Don't judge a component until you actually hear it, if possible. The most ordinary looking components just may be the one to deliver the best sound to your ears. |
Most of Basis' models don't look quite as elegant as comparably priced models of some of their competitors. Basis hardly puts any money into visual aesthetics. Given that a lot of buyers DO place a lot of value in looks, I can see how Basis loses some "value" points in that department. Basis excels in other ways. The build quality is superb and all parts are precisely made to very tight tolerances. You will not see any wobble at all in the rotation of their platters, for example, something that cannot be said of all tables (if you look really closely).
Whether or not one will like the sound of their arm/table combinations is also a matter of taste. Their tables are very much into damping vibration, both external vibration or vibration generated by the table itself or vibration from the stylus tracking a record. Some systems (and their owner's taste) favor such highly damped tables, some prefer a more lively sound (to detractors, Basis tables sound "dark" or "dead").
Hence, Basis tables are certainly not a "ripoff," but like any other table, they can be the wrong table for any particular individual. |
Actually, the used prices for Basis tables seems amazingly low.
Yes, 5k for a Vector 4 arm is a lot of money, but that seems to be what the traffic will bear for most good arms. |
Value is in the eye of the buyer and user, maybe more so in audio than in any other hobby. For example, while I have defended Basis Audio products just as most others have done, I too think that SOME (not all) of the Synergistic Research stuff is suspect. I only mention that to point out that each of us has his or her own threshold for suspending disbelief. |
Then , please , tell us all what you yourself gauge against a product of Basis’ calibre from the base level on up, to even have a reason to ask , or more to the point and truth, make false innuendo in the first place with the term "rip off".
What do YOU , personally own and use now to be so suspect. It must be spectacular in "your" opinion to not see what all others see as precise , quality built AND sounding products, at least as plainly as we see the reason for your post from the get go. If you have to ask a question such as this , I definitely would suggest you, yourself, learn THE BASICS about all things analog and better ways to camouflage your intentions......................... |
But they don’t look like much, but have very high prices. |
Curious about the value proposition but compelled to use the inflammatory word "rip-off" in the title of your post, gotcha.
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SR is a scam, but I’m not calling Basis that, just curious about the value proposition.
Is the 1400 worth it, it would I be much happier with the next level up? How much is Basis’ perscision engineering worth compared to other, perhaps less, exacting standards at that price point (VPI, Pro-Ject, etc)? |
This appears to be the same lovely individual who started the Synergistic Research Is A Scam thread. Probably best not to engage at all.
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Basis makes a great high precision item with a very high performance level. The Basis tonearm is an excellent tonearm. I had a Vector 3 and the performance, compared to a Rega or something in that range, was so much better it was hard for me to believe my ears. |
Maybe it would be better to tell us what Basis products you are interested in buying and what are the costs. Unless someone is raising Basis prices based on the recent demise of the designer, Basis Audio always seemed to me to be good value for money. If you want rip-offs in vinyl gear, there are much riper targets than Basis. BUT I don't know what you are looking at and for how much. |
You are paying for precision engineering and craftsmanship. They are worth every penny/Euro/pound/etc., in my experience. Definitely not a rip-off. |
Basis Audio makes very fine, highly regarded vinyl playback products. Some of the best vinyl rigs I've ever heard were fronted by Basis Turntables.
Ripoff? No, absolutely not! Worth it? Only you can answer that question as value is in the eyes, and wallet, of the beholder. Is a Rolex worth it? A Bugatti Veyron worth it? Only if you can truly afford it.......
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