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New analog rig(t.t.,tonearm,phono drive)

My current analog rig is a Basis 2001 w/ fluid suspension/Rega RB900/Benz Micro Wood M2/McCormack Micro Phono Drive. I like the Basis 2001 but I want to upgrade several levels up. Basis themselves and 2 Basis dealers suggested getting the Vector 4 tonearm. While that is definitely a good recommendation, they also recommend adding the Calibrator Base.
I think the Basis motor is high torque. But, to get the Calibration Base and possibly the Cable Isolation System(around $3,000) along with the Vector 4($6,000) will cost around $9,000 total. With any substantial upgrade I do believe it is time to upgrade from my McCormack Micro Phono Drive as well....That is why I was considering the Vertere MG-1/SG-1/PHONO-1 rig as all of that, even with a tonearm wiring upgrade to hand built, is in the $10,000-$11,000 ballpark which is my budget for the upgrades. I am sure I can sell my Basis 2001/RB900/McCormack phono drive so maybe I could raise my budget a little.

Vertere design is very different than Basis as far metal(w/acrylic mat) vs. acrylic platter, recommendation of no use of a record clamp, motor on the plinth and
lack of suspension(I believe)...I have a 200+ pound Sound Anchors rack so suspension may be less a factor to consider?....Or I could use an isolation platform...And Vertere’s tonearm, while it looks like a uni pivot, Vertere says it definitely is not...

So, while I am open to any other gear, up for consideration is the Vertere MG-1/SG-1 w/ HB wiring/PHONO-1 for $10,000-$11,000 or The Calibrator Base/Cable Iso System, Vector 4, new phono drive for $10,000-$11,000. That just seems a lot to spend to upgrade a 2001.

I’ve never read a bad thing about Basis and my current system has served me well. And I’ve read very good things about Vertere; that this rig combination sounds incredible....But I value the opinions here.
I’ve read several posts from Basis owners but none regarding the U.K’s Vertere...Have any posters here looked into/heard about or own a Vertere system? All feedback is greatly appreciated.
vinylshadow

Showing 3 responses by mijostyn

mijostyn's avatar
mijostyn
8,183 posts
 
More Motors = more noise. There is absolutely no reason to have more than one motor.  
mijostyn's avatar
mijostyn
8,183 posts
 
Vinylshadow, Buying a new turntable is always fun. I have several rules I always abide by when I look at tonearms and turntables.
Rule #1 No unipivot arms. They are inherently unstable. Many manufacturers such as Lyra recommend against them for good reason.
Rule #2 The turntable must be adequately isolate with a suspension tune to filter under 3 Hz.\
Rule #3 The Turntable must have adequate record clamping be it by reflex clamp or vacuum.
Turntables that meet that requirement are Basis, SOTA, SME and Dohmann. Of the 4 SOTA is easily the best buy. It's suspension is brilliant, it has vacuum hold down, it has a bearing with a magnetic thrust system and it has a great drive system. Put an Origin live Tonearm on one and you would be hard pressed to do better at any price. The main downside to the SOTA is it will only take certain 9-10" tonearms. 
The SME is a brilliant turntable but it is three times the price. The Dohmann is the best turntable here. It has a built in Minus K system for the best isolation available in any turntable. It uses a reflex clamp and I believe will soon be offered with Vacuum. It is more expensive than the SME's. Basis tables are fine but they want to sell them with their tonearms which by many opinions are not so hot because they are unipivot arms.
The Vertere is a handsome turntable. It does not have an adequate suspension or record clamping system. The tonearm looks OK but I have not handled one. On appearances alone I would prefer an Origin Live Enterprise arm not to mention any of the Schroder or Reed arms. SME arms are not available as separates any more. 
You buy a turntable to listen too not to look at. The Dohmann is the ugliest turntable here and I would buy one in a heart beat if I had the money:) 
mijostyn's avatar
mijostyn
8,183 posts
 
Vinylshadow, If you get the Cosmos in something like Macasar Ebony it is very handsome. I would not get the Millennium as it is not as well isolated and it is not as nice to use. The Cosmos has a beautiful hinged dust cover that is isolated from the subchassis. The subchassis is isolated within the plinth so you can bang on the turntable and not hear a thing. It is nicer to use than any of the other turntable even the Dohmann. If you put your hand down on the Dohmann you get the whole thing bouncing. You have to go to great lengths to have a satisfactory dust cover. You can't just mount one on the turntable like you can with the SOTA. I just wish they would make a version that would take a 12" tonearm. 
As for what your friend hears? I never trust what someone else hears. Listen for your self. Play with the turntable and see if it is stable. Can you jump on the floor without it skipping? Is the very lowest bass satisfactory.
Take a copy of the Red Hot Chili Pepper's  Blood Sugar Sex Majik. See if it makes it through the first side without a hiccup. If it does that is a good sign. 
As for your Basis you can absolutely put a new arm on it. The Kuzma 4 point 9 would be a great choice. IMHO the Calibration Base is a waste of money. A J's design does not need it. I think he is rolling over in his grave.  You are much better off spending the money on a nice arm with solid bearings. The Kuzma 4 Point is a great value as are the Origin Live arms. If you want the ultimate go for a Schroder CB, a fabulously thought out design. 
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