Urgent - Compare Alesis DM-5 Pro Drum Kit and OSP DD-502 Digital Drum Syst

[gator47]

Help! I wish to purchase an good quality electronic drum kit which allows headphones for practicing for a new drummer (lessons for 6 mos) for under $800 in time for Christmas. Also, I prefer regular or mesh heads, not rubber.

On EBay, I've found several vendors that offer the OSP DD-502 Digital Drum System for $400 or the same thing with 30 watt drum amp/monitor and drum stool for $580 including shipping. I also read on this forum that several other manufacturers have the same or similar kit as OSP. The OSP DD-502 offers 215 sounds and 20 drum sets.

Also on EBay, I've found several vendors that offer the Alesis DM-5 Pro Drum Kit with the DM-5 Module for $599 including shipping. This does not include a kick pedal, drum amp/monitor or drum stool. The Alesis DM-5 offers 540 sounds and 21 drum sets.

Both kits appear to have regular or mesh heads, not rubber.

I'm leaning towards purchasing the Alesis DM-5 Pro as it offers over twice as many sounds and they've been in business for 15+ years and I'm not familiar with OSP.

I assume that an amp/monitor is needed to hear the drums unless headphones are used. Is this correct?

I would appeciate any and all feedback! I'll await your replies prior to ordering.

Thanks,

Lee

[OverLord]

The sound module on the DD-502 is pretty crappy. The DM-5 is older technology, but still pretty cool. I would lean toward the Alesis myself. Remember at the time, the DM-5 was a Pro unit and was used by stage and studio drummers.

A 30 watt amp is almost useless. Good headphones would sound a whole lot better.

Free kick pedals are also usually worth it. i.e. worth nothing! Spend a fewbucks to get a decent pedal or use one you already have.

[gator47]

Thanks for the feedback Overlord! What would you consider the least expensive decent amp? Would some noise cancelling headphones work best? Any particular suggestions? Are double kick pedals worthwhile?
Later gator.

[OverLord]

First, I think a good pair of headphones is the first thing you need after getting an eKit. You don't need to get expensive noise-cancelling ones either. $100 or less will do. I recommend the Sony MDR-7506 or the Audio Technica ATH-M40fs. These headphones have a flat response. Some people like a hyped bass to get them more of a thump. The ATH-D40 is like that. They will usually be labelled "extended bass" or something like that.

Amps are a whole 'nother discussion. Most of the problems with dedicated eDrum amps is that they are way underpowered. To get a decent volume out of them you have to push them to the point of distortion. I personally like keyboard amps and/or small powered PA speakers. My minimum requirement is a 15" woofer and 100 watts of power or more. But these can get expensive. If you do a search of the forums over at www.vdrums.com you will see tons of discussion about the subject.

As for double pedals. They are great if you are doing double pedal stuff. No other way to do it! Heh. If you are planning on playing jazz, its probably a waste of time. If you are planning on playing death metal, it's required.