Basis vs.VPI

I own a Basis 2500 Signature with a Graham Phantom arm and love that combination. If you can't do a home demo or listen to other peoples systems, then your are stuck to opinions here or reading magazine reviews. Reviewers have given the 2200, 2500 and 2800 all with Vector arms excellent reviews. Reviewers have given the VPI HRX with VPI arms excellent reviews. Clearly these are both great combos and just either would be a great choice. From reading those reviews I think some writers seem to describe the VPI combination as ever so slighly dark and slighly cold. I would describe the Basis products as very neutral. Maybe the HRX has the slightly lowest better bass.

The Basis systems have a much smaller footprint than the HRX which is very large. Footprint size may or may not be important for you, but you will need much more width with the HRX.

They are both available now, "used", on Audiogon at great prices. Buy one, get it home and just enjoy the music.

Thanks to all for your opinions. I was more familiar with the VPI products but had read some very good reviews regarding the Basis set up. It's reassuring that, in all likelihood, either one would be a good match with the rest of my components. Two of my main concerns were reliability and the ability to update as improvements come along.

Thanks again!

It is almost impossible for anyone to truly audition turntables and tonearm combinations in any sort of controlled manner. Home audition is pretty much out of the question. So, one can go around listening to different systems with different turntables, arms, cartridges and phonostages. If the system sounds really great, then the particular components, which would include the turntable and arm, must be decent or they would have dragged the whole down. At best, a crude measure.

When I was looking for a table, I asked someone I know who was a distributor of a major line of gear what he thought were the tables to look at. He has heard hundreds of dealer and home setups so he has a better sense of what works in a variety of systems. I was looking at the SME 30/V combination, Simon Yorke table, Avid Acutus, etc. With no hesitation, he said the one that stands out was the Basis Debut. His company actually has interests aligned with a competing product, so the recommendation was not tainted by personal interest. Having nothing better to go on, that is the table I ended up buying. Later, I added the Basis power supply.

Another vote for Basis here, not because I have extensive experience with several tables just because I have been 100% satisfied with both of my basis tables. I shopped VPI, Clearaudio, and Basis primarily when I decided to get back into vinly. To Larry's point - they all sounded good at the dealer showrooms but my research and belief that A.J. Conti is such a master craftsman pointed me to basis.

My first table was his entry 1400 signature and essentially ran digital right out of my system. I have since upgraded to the 2200 signature and couldn't be happier. The build quality and suspension system is impressive! It's a tough decision and whatever decision you make I'm sure will be right for you. For me, once I get into a brand of components that's usually where I stay - all tables have long upgrade paths including Basis. Good luck!