Basis Debut Gold Standard Mk V or Sota cosmiii

There is a synergy with the Basis system. The arm/ table/cart is what the manufacturer used.
The approach is different. SOTA beleives in mass. Thier idea is that vibration control is accomplished through mass and thier spring suspension. A massive platter also contributes to speed stability.
Basis takes a different approach. They machine everything to the nth degree of acuuracy and dissipate vibration through a fluid damped suspension system.
Personally I would go sota/sme/sumiko celeb.
I think either would be a fine choice.

There goes William, Bill, WC65Mustang, 101, whatever the name is today making assumptions about which he knows nothing. This is the only thing which is "undoubtedly" true. Since your post was obviously directed at me, Audiofeil, I will have you know that I have heard nearly every table in the Basis line, save the "Work of Art" and a few no longer in production tables. I've also heard the Cosmos, Star and Moonbeam tables - each with a liberal combination of arms and cartridges - and several older models. As far as being able to afford either, please, you embarrass yourself with such silly and patently absurd, as well as highly irrelevant, assertions.

FWIW to the OP, I would prefer neither of the tables he mentions as one I'd want full time in my system, and I'm certain that finding others who would agree among a wide variety of household income levels would not be all that difficult. If push came to shove and I was also concerned with value, I'd probably pick the Sota. SS makes some salient points in that regard. If I was concerned with resale value in the event my choice proved not to be one for the long term, I'd probably pick the Basis. I think that they are close enough performance-wise that, if the OP was bound to buy only one or the other, I'd have to know more about his tastes and the character of his other components before making a suggestion.

Thank you all
I decide to buy the one year pre-owned Sota Cosmos III with vacuum (in the high gloss black, finish) for $2100

Now I need your advice for the tone arm (wick go with the Shelter 901)
On thought is the OL Illustrious Tone arm other is the SME V
Do you have other thoughts on this issue?
Thanks

Trane (nice name BTW), I have owned (own) the Illustrious and an SME IV (but not a V). I have heard the V on several occasions, however. Again, these might not be MY first choices but, if you've decided on OL or SME, I'd really suggest the SME IV, as opposed to the V, on the Sota and with that cartridge. I think that you will experience as good, or better, performance and save a few quid in the process. Others can chime in with similar or differing experiences, but most every time I've heard the IV and V in comparison, I've liked the lower extension and midrange of the IV. But, nothing compares to personal listening, so try to audition them yourself if at all possible.

OK

Which tone arm should I go for? (any tone arm for the Cosmos Shelter combination)

...And
"Trane" is for the greatest and wonderful John Coltrane