Sol, just go with what you can afford mate. Take your mdex for example, its cheap but its getting the job done, Correct? Dont rely on other people's opinions or what they think of you because you use a controller or cdj's. Everyone has their own opinion. What you want/can afford may not go down well with the next guy but fuck what he thinks. At the end of the day it's purely your decision and as long as you are happy with it than thats all that matters. In saying that, if you buy a controller now at your age, 2-3 years down the track you will obviously be older, more than likely have a better paying job and you may be able to outlay the cash on a nice CDJ set-up.