Basis Audio - Exhorbitant servicing evaluation cost

That's outrageous and absurd and I wouldn't spend a dime on their products. 

There is an interesting parallel to SOTA. When Kirk Bodinet passed, in 2015, Donna had to take the reins at SOTA, and then, in 2016, A.J. Conti passed too early as well and Jolanta was thrust into a business that she was not all that conversant with. Since then, the two companies have traveled different paths, but both have remained viable in difficult times and both have their champions, which says a lot about the respective owners. 

I owned a couple of Sapphires and Star, but the Bodinets made the decision that they did not want their service manuals and data posted on Vinyl Engine and had them taken down. To this day, there is no literature listed and SOTA is not listed in the turntable data section either. That was enough for me as I interpreted it as being anti-hobbyist, as I prefer to do my own service when possible,  so I sold my SOTAs and have never ventured back, but owners make decisions every day and some are bound to alienate certain customers. YMMV.

Agree about the parallel, viridian. but I have owned three sota turntables and Donna has been nothing but extremely helpful when I have any sort of problems. And as I noted early in this thread, SOTA has begun to teach hobbyist how to make repairs in the field. I think it's a great solution for a product that is difficult and risky to ship. So I have to defend SOTA ... they are one of the least commercialized (i.e. advertised) but highest quality product and service companies I've dealt with. as well as being an amazing value. I would put their sound quality versus price up against any turntable manufacturer. 

And this is not to take anything away from Basis. they obviously have an equally loyal following in fantastic products. 

Wow, you read my post very differently than I do. I complimented SOTA and Donna as well as her achievement in moving the company forward. My interactions with her have always been pleasant. 

But disagreeing with a policy does not require a defense, unless one is not interested in both sides. And that policy at SOTA may have evolved in the long time since Kirk’s passing, though I still do not see any literature for them on Vinyl Engine.

All companies have good and bad, as we can see regarding a lot of people in this thread not being comfortable with Basis’ policies. And frankly, if they did not answer my emails, I would not be a customer either. I get that. And I am not a cheerleader, or fanboy, just an end user that was happy with both products, as well as Linn, Rega, VPI, and a host of others.  But hey "go team!" Whatever floats your boat.

All good. if I misunderstood, my apologies. 

If I receive any clarification on the evaluation fees I will post it here.

Thanks all.