Is the Basis 2001 a solid enough table to keep.

Yes, all of their tables, even the cheapest are built to very high standards (very close tolerance machining) and will perform well for a long time. The 2001 model has a top quality bearing and motor, which are very important to achieving quiet operation.

If you are looking at a used table, consider buying a new belt. Belts do wear out, and the current model belt is ground to very tight tolerances and performs much better than the older belts.

The Vector arm would be the logical choice for this table, but even a cheaper arm, like the Rega RB 300, should work well. This table does not have a separate armboard, so, once a hole is drilled for the arm, you may be limited in terms of future upgrade of tonearms, so this should be factored into your choice. It might pay to call A.J. Conti at Basis to discuss arm options.

I originally owned a Basis 1400 with a Rega RB 300 tonearm, and I was very happy with that for a couple of years. (It was my re-entry back into the world of analog, after about 10-12 years.) However, I wanted to upgrade to something a bit more resolving as well as wanting to get a table with a suspension, as my little girl loves to dance to the music. So after a couple of years I did upgrade.

I currently use a Basis 2001 turntable, with a Vector M3 tone arm, (and a Dynavector XV-1S cartridge), and I am very happy with it. I have owned the table for about five years now. It is very resolving and has a very, very low noise floor. (And since it has a suspension, my little girl can dance as much as she likes, and I never have any problems.)

FYI: When I first bought this turntable, I could not afford a Vector tone arm, so I bought a lightly used Rega RB 900 tonearm to use as a stop gap measure until I could afford said Vector tone arm. (BTW, in case you don't know, you need to have AJ Conti install a sleeve onto the Rega arms as the standard hole in the plinth is a bit too large.) This original version of my 2001 table sounded very good, coming close to the current Vector's sound. (The Vector is just a bit more resolving and a bit more quiet than the Rega arm. I also like the arm lift better on the Vector as it drops more consistently than either of the Rega's I've owned.)

I have heard the Basis 2500, (with the Vector tone arm), and it is an improvement on the 2001, as it indeed has a bit more very low bass impact, as suggested by Dan_ed. It is not night and day better, but nonetheless it is better. When I get the opportunity, I would like to upgrade to the 2500, but until a good deal comes up, and I have the money, I will happily use my 2001.

I can recommend the Basis 2001 to anyone wanting to get to a mid-level table that one can happily live with for many years. My two cents worth anyway.

I currently have a 2001 with Graham 2.2 Arm, it is a great table. It is sitting next to a VPI Classic [I am a VPI dealer]. Either competes with anything except the mega $ tables.

Would you all choose a Basis 2001 over the Nottingham 294?
I am shopping on audiogon and narrowed my search to these tables. The Basis I can buy set up with a Graham 2.2. The Nottingham 294 w/12" ace space arm. Or I could buy the tables and match workable tone arms.
Thank you all for the great information I have received over several threads. I probably need to hold off at least 1 month ( or 1 C.C. billing cycle)to make a choice. I plan to live with that for several years.
I spent $130 on new records last weekend....
Any more suggestions or comments are welcomed.
Thanks,
Greg

The Basis Turntable can be upgraded to a very serious unit and the Graham drill is identical for the 2.0 series or the Phantom. The Graham Arms have a superior alignment system which makes the adjustment very simple. No matter what cartridge you choose, you are in very short time very close to the best adjustment.