Pros and Cons of Front-Loading or "Slot" cd decks.

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Sounds To Go

Sounds To Go

DJ
Dec 22, 2008
2,473
12
50
Roseville, CA
www.sounds2go.com
I have been using a dual cd deck with trays since I started over here, and it's time to upgrade units.

Are there any cons to switching to a unit that uses slot-loading instead of trays?

Anyone have negative experiences with this type of deck?

Without ever even using one, it just seems to me it might tend to increase the risk of scratches to discs when loading and unloading, even if not when the deck is "grabbing" the disc, but that may be well off-base.

Any comments/experience?
 
I like them,,,, don't know about the scratching deal... never had a problem...

I don't like the drawers because they are to easy to hit in the heat of things and knock outa wack...
 
My guess (based upon my experience), is that you'll get more scratches on trays...

On the other hand, slot loads seem scary to me -- where did it go -- how do I get it out -- it's like a black hole :sqerr:
 
I used to have some Numark front loaders with trays. The cd tray would shut on the cd if you didn't get it in in time. Nope never had a problem with cds sticking with the front loads. I have a pair of the
Denon DNS 1200's.
 
SoftJock Rick said:
My guess (based upon my experience), is that you'll get more scratches on trays...

On the other hand, slot loads seem scary to me -- where did it go -- how do I get it out -- it's like a black hole :sqerr:
Click to expand...

I really don't think either one is more scratch prone than the other, but I agree with Rick about the "Black Hole". I've had a disc or two held on me- not good.

Though I prefer tray loaders, I have also slammed into and broken a tray in my time. Still I prefer to risk this than go with another slot loader.

Now that you bought it up, I'm racking my brain trying to remember the brand- which ended up violently thrown in a parking lot dumpster. It's driving me nuts....and it also reminds me that it wasn't the best of quality to begin with...
 
I agree about wondering if I'm going to see my disc again with the slot load, however it seems faster to me. I'm using a Pioneer CMX3000.
 
We've used both types for years and prefer the front-stuffer design. Ours is a Pio CMX-5000. We've yet to have an issue with it thus far.

Actually we've used the top loader design as well... the Gemini decks we had were top loading. The decks left much to be desired but I absolutely loved that top loading design. You could almost throw a disc into it and it would center up. Slap the lid shut and off ya went. :)

For the reasons stated here, I do not care for tray loaders. I've broken the trays while they were extended by accidently hitting them with my hand. And I used to drop CDs a lot when using tray loaders. Repositioning CDs in my hands was what caused me to drop them. The design isn't ergonomic for what DJs are doing. I suspect this is why the front-stuffers are becoming more common.

With the front-stuffer design, the disc is partially ejected. It's very easy and quick to grasp the CD without touching the data area because of ergonomics. Your hand is in a vertical position and you've got a good grasp on the disc. You don't have to twist your wrist nor reposition the disc in your hand to replace it in a sleeve or jewel case.

With the tray loading design, you have to use your hand like a crane. You have to extend your hand horizontally, open your fingers and grasp the disc with the tips of your fingers. Hopefully you've got a good grip on it. Then you've gotta lift the disc from the tray, rotate your wrist, reposition the disc in your hand then replace it in a sleeve or case.

Hope this helps. :)
 
I actually started with a toploader. Worked fine....but not for long. Got another- same thing. I love them, but I just don't think they're built to stand up to pro use for long. Either the door itself, or the "closed" sensor....
 
Fred Stewart said:
Repositioning CDs in my hands was what caused me to drop them. The design isn't ergonomic for what DJs are doing. I suspect this is why the front-stuffers are becoming more common.

With the front-stuffer design, the disc is partially ejected. It's very easy and quick to grasp the CD without touching the data area because of ergonomics. Your hand is in a vertical position and you've got a good grasp on the disc. You don't have to twist your wrist nor reposition the disc in your hand to replace it in a sleeve or jewel case.

With the tray loading design, you have to use your hand like a crane. You have to extend your hand horizontally, open your fingers and grasp the disc with the tips of your fingers. Hopefully you've got a good grip on it. Then you've gotta lift the disc from the tray, rotate your wrist, reposition the disc in your hand then replace it in a sleeve or case.

Hope this helps. :)
Click to expand...

Pinky finger............. that is what the little hole is for!
 
I use a Denon 9000, this unit has the drawers and I also use the Pioneer CDJ 1000 this one has the front load. I never had a problem with either one.

I like the trays. In the dark you can find it easier for loading than a front loader because of the bright blue light above the tray.

I base my deck buying decisions on the quality of the deck not really on the loading mechanism. Either way you should be fine with either choice.
 
With the trays you have a separate command/control unit which you can rack mount horizontally, the tray is mounted vertically and slides out horizontally. Whereas, with the slots you have to almost have it table top or if the disc is inderted horizontally, then the controls are vertical. Does that make sense? I do not have to worry about that because I am all digital. however my CD Player is an American Audio and it has the controller mounted horizontally facing up and the drawers vertically.
 
Sounds To Go said:
I know a couple of you have said you use the Pioneers... any feedback/experience on the Denons? Pros & Cons?
Click to expand...

This is my first time using Denon and I have to say...I wish I would've done it sooner. I love the DNS 1200s. Plus they can hold up to 50,000 MP3's each. The updates are sent to your email from which you can download them on a flashcard and transfer them to your cd units.
 
Chuck The DJ said:
I like them,,,, don't know about the scratching deal... never had a problem...

I don't like the drawers because they are to easy to hit in the heat of things and knock outa wack...
Click to expand...
Chuck's experiences are similar to mine.

In club environments, the drawers were a frequent nuisance and problem source. even the top loading Pioneer CDJ 700s gave me problems after extended use.

Never had an issue with my CDJ1Ks regarding the slot loading mechanism.
 
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