VPI or Basis?

i own the Basis 2500/Graham 2.2 and formerly owned the VPI TNT III/Graham 1.5tc. these are both great turntables and at the level you are comparing are both quite neutral and without deficiencies.

i went with the Basis for the following reasons;

1. smaller footprint--for me a big deal; the TNT is BIG and with the flywheel it's REALLY BIG.
2. vaccuum option--i buy lottsa used records and the clamping process can't be good for records and is not as good as vaccuum.
3. the fluid suspension of the Basis is simpler and better than the air suspension of the TNT---just an opinion that i have not verified.

the 2500 does outperform the TNT MKIII that i had previously in detail, drive, and bass articulation. i would guess the current TNT Hot Rod would be similar to the Basis 2500.

i never did add the vaccuum option to my 2500 and actually am in the process of moving on to a Rockport. but i was intending to either go to the 2800 or the Debut V Vaccuum.

both are outstanding performers and i think the top under $10k choices IMHO.

You can't go wrong with either one, especially the Basis; but for approximately the same money--$8000--you should also consider the SME 20. It's a truly great table.

NO CONTEST,BASIS ALL THE WAY!the tooling tolerances of the basis is far superior.you cannot even tell if the platter is spinning on a basis.the build quality is impeccable and of course I.M.H.O sounds better.happy listening.RICH

Isn't the word that VPI is a more "lush" sounding table?I have an extended full blown aries and I dig it but from what I read their are tables that may be more rhythmic and Basaii may be one of 'em.Mike their gives a good argument for the Basis.While not totally finicky I was thinking to get an SME
table which is sans suspension.Never needs tweaking at all.I would have probably gotten the new Acoustic Signature for $2K and loaded for bear elsewhere from the Fremer review.Would love to be able to mount a second arm with removable Headshell for beaters and 78's.But I got the VPI new for $2500 so how could I say no?But it outclasses everything else in my rig (german Ehodin spaekrs running off eith a Mac or CJ pre[both are going one day] and a Mesa Baron].Post when you make a decision it will be interesting to find out what you did.
Cheapskate Chazz