I read through this whole thread and somehow missed the answer to my question just two posts above oops.
Thanks for the reply. Glad to hear you are happy with the result of the signature upgrade. I plan to use the table as it is for a while, but hope to upgrade in the future.
I have one sitting on the table behind me. I have had some memory loss so it may be a 2000? One of the better range but many better ones. No I cannot just look at it as it is still in the box from my move. I am still waiting for my friends to set it up as I have had a brain tumor and lost my coordination. I liked my modified LP12 better but the Basis was very good. I was a VPI dealer and they were also good. Among the good tables it is a matter of taste. Two of my friends had Ravens and they were very good. A very massive sound but not as light footed as the Linn. I have tried vacuum and it is some help but also a pain to use. If you do not clean the record every time you may press the dirt on the table into the record.
to all Basis (or potential) owners:
I purchased my Basis Ovation in 1991 and have had it ever since without any sorts of problems.
the Ovation is a design piece of industrial art imo and sounds very balanced and tight
After a short dialogue with Mr.Conti I had it over for a full signature upgrade last year and even if it cost a substantial chunk, it was worth all of it:
more silenced background, even tighter and deeper bass and better resolution.
Not many other of todays TT manufacturors have this kind of service and not to speak of "engineering pride"
AJ Conti is a true gentleman and a pleasure to deal with.
Together with the Airtangent Reference, it looks and sounds fantastic.
Despite the weight of the armbase I have no problem balancing the suspension or its action.
Together they are among those products that never will be replaced
What better compliment can a restless audiophile/music lover give to a manufacturor?
best
Leif
A friend of mine who for over 20 years was a prominent member of the New Jersey Audiophile Society had then and still has a Basis Audio Debut which he has had A.J. upgrade over time. My friend still loves his Basis.
I have gotten to know A.J. very well, both in person and over the telephone and e-mail, and in addition to being a true gentleman I think he is also a unique and fascinating combination of hard-core engineer combined with a musician's artistic sensibility.
At T.H.E. Show Newport (in Irvine) last month A.J. debuted a new platter option for the Work of Art and the Inspiration. He is always striving to improve his designs.
When I needed a belt I called them and got him himself. As we are a couple of lifers in audio we had a long talk about the men we had known in the old days. He ask me if I would like to be a dealer but as I was then in my declining years I could not take up the offer although I would have liked to. Also I was the only high end TT dealer in Louisville the market was very small. I had VPI which had more products at the lower end of the market. I doubt if I sold a dozen in 2 years. I spent 30 years as a home dealer and could get most lines as there were no one near in the backwoods. I was a Krell dealer when Atlanta didn't have one. I just say this to reming you how small and specialized the high end market is. Another time I was at the old Chicago CES and bought all the speakers Monitor Audio brought over. Made the Canadian importer as he wanted to pick and chose among them. Not that many as I was able to rent a 8x5 u haul to get them home. I had a chance to be the importer but Knoxville is not an ideal place for an importer. Someone from Calif took them on and I think I got most of the ones I brought in. Forgive an old man for babbling. I think mine is the O Ovation also. The problem is that I have holes in my memory even though I remember the damdest things.
just sold my Basis Ovation sign which has served me great since new in 1991
had it to AJ just before he passed away...fantastic table...a lucky Dane got it for his collection
now Im a Melco man after looking for one for 40 years.....
enjoy
best
Leif
oops.
