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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
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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