Basis 2200 Bass Issue


Hello,
I just purchased a used 2200 with a Vector 4 tonearm here on Agon, had it sent to Basis to be checked out and it was given a clean bill of health. Set it up last night, and I think I was careful and precise in following the directions. I have the table on a Vibraplane 2212, all Audio Research gear, Ref 2 SE Phono Pre, Ref 5 SE Pre, Ref 110 Amp, all Nordost TYR 2 Cabling. Bass sounds HORRIBLE! No balls, no slam, no texture. Had a VPI Classic 3 which sounded pretty great but my impression was that the 2200 was a superior table. Any insight or suggestions will be greatly appreciated, besides getting the Classic 3 back :) Thanks.
moryoga

Showing 3 responses by moryoga

Yes, the Vibraplane overdamping crossed my mind. I had also considered the "tipping point " theory. I'm using a Dynavector XV1-S.
JMC, how would I incorporate the Purist Audio Cable as the Vector 4 tonearm seems to have the cable mated from cart to RCA's?
I did dial in the tonearm and cart a bit more yesterday. Dropped the VTF from the 2g point that worked well with the VPI and went, upon advice from a Basis dealer, to 1.89g, pretty specific :) He also suggested dropping the back of the armtube down 1mm below the level at which it enters the headshell. This also seemed to help. And yes, I'm also noticing so much more refinement , certainly in the highs and mids that my ears may be just getting used the a different sound. What I thought of as balls and slam may have been bloat and fluff. Although the VPI is a good table, the improvements with the Basis, where I hear them, are not subtle, which leaves me feeling that awesome bass is there as well and I just have to uncover it.
Lastly, I've added a bit of damping weight to the Vibraplane, just 15pounds to start, and that seems to have helped too.
Thanks again!
Thanks for your feedback. Everything seems to be coming together. Between fine adjusting the cart and arm and mass loading the Vibraplane, bass is coming nicely into focus. I think I just panicked there for a minute. This is clearly a superior table to anything I've owned. I'm hearing things I've never heard before. I almost jumped out of my seat when I thought a neighbor was knocking but it was a giant soundstage sonic illusion. I've done several A/B with and without the Vibraplane and in this set up it's a definite asset. Bigger soundstage, tighter bass, more clarity and separation. Thanks again!
Spent 4 hours in sonic bliss yesterday. Wife was out and it was really cold outside so...
I'm sure there's still a couple of micro adjustments that can be made but I think I'm almost there.
Spoke with A.J. and he said that while his Dampeners filter out 96+% of vibrations, he confirmed that Vibraplanes are the real deal and can have no negative impact on sound.
Very sorry that if the tone of the original posting gave the impression that there was anything wrong with the 2200. I was virtually positive it was my set up but I didn't communicate very well. Thanks for the great feedback and good listening!