basis 1400 belt & cartridge

Try LPgear.com - $30.00 for a 1400 belt

I think you should seriously consider selling the 1400 to someone who will treat it right. You could probably get $600-700 for it.

A modified Rega RB 300 tone arm would work just fine. (That was what most of the Basis 1400 tables were sold with originally.) The reason I say modified is that the standard Rega shaft had a sleeve afixed to it by Basis, so that the locking screw could tighten properly. (You might be able to jury-rig some sort of sleeve yourself, and just use a standard RB 300 tone arm. If you can't afford a RB 300, a RB 250 would work too, albeit not quite as well.)

My brother in law uses my old Basis 1400 with a modified RB 300 tonearm, with a Grado Gold cartridge, and it sounds very good. (However, with a better cartridge, like a Koetsu Black, it can sound great. That is what I used to use on it before I upgraded up the Basis line.)

Good Luck in your search!

Great table, I used a sumiko blackbird with mine but it is more than your budget. I would consider something in the ortofon line as they have some really nice cartridges at real world prices.

Yeah that Sumiko B.Bird would be nice but Grado $300 would do.Second the Rega at price point you want to pay.Denon DL series are over performers.
Chazz