Specific goals for the performance of each subsystem are developed based on the function of that system. Each system is designed, based on fundamental principles of physics, and then tested and optimized to perform its function to the highest level. Only after each system has demonstrated superior performance at its defined function is it approved for use in the final product.

The subchassis forms the base that holds all of the systems (drive, suspension, bearing/platter, tonearm mount) together. Ideally the subchassis should provide a rigid, non-resonant support for the turntable system components. The massive, two-inch thick stress-relieved acrylic Debut subchassis indeed provides such an ideal support.

The acrylic material is cast as a solid block and stress-relieved for stability. The material itself exhibits superb low-resonance characteristics without the need for problematic damping with elastomer materials. One needs only to cue the stylus directly onto the subchassis on Debut, turn the volume up, and tap the subchassis with various light objects such as toothpicks, small hex keys, small screwdrivers, and the like. You will note that the sound from the speakers is different for each object and “sounds” like the material of that object striking acrylic.

Further, the sound is immediate and short without echoes, “overhang”, or ringing. Such a simple test, performed with other subchassis materials, will show the benefits of solid, thick, cast acrylic as used for a properly designed turntable subchassis. The Debut subchassis provides the inert structure that a true, neutral, state of the art record player requires.

Isolating the turntable from the listening environment is crucial for you to really hear the music on your record. Any less than total isolation reduces your turntable to an expensive tone control, with the sound becoming colored by feedback and by ineffective handling of energy fed into the turntable by the tonearm.

The beneficiary of this superior energy-conversion isolation system is the listener. Musical details unfold with effortless certainty, conveying the emotion of the music with profoundly convincing realism by combining delicacy, immediacy, listenability, and explosive dynamics.

THE MOTOR

The Debut utilizes the most speed-stable type of motor available, the AC synchronous instrument motor. Basis modifies this motor with a custom magnet assembly to further smooth the power delivery and to assure a totally balanced rotating system.

The custom motor is mounted in its own housing, separated from the turntable base by elastomer isolators, which are themselves isolated from the critical tonearm/platter systems by the Debut hanging, fluid damped suspension system.

The Debut bearing is unique in the history of record players. It is an oil-well design, the smoothest, quietest bearing type. A multi-component two tiered structure results in the very desirable but seemingly impossible reality of placing the center of gravity of the platter directly between the top and bottom bushings of the bearing. Thus, the lowest possible lateral forces are achieved. The result is lower friction and lower noise, which yields the silent backgrounds, low grain, utterly transparent, and effortless sound for which the Debut is known.

The platter support surfaces of the bearing are machined after the bearing has been otherwise finished. The platter is perfectly centered as a result of this proprietary process, giving the Debut a solid sense of speed stability that must be heard. Matched thrust surfaces result in a life, which, with twenty years experience, is still unknown: no Debut bearings have ever worn out! With current production surfaces superior to those of the first Debuts in 1986 the new Debut Signature owner is guaranteed a minimum of 25 years before any wear surfaces require attention.

The Debut platter is lavished with the same attention to detail as the bearing. At 20+ pounds it is not only inert but is also absolutely round to a precision that is finer than one quarter of the thickness of a sheet of paper! Along with the perfect centering of the matched platter, the result is rotational accuracy of five-ten thousandths of an inch. Even without a feeling for just how impressive “.0005 inches accuracy” is, any listener will immediately hear the riveting clarity and speed stability that results.

The platter is a massive, two-inch thick design machined from stress-relieved acrylic. Thirty two individual weights are bonded into the platter to break up resonant modes and add to the rotational inertia. A precision aluminum insert is integrally machined for perfect platter/bearing matching with absolutely zero clearances. One look at the bottom of the Debut/2500 platter with its 32 weights and perfectly machined bearing interface and everyone agrees: this is a serious platter for a serious, perfectionist turntable.

The optional Basis Vacuum Record Hold-Down System applies a controlled level of negative pressure to the underside of the record guaranteeing a perfectly flat record that is so effectively coupled to the platter that record resonance is totally eliminated. Each record becomes a twenty-pound record! The true musical tonality and texture captured on the record are revealed, without any added coloration of vinyl resonance. No system, other than gluing the record to the platter, can result in such perfect resonance control. Tests of record outer rings, never considered at Basis due to resonance problems of their own as well as the danger they present to the stylus, show only a twenty percent coupling compared to the Basis Vacuum System.

 The vacuum system restores even the most warped record to exact flatness, eliminating speaker damaging and power robbing “woofer pumping” due to record warps. Dynamics, imaging, musicality, bass power, and tracking ability are all brought to levels unreachable without the Basis Vacuum system.

Overall dimensions: 23" wide x 16.5" deep x 7" tall (584mm x 419mm x 178mm).

Overall weight: 82 pounds (37 kilograms). Vacuum version: 102 pounds (46 kilograms).

Shipping weight: 95 pounds (43 kilograms). Vacuum version: 123 pounds (56 kilograms).

Options: Vacuum or non-vacuum version; Clear acrylic/silver trim (DIAMOND configuration), black

acrylic/silver trim, black acrylic/black trim.