2. analog
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New analog rig(t.t.,tonearm,phono drive)

My current analog rig is a Basis 2001 w/ fluid suspension/Rega RB900/Benz Micro Wood M2/McCormack Micro Phono Drive. I like the Basis 2001 but I want to upgrade several levels up. Basis themselves and 2 Basis dealers suggested getting the Vector 4 tonearm. While that is definitely a good recommendation, they also recommend adding the Calibrator Base.
I think the Basis motor is high torque. But, to get the Calibration Base and possibly the Cable Isolation System(around $3,000) along with the Vector 4($6,000) will cost around $9,000 total. With any substantial upgrade I do believe it is time to upgrade from my McCormack Micro Phono Drive as well....That is why I was considering the Vertere MG-1/SG-1/PHONO-1 rig as all of that, even with a tonearm wiring upgrade to hand built, is in the $10,000-$11,000 ballpark which is my budget for the upgrades. I am sure I can sell my Basis 2001/RB900/McCormack phono drive so maybe I could raise my budget a little.

Vertere design is very different than Basis as far metal(w/acrylic mat) vs. acrylic platter, recommendation of no use of a record clamp, motor on the plinth and
lack of suspension(I believe)...I have a 200+ pound Sound Anchors rack so suspension may be less a factor to consider?....Or I could use an isolation platform...And Vertere’s tonearm, while it looks like a uni pivot, Vertere says it definitely is not...

So, while I am open to any other gear, up for consideration is the Vertere MG-1/SG-1 w/ HB wiring/PHONO-1 for $10,000-$11,000 or The Calibrator Base/Cable Iso System, Vector 4, new phono drive for $10,000-$11,000. That just seems a lot to spend to upgrade a 2001.

I’ve never read a bad thing about Basis and my current system has served me well. And I’ve read very good things about Vertere; that this rig combination sounds incredible....But I value the opinions here.
I’ve read several posts from Basis owners but none regarding the U.K’s Vertere...Have any posters here looked into/heard about or own a Vertere system? All feedback is greatly appreciated.
vinylshadow

Showing 4 responses by jperry

jperry
2,432 posts
 
"Somebody posted that in their opinion, sound is influenced 70% by the cartridge; 20% by the phono stage and 10% by the tonearm and table. Don’t know if that is correct though... "

It is their opinion, but I don't agree. Most of the money for my analog system, until recently was in the TT, now it has a better arm, which made a real improvement. A good cartridge in a great tonearm can sound very good, but a great cartridge in a good tonearm will never sound great.
jperry
2,432 posts
 
I agree with the Basis rep regarding the Vector tonearm and it is a great tonearm. I had personal experience with that upgrade and it might be the single largest improvement to my system ever.

I have not heard the Calibrator Base or Cable Isolation System so I really don't know how much improvement they will add to your system. All these things are additive, so I assume the other upgrades would result in an improvement, the question is how much, and I don't have an answer for other than the Vector. That improvement is massive. I have not heard the Superarm, so I don't really have an opinion on how much better it would be than the Vector. It seems like a lot of tonearm on the 2001 turntable, and you might want to spend some of that money on a great cartridge.

After the Basis Vector upgrade I went through a significant upgrade spiral brought on when I heard how much better my system sounded with the Vector tonearm. I have my system posted, although some of the pictures require updating. You can see it here  https://systems.audiogon.com/users/jperry

Best of luck with your audio journey

Jim Perry
jperry
2,432 posts
 
It sounds like you have a very nice system as well. I will look at it on the Steve Hoffman site.

I didn’t hear the Garrard in direct comparison with the Basis so hard to say. After the Basis I had a SME 10, which I made a great deal on and liked a little better. I also had a Gyrodec which didn’t sound as good, but was very beautiful. When I got the Garrard I sold the other two turntables, as I liked the Garrard more. The Garrard sounds big. Maybe all of the idler torque. The Ikeda tonearm and cartridge took it to another level, and all things considered they should have.

I agree with you that at some point the upgrades stop making sense and you may want to sell the 2001 and buy a different turntable. I usually try to do things one at a time so I can fully evaluate and understand the change made by each item.

Let me know if you are ever in Phoenix, AZ

Best Regards,

Jim Perry
jperry
2,432 posts
 
A thought for you is shop for a used Basis tonearm (or just buy a new one), and fill the Basis footers with silicone. If you like the improvement no need to change anything else. I think Basis may occasionally get tonearms in on trade to the Superarm, so you may want to inquire with Basis.

If you want to get a new turntable later you can upgrade your turntable and use the Basis tonearm on your new turntable, and sell the Basis turntable with the Rega tonearm.

I have had a lot of different turntables including owning a Basis 2001. It came with a Basis branded Rega tonearm. I upgraded the tonearm to a Basis Vector 3, which I found on Audiogon as NOS. I have trouble describing how much better the Basis tonearm was than the Rega tonearm. The Basis was a quantum step forward.

In the words of AJ Conti, and he is 100% correct, when I asked him about upgrading the from the Rega to a Basis:

"As for the improvement........you have no idea and you would not be able to quite stretch to believe me if I told you. After you hear it you will know exactly why I made that statement and you will be shocked to hear just how important a tonearm is. You will just love it.

My best,

A.J."

Wishing you the best of luck in your search.

Jim Perry
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