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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 3 responses by kenl

kenl OP
131 posts
 
Stanwal - I wasn't aware that a 1.5 could be upgraded to a 2.2. I'll contact Bob Graham and see how much it would cost. Thanks for the info.
kenl OP
131 posts
 
Samhar - Thanks for the info. At that price, I'll probably stick with a Graham.

Syntax - My 1.5 has the tungsten sideweights, ceramic armtube & IC-50 tomearm cable, so it may lie somewhere between a stock 1.5 and a 2.2. Your description of the sonics of the 2 series makes it very appealing however. Sounds like I need to explore the possibility of moving up. Any idea would I should expect to pay for a used 2.2 on Agon? There aren't any currently listed.

As for Triplanar. . .which version? Sounds like an expensive proposition including new armboard. They are great arms though.

I'm thinking about a different phonostage as you suggest. I'm currently using the internal phono of my Rowland Concerto integrated. It sounds pretty good, but I'm guessing a Rhea or Allnic would be far superior. Any suggestions? Thanks.
kenl OP
131 posts
 
Larryi - Well said! There certainly are no absolutes in audio, as we all hear differently and have different tastes and sensibilities.

From the feedback I've received, it seems my current arm is not so bad. If A.J. likes it better than the Phantom, I'm certainly ahead of the game.

A different phonostage might be worth trying. I know someone who sells both Allnic & Einstein. Perhaps he'll let me demo them at home.

Thanks to all for your valuable input.
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