Basis 1400 TT vs Clearaudio Emotion

Hi Mark, it's great you're getting back into vinyl, I just did and it trumps my digital front end by a large margin. Analog just sounds more natural and also seems to me to have a much wider range of resolution.

I bought a Basis 1400 sig, with an rb300 and sumiko blackbird cart. Sound is excellent, the table is beautiful, built very well...solid. Probably can't go wrong with either, I also got the ARC ph5 phono stage, don't skimp on your phono stage or you'll never get the full benefit of your table! Kurt is 100% correct with his rec to get a RCM, it makes all kinds of used albums enjoyable...good luck.

Well, they are very similar turntables.
Both are well built, and have a similar sound.
Both are a little light in the bass dept., but otherwise a fine table for the money.
(I started out with the Basis 1400, with the RB300 arm, and my friend has the Clearaudio Champion, which I imagine is very similar to the Emotion.)
I liked it so much, that I naturally upgraded to the Basis 2001, with a RB900 arm.
The only real difference is that Basis is made in the USA, vs. Clearaudio being made in Germany. (I prefer to buy in the USA when I can.)
I have no opinion regarding the cartridges, having heard neither of them. I do know that the Benz Micro Glider II is not, IMHO, a good mate with the Basis 1400, as it is too analytical, at least to my tastes. I would recommend something like the Shelter 501, although this will require you to get a pretty good phono preamp, with plenty of gain. (Something I HIGHLY recommend anyway, since a good phono preamp is a requirement to getting good analog sound, IMHO.)

One other thing I highly recommend is getting a RCM, even a cheap one like a Nitty Gritty or a Record Doctor, or a DIY type. It will dramatically increase the enjoyment you get out of your TT.

Good Luck in your search!