Basis Turntables: Worth it or Ripoff?

mijostyn, good minds think alike. I've been in touch with them about their rebuilt tables. I have decided to just have my albums that I don't have digitized or can't stream, recorded for me.  It's cheaper in the long run and my server/streamer The Memory Player sounds better than most vinyl I've heard that is under 5k.  I'm blown away at how good it is and they do constant software and hardware updates that are reasonable.  

My friend just got a rebuilt Sapphire.  If I were to have gotten back into the race, it would be the Acoustic Signature, Technics, VPI, Sota and not sure who else.  

As for reviewers, I'm friends with a few.  Very close friend just had his first one published in TAS last month (NAD M10).  I don't really go with what they say or do as they all have special systems to review with. They get their gear for free or industry cost (much of the time) as it's free advertising for companies.  Many have been very aggressive in getting reviewers to use their gear publicly.  In private many I know are using Vandersteen speakers, which I find ironic.  Sorry to get off topic.

Bottom line is that Basis is a great TT company who makes as exacting a table IRT tolerances as anyone on the planet.  Even their belts are specially made and the cost reflects it.  I will tell you that it makes an audible difference. Not huge, but it does even on the older 1400 model with the rebuilt Rega 300 arms they came with.

I remember looking at Basis turntables some years ago. Then last year I checked up on them again and found that the prices appear to have been increased tremendously.

For a spell, they were easily the Best Buy in the true high end tables I think.  Even now, they are priced fairly IMHO.  Tables are darn expensive right now, but if you want a top digital server, it's going to cost you over 8k.  The Aurender N10, Linn Klimax (over 20k), Innuos (their top 16k server are three of the top servers I've heard.  As I stated above I have The memory player by Laufer Technik.  Not sure how much they are going to be priced at as he's using a new case and has totally rebuilt them, but it's probably about a 20k player or so.  Good digital is not cheap either.

Enjoyed this post tremendously!  I bought a Basis 2800 TT earlier this year with Vector 4 Tonearm/Hana Umami Red after 20 years with a fully loaded LP-12.   I initially looked into VPI and Clear Audio because of familiarity, budget, and access with the CA Innovation winning.  Then I came upon Basis and researched all I was aware of and decided to swing for the fence since this would be my last TT.  The last cartridge on the LP-12 was a Shelter 90X which was >7 yrs old.  I mounted this on the Basis and was IMMEDIATELY ABSOLUTELY AMAZED at the openness/depth of the sound-stage.  The resolution from top/bottom was beautiful.  My Maggies really sang......and this was an old cartridge!  The Hana just increased everything previously mentioned especially bass definition.  Worth is a relative thing of which I absolutely believe the TT was worth it.  Worth is what your budget is as these manufacturers have bottom lines which are determined independently of us.  What we really need are more participants so the prices could come down.  Even so the question of worth will remain regardless of price point.  BTW Basis customer support is excellent. 

@xagwell , enjoy and use your new turntable in good health!