basis 1400 belt & cartridge


I got a basis 1400 handed down from a friend but w/o cartridge and belt missing.

What's a good cartridge to go with this TT. Don't want to spend more than $ 250. 'Have a Rega P3-24 with AR 440 MLa which I quite like. Anyone tried it on the 1400? Was thinking about getting a Grado Gold?

Also, I need a belt. Anyone know what the exact length of the belt is so I can order a OEM replacement?
I am sure the original basis belt for $ 125 is great but am looking to spend a lot less. Any recommendations.

Cheers,

Flo
flo
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
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.