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Basis table or SME

I am looking to acquire a high end table. I currently use a Forsell Air Reference. I really like the build quality and support that Basis provides and have heard equally good comments about SME tables as well. I would appreciate your feedback on both or either of these tables. I'm considering a Basis 2500/2800 Signature or a Basis Bebut Signature or an SME 20/3 or 20/12. I am open to other suggestions that are designs based on proven technology with excellent customer care. Thanks very much.
rmarcus5757

Showing 2 responses by rcprince

rcprince
3,080 posts
 
Both tables are superb and extremely well-engineered. I own a Basis Ovation that was upgraded with the Debut platter, bearing and vacuum system, and am extremely happy with it; it has been working flawlessly in my system for over 20 years. The one thing I will say here is that the Forsell that you have is a unique turntable with a very distinctive presentation, I think it may be quite different in some ways from an SME or Basis. If you have not heard either of these tables you should to make sure that you don't wind up missing some of the things that the Forsell does well (whether they're colorations or not).
rcprince
3,080 posts
 
If it was me you wanted to elaborate, I think both the Basis and SME tables will be significantly more neutral than the Forsell. However, the Forsell has a certain sound (maybe a coloration) that is very addictive and makes records sound really good. If you love the sound of your Forsell, you should hear a higher-end Basis or SME to make sure you like the trade-off. I chose the Basis because ultimately the Forsell, along with being more expensive, was much more of a tweaky unit that I felt was not as solidly built and was not as neutral as I would have liked. It did make beautiful music, though, and that you're still using one indicates to me that my concern on the build quality was not well-founded.
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