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Additional info:
While the header of this review shows the other equipment in my system, some of it did change since my 6moons review of the Vinyl Reference Phono Stage at the end of last year. Of the various alterations, three stand out.


First, I am most recently running a full set of Basis Audio interconnect cables, speaker wires and power cords in my system. These have only further enhanced all the goodness that was already in place with my Zu wires. The Basis speaker wires in particular are dramatically powerful in revealing important details, nuances and clarity. It is akin to putting the whipped cream on top of the cake. Dynamics now truly feel unlimited, with a new delicious sense of control over everything of musical import flowing naturally and engagingly. In fact, my friend Mike who helped with the speaker wire installation made a profound observation. He and I had the opportunity to hear several different big-time sound systems at a large audio show in NYC. When we returned to my sound room, Mike gave a wide grin and said "I can only imagine how much better those systems could have sounded if the Basis Audio wires were being used there." He was absolutely correct. The interconnect cables and power cords share the same revelatory and effective traits. Collectively, there is an uncanny ability for the sound to scale up correctly and the jump factor feels tremendous. This became particularly obvious upon inserting the Basis XLR interconnects between the Bent TAP line stage and McCormack DNA500 amp. At first blush, it felt as though my listening seat was moved back a few rows from the musicians, which was not a big problem. Interestingly, with one click up on the volume control, things readily became focused in a better, more organic and natural fashion, feeling fully articulate, spacious and possessing an even greater sense of ease and effortlessness. Everything about the sound in my room was improved. Granted, these wires are more expensive than the Zu products that I really appreciate and continue to value, but these sonic changes and improvements make it worthwhile. This is a strong example of how synergy truly can make a meaningful difference.

Second, I upgraded my speakers from the Zu Definition Pro to the current Zu Definition 2 model. This was evolutionary to be sure but in a productive, effective manner. I never felt that the previous version had much boxiness to its sound but the newer model shows how much less of the enclosure is in the equation now. I continue to drive the subwoofers externally as had been the case earlier, using the Rane Parametric Equalizer with the Eagle monoblock amps which are sonically superior to the built-in plate amps. All of the improvements in this newer speaker go toward neutrality, greater freedom from any mechanical qualities and a sense of ease. Congrats to Sean and Adam at Zu for making something that was already a special product into a yet better statement product.


Lastly, following the information Jeff Day provided a few months ago about the Acoustic Revive RR-77 Schumann resonance generator, I acquired one and won't go without it. Jeff was on the money describing how much more relaxed and natural the sound has become. I concur with all of what that review covered and can say further that my bass performance is nicely improved in an unexpected fashion.
Closing thoughts:
It is not often that one is fortunate enough to discover remarkable things. I have had the pleasure of encountering and knowing a few remarkable people and they have indelibly shaped some of my thought patterns. When it comes to physical things, only a very few items scale these heights. My good fortune in recent months has been that the distinguished Basis Audio products, which constitute this review, clearly fall into this realm.


In my 40-plus years of experience with audio products, none has been at such a benchmark level. These products have added immense joy and pleasure to music playback for several reasons. The principal benefit, aside from the excellent design and execution of the gear, is the ability to revisit and relearn so much of my musical history from LPs great and small.
Allow me one small self-quotation from a note I wrote to an audiophile friend during one of our several email exchanges. I think it has utility in the context of this review: "I offer an overview comment about my current sense of things. With the added playing time of recent days I sense that the analog performance here has ascended to another level of distinction. A quality of tonal richness is now emerging and I am having trouble finding the exact word for a characteristic connected to that richness, but am settling on "density" as a descriptor. I know that is off-target but it is the word that I have embraced, at least for a while, in trying to say how vibrant, cohesive and integrated things are appearing as of late. It is as if there is more 'flesh on the bones' from both the musicians and their instruments. This is terrific to witness."


Resources and execution may be considered among the main ingredients in successful product creation. A.J. Conti has produced and refined audio equipment that qualifies to be called honest-to-goodness pleasure machines. His knowledge, dedication, experience and problem solving skills represent an admirable coalescence between art, science and technology. I think he needs to find some time to become a champagne maker. My main reason for drinking wine is to derive the pleasure, joy and satisfaction from the wine experience. Somehow, I believe Mr. Conti could translate his awareness, understanding and creativity into a distinctive kind of bubbly that would enhance many forms of pleasure. Congratulations, A.J., and do let me know if your tasting panel has any openings.


The Basis 2800 turntable and Vector 4 tonearm are stunningly crafted, superbly performing components, capable of elevating any high-end sound system. They are indeed magical and are pleasure machines of the highest order.

It is hard to convey in a single summary paragraph all of the areas in which the Basis 2800/Vector 4 represents unequalled achievement, but let me try. I would certainly include perfectionist build quality, seemingly flawless fit and finish, exquisite attention to detail, utter neutrality of sound, unrestrained dynamics and the ability to render ambience, space and image size at a level I have never heard from other products. The Vector 4 tonearm never mistracks and is a joy to operate, yielding a significantly welcomed freedom from the anxiety that used to accompany the tracing distortions I heard in other arms. All of this comes from a company that has developed a sterling reputation while shipping high-end turntables for 22 years and offering a 10-year warranty. Bravo Basis Audio!


By the way, I am looking for a good home for my Linn LP12/Naim Aro gear. The Basis Audio equipment will be staying. Need I say more? I am sincerely pleased to extend a Blue Moon Award for the successes of the Basis Audio 2800 Diamond Signature Turntable and Vector Model 4 Tone Arm.
Quality of packing: Excellent and easily reusable.
Condition of components received: Perfect.
Completeness of delivery: Complete.
Quality of owner's manual: Several specific owner's manual provided; all effective and concise.
Website comments: Useful website, but in need of some updating.
Human interactions: A.J. Conti of Basis Audio is a consummate professional and knows that excellence matters not only in material things, but also in how one deals with others.
Basis Audio website