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Cart for Basis Debut/Graham?

I just got a good deal on a used Basis Debut Gold Mk III table with Graham 1.5t/c arm. Now I must decide on the cartridge.

Since I stretched my budget to acquire the Basis, I'm trying to find a cartridge that I can happily live with for the next year or so until I get familiar with the set-up and decide to upgrade the cart, arm or both. My budget is probably $1k and under, new or used.

Does anyone have practical experience matching the Graham to a cartridge in this price range?

I think the Graham is considered a medium-mass tonearm, and ideally should be matched to a medium or low compliance cartridge. After setting the table up yesterday, we installed a new Shure V15VxMR cart. While it sounds good, I think it's somewhat darker sounding than I'd like. Bass is not quite as good as it was when I was using an older Denon direct-drive table with Denon 301 cart.

I'm considering trying a Denon 103R, Dynavector 17D2MKII or Shelter 501? Any opinions/suggestions?

Thanks.
kenl
jameswei
883 posts
 
Among your three choices, I would go with the Shelter. I had a good experience using the Crown Jewel with a Graham 1.5 t/c on a VPI table. The Shelter 501 is very similar to the Crown Jewel.
ngeorge
57 posts
 
I would, at the least, get a Shelter 501, a decent cartridge that would allow you to have fun with your system until you can afford (per your post) something better down the round. What surprises me, though, is why your initial impression was not more positive considering the table and arm you have.

Hope it's not the after effects of 'buyer's remorse.'

Regards,
George
esoxhntr
196 posts
 
The Shelter 501 would be a good way to go if you want bass, though I prefer the overall sound of the Dynavector 17DmkII. Both of those cartridges will be substantially better than the Shure. You might also consider whatever Benz Micro has to offer in your price range - A.J. Conti has a lot of good things to say about both Dynavector and Benz.
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