Here’s Phil Morse’s ranking of the 8 best All-in-One of 2025. We can guess the number 1 right away, lol. According to him, the P4 Plus is aging. I’m a little shocked, given the number of feature updates made since 2019 by Denon. Still, the aging product inspired the other brand. Just saying!
The size of the 7.5" jog wheels would have been great, or maybe 8" would have been great with adjustable hardness.
The ability to switch between two decks in software mode with SDJ Pro or other software, in addition to two standalone decks, without interruption.
The repairability aspect: easier access to the faders for easier replacement in case of breakage or wear.
And then, I think we’ll have a more comparable and less outdated product compared to the AZ.
We know that it’s missing a few little things in terms of functionality, but it’s ahead in other areas, and it’s not over yet.
In fairness though, the AZ is worthy of the top spot at present, its the most modern device available with some very good features. He did also say the top 2 there’s ‘nothing much in it’ but alluded to the overall design of the 4+ as being older, which it is in reality, a paint job and an amazon chip were’nt exactly groundbreaking updates.
It’s the same for the XDJ-AZ, it’s an updated version of the XZ with a larger screen, an added Tidal streaming platform, and SonicLink for headphones + Bluetooth on inputs 3 & 4.
Another difference between the AZ and the XZ is that it’s a standalone 4-deck system, a revolution, lol. It also includes an update to the jog wheels between the two products. So I don’t see a modern product, sorry, except for the SonicLink.
Taking into account some other features though, it has EQ for the Master out (which many here complain about lacking on our gear). The FX section is pretty well featured with the x-pad and FX frequency, the jog screens are vastly superior to anything else on the market, you can flip between functions without downtime (laptop to USB and back). It also has stuff like jog wheel feel adjust (something i wish i had on my Prime 2).
As for the Master Out EQ, if users all bought their own music, they wouldn’t have to adjust the bass/mid/treble frequencies… and would be happy with the trims on each deck lol.
This is the criticism I indicated in “2”,
As for the X-Pad and FX, realizing that it’s mainly a combination, I use them very, very rarely, so on that front… I won’t say anything; it’s not important to me!
You need to view it from a market perspective rather than a ‘my personal thoughts’ perspective. Taking all our own biases and preferences out of it, and viewing it impartially from how general DJs will look at things, that machine ticks a lot of current boxes for what those people need, whilst also being a product of the ‘industry standard’ brand.
Phil will have factored all this into his thoughts, and based on that i dont see anything wrong with his list, the Prime 4+ still ranked number 2 out of 10 products.
Except that the stand doesn’t exist lol It’s mainly product placement! If it’s a standard for DJs, is there a standard for car DJs, smartphone DJs, the type of woman or guy DJs…? lol People need to stop using this word “Standard”!
Ah well, apart from the old stuff in the closet behind Phil, it’s nearly all Pio (or ElfaTetta) in full view. He could have put two SC6000’s on the stands and a current Reloop turntable+mixer set beneath that, but he didn’t as it’s about all-in-ones right? All fine. I choose what’s best for me and I don’t have to run a DJ school to earn a living either… Next!
After reading the blog post I’m not totally sure how the XDJ-AZ beat out the Prime 4+ in Phil’s own opinion.
From the post on the Prime 4+:
What you lose in “industry standard” layout and looks, you gain in power and cutting-edge features with Denon DJ’s flagship all-in-one – this is undoubtedly the most technologically advanced unit here.
Is the “industry standard” layout really worth an extra $1000? You’re also giving up some features like the stems playback and sampler.
I think the XDJ-AZ is probably the best in some DJ hardware category but not as a standalone IMO. Maybe if I was planning to switch to CDJs one day but if I’m in the market for a standalone system, the Prime 4+ is the way to go.
Now that I’ve gassed you up Denon DJ, can I have a free Prime 4+? lol jk… unless
Whether we like it or not, that ‘standard’ layout is a thing isn’t it. It’s why there’s literally thousands of comments all over social media and forums about the very subject.
I’m not here to shill for AlphaTheta as generally I can’t stand them or their products, they are the Sony of DJ world. But sometimes we just have to face reality. I love Fujifilm cameras but I’m realistic enough to recognise they will never be the ‘standard’
