Arm & cartridge combo for Basis Debut ?


After being in storage for the past 2 years, I've once again set up my Basis Debut Mk III TT. It's the non-vacuum version with a Graham 1.5 arm & ZYX Airy 2x cartridge.

It certainly sounds better than my digital system, but I can't help but wonder if anyone's come upon a significantly better arm/cart combo. I asked a similar question when I first bought the table used in 2005, but back then I was just looking for an affordable temporary cart to go with the Graham. There have been many new carts & probably arms introduced in the last 5 years, so I thought I'd ask again.

Anyone had a similar set-up and gone to a Basis Vector arm? Or would a Graham 2.2 provide a significant improvement over the 1.5? The Graham Phantom is probably more than I want to spend right now. My budget for a cart is $2k.

Any and all suggestions are welcome.
kenl

Showing 1 response by geoch


Hi Kenl
Jeff Rowland CADENCE was not a top rated phono stage. The DACT was much better then, and better still was the Klyne.
Today, I use custom tube pre-pre (TFK CCa) without coupling cap to the input signal or any kind of feedback & a clever anti-active RIIA MM phonostage (TFK ECC803s/Raytheon 6J5 St) that supply 250mV-3V adjustable with a passive attenuator directly to the power amp.
I would not advise anyone to go that route as it has too many issues to deal with. (In fact I would not recommend a tube phonostage or likely an active preamp).
Instead, I can confidently recommend the small EINSTEIN as the real champion of the most.
But if you really want to go further, please arrange a listening audition for the VDH "THE GRAIL". In my research I've found it as a real treasure way beyond the Lamm, Jadis, Manley, Goldmund, Klyne, TEAD, FM 222, and some lower level others that I can't remember.
Be very demanding! There are not many phonostages out there that can make the difference. Do not overpay for something that is just works. Search for the exciting factor!

George