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Cart for Basis Debut/Graham?

I just got a good deal on a used Basis Debut Gold Mk III table with Graham 1.5t/c arm. Now I must decide on the cartridge.

Since I stretched my budget to acquire the Basis, I'm trying to find a cartridge that I can happily live with for the next year or so until I get familiar with the set-up and decide to upgrade the cart, arm or both. My budget is probably $1k and under, new or used.

Does anyone have practical experience matching the Graham to a cartridge in this price range?

I think the Graham is considered a medium-mass tonearm, and ideally should be matched to a medium or low compliance cartridge. After setting the table up yesterday, we installed a new Shure V15VxMR cart. While it sounds good, I think it's somewhat darker sounding than I'd like. Bass is not quite as good as it was when I was using an older Denon direct-drive table with Denon 301 cart.

I'm considering trying a Denon 103R, Dynavector 17D2MKII or Shelter 501? Any opinions/suggestions?

Thanks.
kenl

Showing 1 response by monk

monk
120 posts
 
I would add to Kurt's great post. I would have you seriously check out a Sumiko Celebration (new from @$1100, to used for much less)

Works much more friendly with your unipivot bearing, than any Shelter cart. Better frequency extremes than a Koetsu, or 501, yet has this killer midrange and huge soundstage;Meat on dem bones - great midrange also.

Keep in mind, I have a Basis/Vector combo with my Celebration. The Basis bass can be as big as any table, but you cannot use bass lite carts like the 501, with bass lite arms like the 1.5. The Celebration is even top to bottom - when properly loaded(same as with any cart). As is the Vector - and thus the Basis TT can have a great bottom end. But if you use a light bottom end cart like the 501 or a Koetsu, with your 1.5 tonearm, with the energy the Shelter is going to feedback into your Graham, I think there are better choices. Your thoughts on a Denon 103R is a great way to go, can't go wrong there - I just think the Shelters aren't the best match to your arm (search the archives for others thoughts here as well). Let alone the Basis TT (at least the 501, the 901 and 90x match MUCH better to the TT, but still not to your arm)
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