Clearaudio Master Reference vs. Basis Debut V ??

Thomas, i don't know Kelly (CFB) personally but i do know his friend at Audio Unlimited that sells the CRM. i have done business there for 5 years and they sell and recommend many different analog products. i bought my Basis 2500/Graham 2.2/Aesthetix Io from Audio Unlimited. last fall when i was considering the CRM, Audio Unlimited had not compared it to the Basis/Graham combination and wouldn't venture to guess which sounded better. in fact, they were leaning toward the Basis Debut V as probably better. now, after spending time comparing they have come to a different conclusion. that doesn't mean everyone would agree but their credibility is very high and as they sell many of the competition there is no reason for them to do a "sales pitch".

just my 2 cents.

As the originator of this thread I wanted to comment on my experience @ Audio Unlimited here in Denver. I've known John Barnes for several years and purchased a cartridge and power cord from him a year or so ago. I went back to see him recently to discuss with him a tt / arm upgrade. John is one of the rare breed of retailer who actually tries to answer questions as objectively and honestly as possible. He has been in this business for many years, and is particularly knowledgeable when it comes to analog. I ended up buying the Basis V vacuum / Graham 2.2 from him and am very pleased w/ the performance. I went to see him twice to look at and discuss the CMR and Basis tables. I walked away from both sessions feeling that he felt both were excellent products and both had different strengths. By no means did he, or his partner Carl, favor one over the other. We're talking chocolate and vanilla here- plain and simple. It was up to me to make up my mind- I was not being steered to either unit. I respect and greatly appreciate this type of treatment. It's rare to have this quality of sales experience nowadays. As for which is the "better" table- I guess will have to let this forum decide!!

I have a CMR which I bought second hand from Audiogon. I fitted a Graham Phantom II arm and Koetsu Urushi Wajima cartridge. The sound is amazing. Is it better than this or that? Who cares!!! I'm listening to music. The CMR looks amazing, is quiet as a mouse and speed stability is as good as I've heard. I fitted the ceramic magnetic bearing and bought a clamp and outer ring from TT weights. I probably will never upgrade this combo except to add different arm tubes and other cartridges.