Basis Ovation / 2500 vs Sota Cosmos IV

I have a Basis Ovation (owned since around 1990 or so), which I had upgraded to add the Debut's platter, bearing and vacuum system after about 12 years. It is an excellent table, extremely well-engineered and machined and well-isolated from vibrations, if that is a concern for you. It's suspension system is extremely effective and well thought-out. Great-looking too, even after all this time. The original Ovations had one quirk I did not like, in that you had to change the belt pulley (with the smallest Allen wrench you can find, it seemed) to change from 33-1/3 rpm to 45, but the new motor I got when I upgraded the table has a dual drive pulley, and I got a Walker Motor Drive before that anyway to change speeds without changing the pulley. The Ovation was preferred by some to the Debut when it came out because, supposedly, its thinner plinth made its reproduction of dynamics a little crisper than that of its bigger brother; however, my one criticism of the table, and it's a minor one, is that it seems to lack the last word in transient sharpness, mid-bass definition and dynamics compared to a table without an acryllic plinth (like the SMEs). You might find that translates into a slightly "darker" sound than you're used to with your SOTA (which I also liked a lot at the time). I have heard the original version of the SOTA Cosmos, and preferred the Basis to it at the time, but it was more a matter of my taste and available funds (it was more expensive) rather than quality, as it too was an excellent TT; can't comment on the latest version of the Cosmos, but I believe you'll hear from its admirers in this thread, it's a fine product.

I had an Ovation until this fall, when I went back to being a VPI dealer. Am now using an Aries with everything and 12.7 arm. It has a different sound than my Ovation with SME IV but you could prefer either one. The Ovation is a really excellent table, the best built I have ever had.

Thanks to everyone who posted thus far.

I've had two Sota tables since 1983. First a Sapphire, then a Sota Star Sapphire (vacuum) that I bought when I worked at a high end retailer. I've always liked Sota's but it might be time for change. A friend of mine has a Debut that is really nice. I know the Debut could most likely be a better (and probably is) a better table than the Cosmos.

I have noticed some speed instability with the Star I have now on some piano passages. From what I've read and heard the Basis does not have that problem and the newest Cosmos does not either.

A little "dark" sounding is fine with me as I listen to a lot of pop and rock recordings that are usually bright anyway. I also listen to jazz, blues, and just a little classical.

I never play 45's so changing speeds is not a big deal to me.

Does anyone know if the armboards between the Ovation and the Debut interchange ?

The rest of the system is a Classe Six pre, Levinson 23.5 power, and Revel F53 speakers along with two Revel 12" subs.

Thanks again
Regards

I don't think the armboards are interchangable between the Ovation and Debut, my recollection is that the Ovation's is more rectangular.

I will add that my Ovation is essentially a Debut V vacuum with the upgrades (as AJ told me at the time, the only differences would be the narrower plinth and the different, but equally effective, suspension), and the upgraded table is a better table than my stock Ovation was--much quieter background, a "bigger" sound, and no more problems with warped records (even though the Ovation's clamp was very effective).

If you have a chance to listen to one of the bigger Basis tables, you should do so. I think you might find your SOTA to be a little "livelier" sounding on rock, not sure if you'll prefer it one way or another.

I should have added that one advantage of Basis is that A.J. is a really nice guy besides being a top designer and he will take great pains to help you.