Basis table or SME

Thanks, Syntax. Another question: do you think a Minus-K or Vibraplane renders moot the benefits of the Basis suspension?

I think both the higher end Basis and SME tables are very good. I have only heard the Basis Debut Signature at my local dealer and the Inspiration at an audio show and the systems in which they were, sounded excellent, though I can't isolate what the tables were doing.

I do know a bit more about SME. I owned the SME Model 10 for nine years and recently bought the 30/12 with V-12 arm. Though I have not tried a Timeline on the 30/12 yet, it does show no variation with the KAB strobe and I heard absolutely no issues with speed. Isolation is excellent as is the build quality and service reputation of the company. Yes, as Syntax writes, the rubber bands look cheap, but I assure you they work very well. They hang from suspension towers in which are paddles damped in a silicone bath. These towers are certainly adjustable in height, so one can tune the suspension. They are very effective in both horizontal and vertical isolation. I think this is one difference between the Basis and SME suspension towers, though I know little about the Basis.

Another aspect critical to the SME design is the way in which energy is drained away from the cartridge. The platter is surface is a soft grooved material which mates very well with the LP. There is a screw down clamp and washer system. So this is passive but very effective at draining energy away from the stylus and in dealing with warps.

As Syntax wrote, Both tables tell you what is in the recording. There is very little detectable distortion from this system. Extension is tremendous, and backgrounds are silent. I would describe the system as a very effective platform for the cartridge to perform its best. Very little seems to be added to the overall sound from this turntable/arm system.

I did listen to my SME 9" V arm on the big table extensively before I switched to the 12" V-12 arm. The difference was pretty significant. Lower distortion, more extension, more information, great control. Based on the improved sonics of the longer arm, if you decide to go with an SME table, I would suggest the 20/12 over the newer 20/3. I have also read hear on Audiogon that the V-12 is superior to the 12" 312S, though I have not heard the latter.

I'm sure you will be happy with turntables from either of these great companies.

I have a Basis Debut vacuum table with the Basis power supply and a Vector 3 arm. I cannot say how it compares with SME table/arm combinations because I have not had any real opportunity to make any kind of fair comparisons between tables. I will say that I do like my table and arm a lot. I am surprised by how low the level of groove rush and other noise seems to be with this combination. This may have something to do with how well the table performs at dampening out unwanted vibrational energy from the stylus/groove interaction. I believe that the close coupling of the record to the surface of the platter in order to effectively drain away and dampen this energy is the main purpose of the vacuum clamp; it is NOT designed to flatten warped records (it is actually quite hard to get the vacuum to work with records with an edge warp).

Where are you located? Have you already sold the Forsell?

Have compared many Basis tables to SME over the years. I decided first on a Basis 2002 with a Graham arm and then upgraded to a Basis 2800 Signature with a Vector 3 and Dynavector cartridge. Liked the rhythm and pace of the Basis tables and the extended bass. Am about to sell the 2800 combo to move up to a higher level Basis table and arm.
Feel free to contact me at hilrenee@hotmail.com to discuss if you want.