Basis Vector vs...

Walkelin, I'm speaking of the oil in the bath of the Vector. The Basis manual just says something like "fill to the bottom of the small bearing" and that's it. Much like Graham's description of the dampening fluid level in the 2.2.

If you remove fluid you will increase dynamics and transparency. Too much and the bass will go flabby. It is definitely a tunable parameter and I did not find it near as finicky as the 2.2.

Walkelin, You beat me too it! I was going to ask the exact same question!

(I too have the Vector III, with the latest cable and the Micrometer VTA adjuster on my 2001 turntable. Great tonearm, IMHO!)

Okay Dan, inquiring minds want to know!!
:-)

There really isn't anything I dislike about the Vector. It really is a great arm and tracks like a champ. I was just wondering if it is possible to do as well with another arm. The only reason I was looking at other arms was because I still have the table the arm came with and it may be easier to sell the table with the arm. Dan, you know the table.
I think I may just stick with the Vector.
Thanks everyone for the responses.

Yes, Nutella, I remember that table. Very good setup for the money. There is without a doubt a very special synergy with the Vector and Basis tables. If it were me, I'd sell the table with the Vector since both are the older models. You should be able to get most, if not all, of your money back. You might do better selling the two separately, but that's really hard to know.

Anyway, I completely agree with Doug if you are looking for a better arm. Both the Tri-Planar and Schroeder would be in the top tier. Then again, I've not spent time with a Model 3 and there are some very good reports about the Graham Phantom.

There is not much detail I can share about the Vector dampening fluid level. I think it's best to start with just enough in the bath so that the bottom of the housing just begins to contact the oil. Then listen and add a bit at a time until you think the bass is tight and the dynamics are still there. You'll probably end up a millimeter or so below that small horizontal bearing.

Nutella can probably share how bad the Vector sounds with no dampening at all since I neglected to send him the oil the first time. :) Definitely don't want to hear it that way as I recall.

Dan, you are right, the Vector without the damping fluid sounds very anemic. The detail is there but there is no body or bottom end.
I have played with the fluid levels and have found what I feel suits my system best. A great tool is to go to your local vet and get a syringe to suck up exess fluid. There is no needle in this syringe since it is only designed to administer meds to pets orally. You can easilly play with fluid levels with this.
Hey, a Vector 3 just came up. Maybe I will check it out.