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Arm & cartridge combo for Basis Debut ?

After being in storage for the past 2 years, I've once again set up my Basis Debut Mk III TT. It's the non-vacuum version with a Graham 1.5 arm & ZYX Airy 2x cartridge.

It certainly sounds better than my digital system, but I can't help but wonder if anyone's come upon a significantly better arm/cart combo. I asked a similar question when I first bought the table used in 2005, but back then I was just looking for an affordable temporary cart to go with the Graham. There have been many new carts & probably arms introduced in the last 5 years, so I thought I'd ask again.

Anyone had a similar set-up and gone to a Basis Vector arm? Or would a Graham 2.2 provide a significant improvement over the 1.5? The Graham Phantom is probably more than I want to spend right now. My budget for a cart is $2k.

Any and all suggestions are welcome.
kenl
syntax's avatar
syntax
2,193 posts
 
I didn't follow the pricing for 2.2. Versions, but I think, they are in the 1.5k$ area. I switched from 2.2 to Triplanar VII and from that back to Graham (Phantom).
Your Zyx has a big advantage, it is not critical/sensitive to Arms. When you like it from the sound, keep it. I think, the Airys are really good.
Well, the Phonostages, I also used Rowland Phono some years ago, at that time they were very good, but I have no experience with Concerto Phono. I once had a Rhea here (I also had Callisto Sign., some wrote, the small one is about 80% from the bigger brother, but that is not true) and I don't think, that it is a good one. There is much better out there, Klyne 7 for example.
I never listened to Allnic, but from what I read, I think, it can be interesting. When you have a chance for a loan, try it.
kenl OP
131 posts
 
Larryi - Well said! There certainly are no absolutes in audio, as we all hear differently and have different tastes and sensibilities.

From the feedback I've received, it seems my current arm is not so bad. If A.J. likes it better than the Phantom, I'm certainly ahead of the game.

A different phonostage might be worth trying. I know someone who sells both Allnic & Einstein. Perhaps he'll let me demo them at home.

Thanks to all for your valuable input.
geoch's avatar
geoch
354 posts
 

Hi Kenl
Jeff Rowland CADENCE was not a top rated phono stage. The DACT was much better then, and better still was the Klyne.
Today, I use custom tube pre-pre (TFK CCa) without coupling cap to the input signal or any kind of feedback & a clever anti-active RIIA MM phonostage (TFK ECC803s/Raytheon 6J5 St) that supply 250mV-3V adjustable with a passive attenuator directly to the power amp.
I would not advise anyone to go that route as it has too many issues to deal with. (In fact I would not recommend a tube phonostage or likely an active preamp).
Instead, I can confidently recommend the small EINSTEIN as the real champion of the most.
But if you really want to go further, please arrange a listening audition for the VDH "THE GRAIL". In my research I've found it as a real treasure way beyond the Lamm, Jadis, Manley, Goldmund, Klyne, TEAD, FM 222, and some lower level others that I can't remember.
Be very demanding! There are not many phonostages out there that can make the difference. Do not overpay for something that is just works. Search for the exciting factor!

George
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