Cable Asylum: REVIEW: Basis Audio Vector Tone Arms by DocDicK

Model:	Vector
Category:	Tone Arms
Suggested Retail Price:	$2500
Description:	UniPivot
Manufacturer URL:	Not Available
Model Picture:	View

Review by DocDicK ( A ) on September 01, 2004 at 13:30:59
IP Address: 207.203.88.15

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I have two Vector arms on two Debut Vacuum arm boards set up with different cartridages for quick comparisons-I am lazy and like to set them up once and just listen. The first arm was the Vector model one the second a model three with the upgraded PSTT wires. I got to tell yea I am pleased to a higher degree even though I thought the model one had it all. It is a must do kind of up grade in my opinion it is worth the trouble of sending the model one back to be upgraded which I have done. In fact I was so impressed in the improvements across the board that I talked Basis into making me two pairs of interconnects from the arm wires. I have been searching for a reasonably priced, killer sounding wire since I heard the Cardas Gold Ref. (which I have) and the Valhalla (which I don't own). Friends, Romans and Audio buffs lend me your ears I have found audio nirvana, at least for now. With the prototype wires in my system (the true interconnects will be out this winter) I got the Valhalla detail without the silver alloy brightness. The sound field opened up like on a warm spring day after winter that lets you open the windows and let the fresh air in after being closed in for the winter.
The first night of listening was like....well I just sat there shaking my head side to side and smiling a lot...wow I never heard that before, wow never felt the chair headrest shake like that before, maybe I could use James Newton Howard's piece to get a great neck message that bass is deep!
I've been listening now for a couple of weeks and am still discovering new sounds on familiar records-and nodding alot!
I agree with the previous reviewers too but if they haven't up graded yet their in for a pleasing upgrade. A VTA adjuster can be added too which makes adjustments painless and a lot quicker.

Product Weakness: Sonically-none so far noted.
Advanced setup skills required to achieve the most out of a product with a lot to give.
Product Strengths: Balanced presentation from subsonic bass to extended highs, edgeyless brass horns to harmonic violins.

Associated Equipment for this Review:
Amplifier:	PX-25 Monoblocks
Preamplifier (or None if Integrated):	Counterpoint SA9 phono, CJ 17LS line stage
Sources (CDP/Turntable):	Basis Debut Vacuum
Speakers:	Advantgard-Duo's
Cables/Interconnects:	Basis Prototype interconnects, MIT 330 speaker wires
Music Used (Genre/Selections):	Classical, Pop Rock,Jazz
Room Size (LxWxH):	21 x 13 x 8-12-8
Room Comments/Treatments:	Homemade
Time Period/Length of Audition:	Two Weekss
Other (Power Conditioner etc.):	CPCC power block
Type of Audition/Review:	Product Owner

Product Weakness:	Sonically-none so far noted. Advanced setup skills required to achieve the most out of a product with a lot to give.
Product Strengths:	Balanced presentation from subsonic bass to extended highs, edgeyless brass horns to harmonic violins.