VPI Classic 3 vs Basis 2200

I would go for the 2200 Signature over the 2500 non-Signature for two reasons. I believe the Vector 4 arm on the 2200 Sig is better than the Graham 2.2 arm, and the 2200 Sig also has the Calibrator base.

On a Basis 2500, a friend of mine had both a Vector 2 and a Graham Phantom arm. Using both a Lyra Titan i and a Transfiguration Orpheus cartridge for comparison, several listeners compared the two arms while cartridges were switched in the arms. Everyone preferred the Vector 2. I personally thought the differences were quite small (Phantom seemed a bit darker and slightly less energetic sounding).

I don't know about a comparison with a 2.2. Another friend of mine actually likes the 2.2 more than the Phantom, so this is really a matter of taste.

Moryoga. FYI regarding the Basis 2200 Signature with Vector 4 arm. I recall that Paul Seydor reviewed that very setup in tas a while ago. Googled and found it was published on the tas website. Although I've not heard the 2200 I've owned other Basis 'tables--they've been stellar and support from Basis whenever I've had questions has been precise and exceptional.

I currently own a Basis Debut with an outboard motor controller and vacuum clamping system. The build quality is exceptional. Unlike some other tables where you can see slight play or out-of-round "wobble" in rotating parts, absolutely nothing of that sort can be seen with the Basis.

But, I have also owned a VPI HW15-IV and it too is quite a nice table. Yes, it is not built quite as well as the Basis, but it is a lot cheaper and worked well for many years (it is currently in a friend's system still working away).

I don't think you can go wrong with either brand.

Lots of fine sounding tables out there - I have only owned Basis in my vinyl reincarnation. I have heard many great tables at shows but that must be taken with a grain of salt versus played in your own system. I just think in general vinyl sounds so much better - I can tell within seconds if it is digi or vinyl when I walk in a room.

I was fortunate, my dealer started me out with a Basis 1400 sig that knocked me out of digital forever...or at least the last several years.

I upgraded to the 2200 sig and can't imagine buying another table. It is a music maker. AJ at basis offers terrific support.