I owned a Basis 2001 for about 1.5 years with a Graham 2.2 and Bebz Ruby. Over all a nice but not great turntable. Good detail and accuracy musical but has poor low end bass compaired to other tables I have had in my system. Currently have a Debut Vacuum and before that a Michell Orbe. The 2001 was enjoyable to listen to but there is a huge jump when you go to the Debut. The orbe Se at $3500 retail is a excellent table for the money and outperformes the Basis 2001. John
Review: Basis 2001 Turntable
Category: Analog
First, concerning the Build quality. This table is very solidly built. No cheezy parts here. All the components of the table are either of heavy duty alloy or of substantial plastic/acrylic. The bearing assembly weighs several pounds, and is sealed. The Motor assembly likewise is very heavy, and is supported on four small but well made rubber feet. The Platter is very solid and heavy. The subassembly or plinth is extremely solid 1 inch thick black metacrylate that is highly polished and very beautiful. All the parts are of excellent build quality.
Second, concerning the operation. The Setup is straightforward, screwing the four corner legs in or out till the table is level. When the table is running the motor is silent, the bearings smooth, and the platter shows no wobble at all. No noise can be heard unless the ear is only a few inches from the belt and platter, and then only soft rotational sounds can be perceived.
Third, concerning the sound. The table itself is extremely quiet, due to the quality of the workmanship in part, but also due to the design, which suspends the already sonically inert subassembly and platter on four silicone damped springs. Quiet passages on a good record are extroardinarily silent. The pitch is also very stable, due to the weight of the platter and the expensive and reliable motor.
Fourth, concerning the music. Though the RS Labs A1 tonearm I use with this is a big part of the synergy of this combo, yet I can say for certain that the table contributes to very detailed and accurate sound, not too warm and colorful but with an emphasis on getting the instruments right. Soundstage is about what you would expect--Not in the very best league, but still right up there in the top 20 percent or so. Perhaps with a better arm and cart this table may be in the top 10 percent of all tables for soundstaging. The highs are crisp and well defined, and bass is not muddy, but of course once again arm and cartridge choice will make large differences in these.
Overall, I'd say that the Basis 2001 will easily last a lifetime based on structural quality, and that the sound while somewhat lacking in warmth is very detailed and precise, especially for the modest price. When combined with a good tonearm and cartridge the combination should please satisfy anyone.
Associated gear
RS Labs A1 Tonearm, Goldring 1042 Cartridge.
First, concerning the Build quality. This table is very solidly built. No cheezy parts here. All the components of the table are either of heavy duty alloy or of substantial plastic/acrylic. The bearing assembly weighs several pounds, and is sealed. The Motor assembly likewise is very heavy, and is supported on four small but well made rubber feet. The Platter is very solid and heavy. The subassembly or plinth is extremely solid 1 inch thick black metacrylate that is highly polished and very beautiful. All the parts are of excellent build quality.
Second, concerning the operation. The Setup is straightforward, screwing the four corner legs in or out till the table is level. When the table is running the motor is silent, the bearings smooth, and the platter shows no wobble at all. No noise can be heard unless the ear is only a few inches from the belt and platter, and then only soft rotational sounds can be perceived.
Third, concerning the sound. The table itself is extremely quiet, due to the quality of the workmanship in part, but also due to the design, which suspends the already sonically inert subassembly and platter on four silicone damped springs. Quiet passages on a good record are extroardinarily silent. The pitch is also very stable, due to the weight of the platter and the expensive and reliable motor.
Fourth, concerning the music. Though the RS Labs A1 tonearm I use with this is a big part of the synergy of this combo, yet I can say for certain that the table contributes to very detailed and accurate sound, not too warm and colorful but with an emphasis on getting the instruments right. Soundstage is about what you would expect--Not in the very best league, but still right up there in the top 20 percent or so. Perhaps with a better arm and cart this table may be in the top 10 percent of all tables for soundstaging. The highs are crisp and well defined, and bass is not muddy, but of course once again arm and cartridge choice will make large differences in these.
Overall, I'd say that the Basis 2001 will easily last a lifetime based on structural quality, and that the sound while somewhat lacking in warmth is very detailed and precise, especially for the modest price. When combined with a good tonearm and cartridge the combination should please satisfy anyone.
Associated gear
RS Labs A1 Tonearm, Goldring 1042 Cartridge.