The CDJ1000 MK3 is the industry standard CD turntable, without question. New models from Denon and Technics are closing that gap, but they’re yet to seriously challenge the CDJ1000’s crown. However, this quality comes at a price, at £750 a pop, they’re not cheap. What we need is a slimmed down version that retains the CDJ1000’s key features (Vinyl Emulation, MP3 Playback, rock solid dependency) yet at a more affordable price.

Enter the CDJ800 MK2 the reigning champs little brother. Built around Pioneers instantly recognisable, adjustable jog wheel technology, the CDJ800 takes the best bits from the Pioneer CD Player range and adds a few new ones (CD Text, Folder Search, Quick Resume Play, there’s even a short looping function). The display is bright and informative and the buttons are clearly laid out, even a complete novice can get to grips with it’s controls in just a few hours.

If I had to grumble it would be over the lack of Wave display, allowing you to see exactly when that breakdown will arrive. I think that if Pioneer had added this feature then there really wouldn’t be much reason to pay the extra £200 for the CDJ1000s. Other players, such as those from Denon do come loaded with more gadgets but do you really, really need SD memory cards and gold connectors? Unless your names Sasha or Digweed chances are you probably don’t.

With the CDJ800 MK2 Pioneer have filled the gap in the market for a quality player at an affordable price. Buy a pair today and you won’t regret it, not even for a second.