hey guys ... I am brand new to the whole djing aspect of this and I am looking for a good beginner package ... I have looked around and from what I can tell for my budget the Numark 111's seem to be the best beginner package ... any thoughts ?

I personally like Numark.  At least for those who can't afford an uber-clean sounding RANE or what not.

I've had pretty good reliablity with Numark.  My first Mixstation was defective out of the box. But I think Sam Ash sold me a return. No problems after that.  I'v'e owned 3 mixstations. My original, a second one that came with a case (case was free with mixer, re-sold mixer to friend).  And then later upgraded to a Mixstation2.. No problems.

I also have a CDN-88 and EM460 mixer w/KAOSS pad.  Only problem I've had was a small capacitor blew on one channel. Brought it to a local music equipment repair guy "Audio Nexus" in Connecticut. I highly recommend the guy if your in the area.  He fixed it for like $35.

That's over the past 6 yrs.  So I their fairly reliable. I loved the quality of the CDN-88 wheels.  Make all the other's I've used feel cheap.

I also like support Numark because I think they're innovative. They put out a TT that at least competes with Technics.  They brought in a lot of features. Early MP3, and hard drive DJ equipment.  Just seems to me that Numark is willing to look to tomorrow's needs. And I like that...

Wouldn't mind one of those new HDX players.   ;D

Now i wouldn't mind the new hybrid deck they're bringing out.

Check it here, its expensive - but its cool.

http://www.audiolinks.com/tek9/tek9.asp?pg=products&specific=jngqemnmk

It plays vinyl, CD's and mp3 CD's too!

Gemini have one too: http://www.audiolinks.com/tek9/tek9.asp?pg=products&specific=jnfrjqppo