Is the Basis 2001 a solid enough table to keep.

Yes, all of their tables, even the cheapest are built to very high standards (very close tolerance machining) and will perform well for a long time. The 2001 model has a top quality bearing and motor, which are very important to achieving quiet operation.

If you are looking at a used table, consider buying a new belt. Belts do wear out, and the current model belt is ground to very tight tolerances and performs much better than the older belts.

The Vector arm would be the logical choice for this table, but even a cheaper arm, like the Rega RB 300, should work well. This table does not have a separate armboard, so, once a hole is drilled for the arm, you may be limited in terms of future upgrade of tonearms, so this should be factored into your choice. It might pay to call A.J. Conti at Basis to discuss arm options.

I own a Basis Debut (vacuum clamp) with a Vector 3 arm based on a recommendation from a friend who is an industry insider who has heard hundreds of home installations (he recommended the table and arm even though he actually represents competing products). The arm is NOT the easiest thing to adjust, but, once it is set up properly it really performs well. It is an arm that is recommended by manufacturer/distributors of cartridges that put a lot of vibrational energy into the body of the cartridge and demand that the arm dampen/drain that energy instead of reflecting that energy back into the cartridge (e.g., Lyra cartridges).

I have heard several Nottingham table/arm combinations in some very nice sounding systems, though I have not heard them in direct comparison with anything else. Set up right, with a good cartridge, these deliver good sound. My one concern is that for a period of time, my local dealer (a friend) experienced numerous motor failures. The US distributor was a bit slow to respond with replacements. This could have been a case of bad luck or a short-term problem (e.g., bad batch of parts). Also, this was something that happened about eight years ago.

Even Basis, which has a terrific reputation for high quality and durability, can suffer from parts problems from suppliers. I purchased their motor control unit form my Debut a few years ago. The first two units failed after a very short time. According to Basis, the manufacturer of a particular part had made unannounced changes that compromised the part's performance. He quickly re-engineered the the motor control/motor to cure the problem. I have not had any problems since then.

A friend owns a 2500 that had two arms on it -- a Vector 3 and a Graham Phantom. He used both an Transfiguration Orpheus and a Lyra Titan cartridge. For whatever reason (personal taste, system synergy, who knows?), he much preferred the Vector over the Phantom and preferred the Orpheus over the Lyra. On my own table, I currently use an Orpheus L (low output) cartridge. I also have a Lyra Titan (now quite old) that I think is a terrific cartridge too. Frankly, I cannot say which of the two I prefer.