I can explain my experience here.
I moved from Traktor to Denon and I was also doubting moving to Pioneer, but all the technical reviews I got to handle, end up whith the same conclusion: Hardware is way better for Denon but main problems and I confirm as a Denon user, is software and not being the standard.
Not being the standard is not a problem to me as I’m a mobile DJ. I understand this is a limitation for clubs, festivals etc where you need to be familiar with the equipment in place. But hey, even in that case you can learn to use both systems with a little of practice and having used Denon, I don’t feel Pioneer is doing much to retain his crown. He took the position, did it well, but I can tell you Denon developments are way better.
The real problem to me is the software then. But I was aware of the limitations before jumping and I can live with them. I tell you what and why: As commented here, the bpm and grid analysis is low quality. No software does it perfect for all the tracks. Not even record box, and it’s a common agreement that Traktor has the more accurate algorithm (still not perfect). I would say that if Traktor is 99% correct, Recordbox 97% and Engine 91% (no real numbers just an estimation). Knowing that, why I moved to Denon?: 1) This can be easily fixed when you are listening and creating hotcues and ratings and tags for your tracks and you should always relay in your ears for beatmaching 2) I was aware that Denon did a mayor investment buying a software company to improve his recognised weak link. So it’s a question of time that this will be fixed.
On the other hand, Engine has this limitations but has improvements not found in Pioneer ecosystem (with all the respect for Pioneer and their users, all of this is my real experience moving from Traktor and comparing objectively I think both systems before deciding). For example, Engine really reads every type of library and imports it! I can see all the options (Recordbox, iTunes, …) but si only tested Traktor and it’s amazing. It took all my old Traktor library with hotcues and it works perfectly. In fact what I do is analyse the new tracks with Traktor adding them to Traktor accurate system, and then I open Engine and refresh the integration with Traktor adding the new ones already analysed. It’s an extra step to me but it allows me to play with Traktor if I want or I need (in case Denon equipment is broken, stolen, repairing etc). Also, it has other software advantages:
I use Soundswitch (bought by Denon) to control DMX lights. It’s really integrated, easy, powerful and cheap !
I can plug a new track in my Denon Prime 4 without needing a previous analysis with a computer. It analysis on the fly! Of course not the best in class analysis yet but ey, you have it to be able to jump, use time based effects, etc. If I’m not wrong, with Pioneer you need to do it with Recordbox first.
And with Denon my equipment is directly connected to internet to download any track from Tidal, SoundCloud and soon Beatport. Yes, you can do this using Recordbox… but this means using a Computer for that in your set. Really? XXI century equipment should be internet ready I think.
I hope this is useful for someone. I was not a Pioneer or Denon guy before, defending my position. I moved from Traktor and I had the opportunity to review check and test before deciding, and that was my conclusion: Pioneer is great quality and it took a well deserved first position in the market, but at least today, the progress of Denon is much solid although they will have it tough to take Pioneer out of his chair.
Regards everyone!!