Basis Turntables: Worth it or Ripoff?

SR is a scam, but I’m not calling Basis that, just curious about the value proposition.

Is the 1400 worth it, it would I be much happier with the next level up? How much is Basis’ perscision engineering worth compared to other, perhaps less, exacting standards at that price point (VPI, Pro-Ject, etc)?

But they don’t look like much, but have very high prices. 

BTW, hasn't Basis massively increased their prices?