Basis Debut Gold Standard Mk V or Sota cosmiii

Both are very good turntables that will provide top notch performance and reliable service for a long time. With the Benz ruby/Graham, the prices are about comparable. I think the Basis is a fine looking turntable. If I had to choose I would go for the Basis.

I own a Basis like that one quite a while now and I am still impressed. It works like a Swiss watch and even when I listened to other Turntables (Raven, Simon Yorke etc.) I never had the "feeling" to switch. I also had the Graham - Benz combination, the Basis is a tool, with that one you really can say what's going on sonically. And later you can go to the Phantom Arm. I have it and that's an outstanding Combination. The Vacuum works perfect. No experience with Sota.

Currently I am on my 2nd Basis Debut (with vacuum) and the sound is A#1. The reliability is without question as is the support from Basis should you ever have a question. Part of the reason for the superior sound is the unique hydraulic suspension on the Debut. Only the $30k or so SME 30 has something at all similar and the SME was released long after the Debut’s introduction.

Due to the Debut's suspension, it is immune from the vibrations (hey, use a sledge hammer on the 'table stand while playing an LP and there is no sonic impact). This suspension provides sonic benefits including superior micro dynamics, that is you get more involved in the music as the ‘table captures low level action that most other ‘tables ignore or blur. In addition, this suspension eliminates the requirement to purchase a fancy and expensive turntable stand as the Debut works well on any surface. This allows spending most of what you budgeted for a stand towards LPs.

Like the Debut, the Sota is known for having an effective vacuum system that does no harm to LPs. The Sota also is an excellent ‘table. I don’t think either ‘table would be a bad decision, though I cannot compare the 2 arms in question. But, I do think the Debut is a more refined product sonically.

Both are excellent tables. Those who proffer "neither" undoubtedly haven't heard and can't afford them.

There is a synergy with the Basis system. The arm/ table/cart is what the manufacturer used.
The approach is different. SOTA beleives in mass. Thier idea is that vibration control is accomplished through mass and thier spring suspension. A massive platter also contributes to speed stability.
Basis takes a different approach. They machine everything to the nth degree of acuuracy and dissipate vibration through a fluid damped suspension system.
Personally I would go sota/sme/sumiko celeb.
I think either would be a fine choice.