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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 syntax

syntax's avatar
syntax
2,193 posts
 
I didn't follow the pricing for 2.2. Versions, but I think, they are in the 1.5k$ area. I switched from 2.2 to Triplanar VII and from that back to Graham (Phantom).
Your Zyx has a big advantage, it is not critical/sensitive to Arms. When you like it from the sound, keep it. I think, the Airys are really good.
Well, the Phonostages, I also used Rowland Phono some years ago, at that time they were very good, but I have no experience with Concerto Phono. I once had a Rhea here (I also had Callisto Sign., some wrote, the small one is about 80% from the bigger brother, but that is not true) and I don't think, that it is a good one. There is much better out there, Klyne 7 for example.
I never listened to Allnic, but from what I read, I think, it can be interesting. When you have a chance for a loan, try it.
syntax's avatar
syntax
2,193 posts
 
The Graham 2.2 is definitely better than the 1.5 version. I had that 2.2 and various Zyx carts. These Airy carts are good, when you want to go for something different, try to find a used Triplanar Arm. It is a good match. The table itself is very good, you can leave it the way it is now, and go for a good Phonostage instead. Could be the best investment.
syntax's avatar
syntax
2,193 posts
 
The difference between Graham 1.5 and 2.0 is, the later one offers greater bass extension and solidity, increased dynamics and a expanded soundstage.
The high frequencies are detailed and extended, yet remain very neutral and totally natural. The bass extension reaches to the first octave with authority & detail; yet, it is not overblown or diffuse. Similarly, the midrange is liquid and natural, but without the smearing that can create a false sense of midrange "sweetness".

Most think, it can be easily upgraded, but this is wrong. You can buy the tungsten weights and the bearing cup and the better armtube (SW-3).
But the real difference with Model 2:
The main pivot housing has been redesigned, and corporates tungsten as the material instead of the previous aluminum alloy.
The VTA adjustment has 2 scales, one is the vertical indicator previously offered on the 1.5 Arms, while the second indicator is a vernier scale on the adjusting knob. Better VTA adjustments during playing.

The next generation Armwand incorporates an even denser ceramic material, signal wires are totally shielded.
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