Now, i'm just a beginner myself, and can easily beat match on any machine and i also used to work in "turnkey", in the DJ department.
There are many beginner decks around, but none i feel of the same quality as the PD1's. Most entry level decks feel as though they are made of tin, but these feel solid. They're weighty and also look great. All the bits from the target light to the start button feel well made, and i've had mine for about 3 years now, and they have not let me down once. Ignore what the "snobs" might tell you about getting some proper decks, with faster pick up and brake speeds, more torque etc. Thats why THOSE decks cost £300-400 each, and these cost £170 each; even cheaper when you go for a package deal.
These are a seriously fantastic compromise! In regards to the word "entry-level" (words...), there seems to be a mist that clouds the fact...they usually mean "just short of useless" or more formally, BASIC. I guarantee that any newbie will find these decks more than just about useful. They'll serve you well for about two years till you can comfortably mix two records without any hiccups as if playing a single record continuously.
The start-up speed on the platter is not gonna blow your mind but still quick. Check the Vestax pdx2000s if you wanna see what "blow your mind" means! To tell you the truth, the platter picks up not much slower then the legendary Technics 1200s/1210s. The difference is in the torque. Make sure you have a soft touch! Besides, anyone who thinks that they should be able to plonk their index digit on a record full force, should seriously consider another profession/hobby. One thing is for sure, the PD1's will force you to be light and accurate when touching the vinyl, and there's absolutely nothing wrong with that. So, simply put, you get enough torque from this motor; certainly not a lack of it. The braking speeds are good too, but then I always use my hand to stop my records DEAD. I think the only problem with these decks is that the pitch control is not entirely accurate. But these are not pro-decks, so I'm sorry to say, but you're gonna have to learn to keep the tunes in time manually now and again. After about 40 secs, once you've matched the beats using the pitch slider, you'll notice that your mix will slowly sync out of time. I've always, got around this by just touching the vinyl (speed it up or slow it down EVER SO SLIGHLTY...no lead touches!!), or using the record spindle in the middle of the platter (the silver metal stub!!) to just control the mix. C'mon, Dj'ing is a "skill" after all! So that's a downside i suppose, but the only decks that will offer you solid pitch control and sustain are the professional range. And unless you're a pro, why spend £800 upwards "trying" your hand at dj'ing???
Other than that, the Citronic PD1's are seriously a good pair of decks. No problems with sound output terminals (????), or cheap buttons, wobbly platters. If you find that these problems occur THEN TAKE THEM BACK!! You wouldn't keep a brand new car with an oil leek would you??? Ask yourself why they are the best selling entry level decks around. The same reason why the Technics are the best selling decks altogether-because they are the best!
So to sum up, the only complaints you'll get about these decks are from people used to using professional top of the range turntables. In which case you have to ask them, "why are you using/buying entry level decks to do what only the Technics' can do???????????". If you're new to the scene and you need a pair of sturdy reliable decks to begin your trade/hobby, then there are none better for the price, than the Citronic PD1 turntables. Don't just ask me, read the mags, and ask the people who know, DJs.