Received the single- and double basket today... I was excited as my previous experience with these baskets was that they made my espresso much better (that was on a Rancilio Silvia).
Now I had to match the single basket with Giotto... and I had to throw three shots down the sink, as they were undrinkable, but after matching the grind right, getting a little more sturdy tamp... there was that big syrup stream of dark, sweet liquid again which I've longed for a couple of months...
It is strange to me how to explain the difference between the Marzocco baskets and the stock R.Silvia and ECM Giotto baskets... the difference is obvious though in amount of crema, colour of pour (Marzocco is much darker), time of shot (Marzocco takes longer, so grinding courser is necessary...) and taste (Marzocco seems to have more depth, unknown corners to discover, sweet undertones and balanced bitters...). As it seems to be much more convenience in practice too (Even Petra - my wife - who has difficulties with pulling syrup-shots cann pull them now...).
And I Know this looks like an advertisement, although it is not meant to be one... I'm just very happy with the baskets (especially the single-basket!) as they really seem to add that extra...
Michel