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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
vinylshadow OP
405 posts
 
Thank you for your offer Jim. I would LOVE to hear that analog rig. Wowser.
My feeling now is, at 60, I don’t want to go in stages. I’ve been spending months researching and educating myself. That is the biggest thing. But, I want to make the right purchase and then never even feel the need to consider another upgrade. And that includes the phono stage...All of my power, speaker and interconnect cables are very good. But when it’s time to re-tip the Benz Wood M2, maybe a new cartridge. But I need to give that Benz a good ride.

I have read nothing except admiration and adulation about the Garard’s.
I think if I was really going to go for it, I might consider the Oracle Delphi VI Classic. But at $10K+, I am wondering if there is a table close to that in characteristics and esthetics for 30% less. Once I sell my Basis 2001(and Reflex clamp?)/RB 900/McCormack Phono Drive after my upgrade, that will be a nice little refund I could retroactively apply to an upgrade......

I wrote to Basis to learn about the value of the Calibrating Base. But, I think you hit the nail on the head. I do not want to spend $9K on upgrading a 2001. And a Basis 2800 Signature Model is over $12K.

Once I get the soldering iron I ordered from Amazon and finish my soldering work of replacing a burned out tweeter diaphragm voice coil on one of my Mezzo’s, I’ll give my analog gear a good listen and evaluation.

In the meantime, I’ll keep researching. I don’t need the best. I just want a rig that is very accurate and neutral and sounds fantastic. Not as easy as it sounds.


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. 
vinylshadow OP
405 posts
 
Oh man @mijostyn AJ rolling in his grave about the Calibrator? That is hysterical..Ok, no Calibrator Base.

Great suspension etc. but the Cosmos is one of the most unassuming, unimpressive t.t.’s I’ve seen. And I hate paying a premium for wood finishes. I’d rather put that money towards a tonearm. Despite my objections, it is a great t.t. and I like the dustcover option.

My Sound Anchors rack weighs 300 pounds. You could drill for oil next to it and it wouldn’t move a fraction of a millimeter. Does that allow me some wiggle room to buy a cooler looking t.t. who’s suspension might not be as great as the SOTA’s?

The Schroeder tonearm looks very well made. Very promising...The CB-1 is about $5,0000. As far as your comment about SOTA tonearms(and the Schroeder), aren’t you better off with a 9" than a 12" due to stiffness etc.? Or with carbon fiber and wood it is not as much a concern?...I’ve never seen a wood tonearm before. I think either Touraj from Vertere stole the DG tonearm shape from the Schroeder BA or Schroeder stole the shape of his BA from the DG.  Or I could be wrong.

The Vertere SG-1 tonearm is also carbon fiber and looks like the Schroeder’s but it’s $2350. I bet that email acquaintance really has the Vertere Reference tonearm....
I’ve been told by Basis dealers and others that with a great tonearm, you can downgrade a bit on the turntable.

In all cases, I need to upgrade my phono drive. The Manley Chinook for $2700? I have solid state pre amp and amps.... I’m not sure a Herron VPTH2A tube phono stage would jive.

I hope to have my Basis 2001/RB900/Benz Wood M2 up and running in a week to get a baseline. Do I need to buy an LP of RHCP’s BSSM :)? I’ve got the CD but.......
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