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A question for Graham owners

Hello guys,

I'm going to buy a Graham Phantom arm but I have had a very good offer over a preowned Graham 2.2t/c in mint conditions.
I have read the Stereophile review about the Phantom with inside the comparisons with the 2.2t
Well .. we know the use of the MintLP Best Tractor can reduce the difference (gap) between the two arms.. surely more than using the Graham Jig on both , like the reviewer did.
Now the question : Anyone here has been able to verify the difference between the two arms in the best MintLP conditions?

It would be interesting for me to understand if the old Graham 2.2t/c could be a good "sonical" deal over the higher price of the new Phantom.

Thanks to everyOne for suggestions/opinions

Cheers,

Curio
curio

Showing 3 responses by audiolui

audiolui
295 posts
 
I don't know about the MintLP Best Tractor you mentioned. I used to have the latest Graham 2.2 before the Phantom. The sonic difference is substanial. Deeper and more impactful bass, fuller body, better transient response and dynamic, more focused image, and bigger soundstage. If you can afford the Phantom, grab it.

By the way, I just upgraded to the Phantom II which is also better than the original Phantom. However, the sonic difference between Phantom I and II is not as much as that between the 2.2 and Phantom I. Hope that helps.
audiolui
295 posts
 
I am with Dougdeacon. I am not here to defend the Phantom. Most likely the cause of mistracking is from the cartridge.

A good case in point. I mounted a new cartridge (quite expensive)on the Phantom I and it sounded great until it rode on one passage where it was the most dynamic on that track and the cartrdige sounded distorted and almost skipped that passage. Of course, I didn't blame the Phantom, I adjusted the VTA and wow, the distorted sound was gone and no mistracking at all. It is very easy to misalign a cartridge.

Both the 2.2 and the Phantom are great tonearms.
audiolui
295 posts
 
I like the word "explosive". I would use the same word for the Phantom II over the 2.2. I agree with Grooves (MF) that the Phantom II bass is deep, powerful, and solid. Go grab the Phantom.
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