CDJ-800 owners should upgrade to, this is aimed more at new customers and those looking to replace old units. Pioneer CDJ's are the most widely used cd turntables from clubs to studios to bedrooms, and it doesn't look like anyone will be taking them out soon. Their players are extremely easy to use, function more or less perfectly, and have great display functions (extremely important when dj'ing on cd players). For the price and the features, this is probably our most recommended cd turntable.

improvements over the CDJ-800
- mp3 support
- heavier jog wheel with new metallic surface
- improved jog wheel display
- 4000 cue point capability (compared to 500 on the old model)
- improved main display with text mode for easy track identification
- new metallic finish on buttons, jog wheel and pitch slider

- mp3 support
- heavier jog wheel with new metallic surface
- improved jog wheel display
- 4000 cue point capability (compared to 500 on the old model)
- improved main display with text mode for easy track identification
- new metallic finish on buttons, jog wheel and pitch slider
- vinyl mode offers perfect emulation of dj'ing with records, including scratching, back cueing and other manipulations
- 2 pitch control ranges: -/+10% and -/+100%
- master tempo - maintains pitch of the track even when you change the speed
- auto beat looping capabilities
- assignable cue points
- vinyl speed adjust plus touch/brake and release/start control
- reverse - instant reverse is controlled by a button
- multi-read format - can read CD, CD-R and CD-RW disks
- shock-proof memory and anti-vibration construction
- digital output - equipped with a switchable on/off digital output (phono) which can be utilized for studio use
- dimensions: 12" x 13.5" x 4.25"
- weight: 8.8 lbs

reviewed by mgmnt