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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
kenl OP
131 posts
 
Newmanoc - Thanks for your opinion of the Dynavector. I see you've got a Linn Klyde listed in your system. Is this your present cartridge? If not, what did you go with?
newmanoc
295 posts
 
Kenl:
The Klyde is what replaced the Dynavector on my table, and I have been very happy with the results. It has great impact, pace, and conveys the overall musical message very nicely. Of course it does not handle detail the way more expensive cartridges can. You should also know it is very low output - 0.15 mvolts. I unfortunately can not compare it to a Shelter, as I have not had one of these on my table.

As to suggestions above about upgrading your phono stage, my opinion is that this should wait. Trying to fix something you don't like about your table with a phono stage seems to be going at it all backwards. Also, if you don't like the way the table sounds (or at least if it seems to be disappointing), you may want to see if it is really working the way the Basis designers intended it should. I don't know how friendly the folks at Basis are towards second hand purchasers of their equipment, but I would approach them (or the nearest dealer) about doing a once over and see if they feel it is up to their specs. It may require shipping it out to them, but it could turn out to be a great move.
thomasheisig
568 posts
 
Well, there are a few choices, I used a Benz Reference and Ruby some time ago and I think, all the Benz are good for the money, specially on voices.
In my opinion you should pay attention to the output of your next cartridge, it should fit, otherwise, when too low, it will be frustrating.
Sumiko sounds interesting ...
kenl OP
131 posts
 
After letting the Shure break in for a couple of days, things are beginning to sound better. There's something to be said for patience. Sometimes my lack of it gets the better of me.

The images are now more solid with more air around performers & instruments; bass is punchier, with good snap and dynamic transients. Hopefully things will continue to improve, though I'm still on the lookout for a good moving coil cartridge to match the Graham arm.
kiso
1 posts
 
try a clearaudio sigma ?
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