J.,
We have similar systems. I use the ARC LS-2 preamp, with an ARC PH-3 phono preamp, Mark Levinson No. 23 amp, and Revel Studios speakers as well.
I initially bought the Basis 1400 TT, with RB300 arm. I bought them used. I originally put a Benz Micro Glider II on it (0.84MV). It sounded quite good. I paid $1,000 for the TT and arm (and a marble plinth to set it on). The Glider cost me $800, new.
I enjoyed the sound so much, that I am now upgrading to the Basis 2001, with a RB900 arm. I already upgraded to the Koetsu Black cartridge. (Although the later upgrade was more a matter of taste. For your first cartridge, I would suggest the Glider II, although with our speakers, I found it a trifle bright. I have also heard the the Shelter line is a good bang for the buck as well.)
All of the turntables you list are all good, it is really just a matter of taste, and getting the best bargin.
Therefore, my strategy for you would be:
1. Go to a few stores and friends houses and listen to their systems, and figure out which TT's, arms and cartridges you like. (There will probably be several).
2. I really suggest keeping an eye on the used market places (Audiogon, Ebay (I found my TT & arm there), and takefiveaudio (a stereo shop in Canada that seems to always have a few decent used turntables.) When you find a good bargin, buy it. (Don't get hung up in a price war, (or even on a particular TT, arm or cartridge), as you will always be able to find a good deal if you are willing to wait a week or two.)
3. After buying the TT and arm, I suggest you take it to your local stereo shop who has an analog guru. (I use Brian at The Analog Room in the S.F. Bay Area, who is a great guy!) Have him put on your cartridge of choice. He will be able to check out the TT and arm, and properly setup the cartridge, which is not so easy for a newbie with out the proper tools, as the azimuth, vta, tracking force, etc., must all be setup correctly to get the best sound out of the unit.
4. Sit back and enjoy. If you don't like it, you can always sell it and not be much out of pocket. If you really like it (as I did), you can still sell it and move on up.
Good luck and have fun!
We have similar systems. I use the ARC LS-2 preamp, with an ARC PH-3 phono preamp, Mark Levinson No. 23 amp, and Revel Studios speakers as well.
I initially bought the Basis 1400 TT, with RB300 arm. I bought them used. I originally put a Benz Micro Glider II on it (0.84MV). It sounded quite good. I paid $1,000 for the TT and arm (and a marble plinth to set it on). The Glider cost me $800, new.
I enjoyed the sound so much, that I am now upgrading to the Basis 2001, with a RB900 arm. I already upgraded to the Koetsu Black cartridge. (Although the later upgrade was more a matter of taste. For your first cartridge, I would suggest the Glider II, although with our speakers, I found it a trifle bright. I have also heard the the Shelter line is a good bang for the buck as well.)
All of the turntables you list are all good, it is really just a matter of taste, and getting the best bargin.
Therefore, my strategy for you would be:
1. Go to a few stores and friends houses and listen to their systems, and figure out which TT's, arms and cartridges you like. (There will probably be several).
2. I really suggest keeping an eye on the used market places (Audiogon, Ebay (I found my TT & arm there), and takefiveaudio (a stereo shop in Canada that seems to always have a few decent used turntables.) When you find a good bargin, buy it. (Don't get hung up in a price war, (or even on a particular TT, arm or cartridge), as you will always be able to find a good deal if you are willing to wait a week or two.)
3. After buying the TT and arm, I suggest you take it to your local stereo shop who has an analog guru. (I use Brian at The Analog Room in the S.F. Bay Area, who is a great guy!) Have him put on your cartridge of choice. He will be able to check out the TT and arm, and properly setup the cartridge, which is not so easy for a newbie with out the proper tools, as the azimuth, vta, tracking force, etc., must all be setup correctly to get the best sound out of the unit.
4. Sit back and enjoy. If you don't like it, you can always sell it and not be much out of pocket. If you really like it (as I did), you can still sell it and move on up.
Good luck and have fun!