i own the Basis 2500/Graham 2.2 and formerly owned the VPI TNT III/Graham 1.5tc. these are both great turntables and at the level you are comparing are both quite neutral and without deficiencies.
i went with the Basis for the following reasons;
1. smaller footprint--for me a big deal; the TNT is BIG and with the flywheel it's REALLY BIG.
2. vaccuum option--i buy lottsa used records and the clamping process can't be good for records and is not as good as vaccuum.
3. the fluid suspension of the Basis is simpler and better than the air suspension of the TNT---just an opinion that i have not verified.
the 2500 does outperform the TNT MKIII that i had previously in detail, drive, and bass articulation. i would guess the current TNT Hot Rod would be similar to the Basis 2500.
i never did add the vaccuum option to my 2500 and actually am in the process of moving on to a Rockport. but i was intending to either go to the 2800 or the Debut V Vaccuum.
both are outstanding performers and i think the top under $10k choices IMHO.
i went with the Basis for the following reasons;
1. smaller footprint--for me a big deal; the TNT is BIG and with the flywheel it's REALLY BIG.
2. vaccuum option--i buy lottsa used records and the clamping process can't be good for records and is not as good as vaccuum.
3. the fluid suspension of the Basis is simpler and better than the air suspension of the TNT---just an opinion that i have not verified.
the 2500 does outperform the TNT MKIII that i had previously in detail, drive, and bass articulation. i would guess the current TNT Hot Rod would be similar to the Basis 2500.
i never did add the vaccuum option to my 2500 and actually am in the process of moving on to a Rockport. but i was intending to either go to the 2800 or the Debut V Vaccuum.
both are outstanding performers and i think the top under $10k choices IMHO.