Basis 2200 Bass Issue

It's sometimes difficult when you change out a source component, as everything in your collection may sound "different". It just takes some getting used to. Listen for a few months and stop screwing around for now. IMO, the Basis has a much more "master-tape" sound than my previous Linn, which did take a bit of time to appreciate. Listen for the lack of artificial resonance and the true portrayal of the source. Then again, you may just prefer the VPI, which is fine. That's just the chance you take buying without audition. You save a lot of money, but you take a gamble. The good part is - you can probably sell at little or no loss. Or perhaps even a small profit, now that it's been blessed by AJ. But do give it some time. Best of luck.

01-26-14: Moryoga
Yes, the Vibraplane overdamping crossed my mind. I had also considered the "tipping point " theory. I'm using a Dynavector XV1-S.
JMC, how would I incorporate the Purist Audio Cable as the Vector 4 tonearm seems to have the cable mated from cart to RCA's?

Never mind, I forgot about the Vector tone arm's integrated interconnect cable. The Dynavector's are also well know for their speed and resolution, which is why so many recommend Dynavector and Lyra cartridges for VPI tables. The speed and resolution of these cartridges balance well with the fullness and warmth of the VPI tables/arms. I ran a Dynavector XV-1s on my Basis 2500 Signature with Vector 3 arm, and enjoyed it very much, though I was not using ARC electronics or Nordost cables, as I find them a bit too bright for my tastes. I did prefer the sound of the ZYX UNIverse and 4D over the Dynavector XV-1s on my Basis though.

Keep tweaking and listening and I'm sure that eventually you will appreciate the extra resolution and refinement that the Basis presents over the VPI.

Cheers,
John

Just one more thing - I'm not very familiar with Vibraplanes, but I do believe they use an air bladder suspension. Linn always cautioned about placing a spring-suspended table on anything that contained a suspension because the two suspensions could interact and oscillate. You should speak with AJ about this, but if this is happening, there could be reinforcement of certain frequencies and cancellation of others. Maybe you should just let the 2200 stand on its own 4 feet or the Calibrator if you have it.

Maybe it is a help to catch the "problem" from a different view. Just an example with cartridges, here Koetsu. These are midrange pushers, that means, low performance in Bass and Highs. when someone likes that for whatever reason, then it is the way for him. He will always miss this "golden midrange" when he buys different, or even better cartridges. Or his Table/Arm/Phonostage is loaded with vibrations (platte, bearing, belt), distortions (the result from that) or whatever and this cartridge can compensate or hide it successfully.
When going to a better combination it is possible that these components will show what the Koetsu really is .... but there are similar carts out there ... that is just an example.
Same with Turntables, a good analog reproduction has a lot to do with Precision and - forgive me - VPI is mediocre at best. I listened to a few and I think, the dominant Bass is linked with a limited Soundstage and average high frequency detail. That's the "sonic fingerprint". Maybe I am wrong, but I recommend to use a few better records (try some from the 60's-70's), it can be possible, that these will tell you something new. A good table is never dominant in one area, it has no bass, high, speed... these are attributes from inferior design. A good table will show you what is in the groove, 1:1, the emotion comes from the Software, not from the Hardware.
The Vibraplane has no influence to that, that one stretches the soundstage in all directions and will serve you a better image in high frequency detail.

Thanks for your feedback. Everything seems to be coming together. Between fine adjusting the cart and arm and mass loading the Vibraplane, bass is coming nicely into focus. I think I just panicked there for a minute. This is clearly a superior table to anything I've owned. I'm hearing things I've never heard before. I almost jumped out of my seat when I thought a neighbor was knocking but it was a giant soundstage sonic illusion. I've done several A/B with and without the Vibraplane and in this set up it's a definite asset. Bigger soundstage, tighter bass, more clarity and separation. Thanks again!