basis 1400 belt & cartridge

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!

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

What tonearm does your Basis 1400 have on it right now? Cart recommendations without knowing the tonearm is a bit dicey. You want to make sure you match cartridge weight and compliance with effective mass of the tonearm.