Any feedback on the Graham Phantom

My Phanton just arrived after two weeks. It replaces a Graham 2.2

The tonearm is outstanding. It reproduces more detail with tighter, better defined bass. The soundstage is deeper and a bit wider. The tracking of my Koetsu Jade Platinum has improved with a reduction of glare and hardness in the midrange on difficult to track passages. The resolution of the highs is detailed but without emphasis.

The build quality is excellent. I had no problems mounting it on a Basis Debut Vacuum.

In short,a big upgrade for Graham 2.2 owners.

Steve

Sirspeedy, your response and concern over the Phantom not being able to handle your cartridge is a bit much.

The Phantom is not a 2.2 on steroids. It is the more elegant design. As for one tonearm being the "absolute best" for everyone is an unreasonable expectation.

It agree that you seem to be going through a set of rationalizations of why you should not buy this arm. The fact is, the 2.2 is a wonderful arm. The new Phantom does not change this reality.

Give Graham credit for taking the time to release a truly completed design that delivers what he advertises.

As for the SME-V, I have owned this arm; the Phantom is something very different.

With every record I play, it is now a new experience with the Phantom.

Sirspeedy, you have no argument here concerning van den Hul's comments on mass over the record groove. As for interpreting your thoughts, well your writing speaks for itself.

By suggesting that the Phanatom is a 2.2 on steroids kind of misses the new design features; neutral balance and reduced resonances due to the new arm design and locking mechanism. The new locking design is quite substantial.

Without meaning to insult you, it appeared to me that your implication was that Graham should have designed a new low mass arm. Perhaps if there is enough demand, he will.

Best Wishes,

Steve

Dear Sirspeedy,

All I can say is that the new arm has made a significant improvement in my system. Be it reductions in arm resonance, distortion, improved bearing, or the addition of Great Dane Doo Doo, the detail and rendtion of acoustic space is something else!

You are in for a real treat with this arm.

A gezunt ahf dein kop!

Steve

Bigdog,

What phono cable are you using with the Phantom?

Sirspeedy,

I am presently using the IC-70. I am having Brad Vojtech at Revelation Audio build me a phono cable. I tried his power cables, specifically the Precepet, and fell in love with them. I wrote a review of the Revelation Audio Labs Precept AC cable in Audio Asylum "Cables" under Mercman.

Sirspeedy, you can see pictures of my system at Audio Asylum under Mercman.

Steve

My new friend Sirspeedy has mentioned how important the tone arm cable is in our systems. I agree!

I have ordered a Revelation Audio Labs tone arm cable. The price is $399.00. I am interested in seeing if this cable outperforms my IC-70. I have discovered that there are many small companies-hobbyists making great cables at very reasonable prices.

From revelation Audio Labs:

Hi Steven,

Our tone arm version of the 'Paradise' analog interconnect cable utilizes the excellent Van Den Hull TAC (Tone Arm Connector), seen here:

http://www.vandenhul.com/other/tac.jpg

Its 5 contacts are 24 karat gold over silver over copper plated. The connector contacts with their standard 270° pin configuration are based in a Teflon disc. The disc can be adjusted in any angle related to the connector housing. This to set the optimal position related to the tone arm. The connector housing incorporates a 90° bend to combine vertical mounting and horizontal cable exit.

The RCA connectors are of course the exquisite WBT Nextgen AG (Silver) Signature.

Like all our cables, we offer a 30-day home audition...it may be returned for a full refund of your purchase price if you are not satisfied.

Our 1-meter tone arm cable is $399.

As always, we appreciate your business.

God bless,
Brad Vojtech
Founder/Owner
Revelation Audio Labs, Inc.
http://www.revelationaudiolabs.com/

Brad's power cables had the most natural midrange I have ever heard with a tight defined bass and detailed high end. They also had an enormous soundstage. They were $799.00 and outperformed more expensive competitors. Since he has a 30 day refund policy, what have I got to loose? His web site explains his cable design.

I will let you guys know how this cable stacks up to the IC-70. It’s about time we start looking for great performance at affordable prices.

And yes Sirspeedy, I have lusted as well for an air bearing tangent tracking arm. I have tended to end up in the Graham camp as his setup is so easy and permanent.

Steve

I'd love to try the Kuzma Airline. Only 8K!

Someday.

Steve

Dear Mr. Graham,

I’m sure everyone here appreciates your informative comments on the design of the Phantom. Having owned your previous designs; 1.5t and 2.0/2.2, I can honestly say that the Phantom’s performance is truly amazing.

I have had only one small problem using the Phantom with your IC-70 cable. My Koetsu Jade/Basis Debut V Vacuum combination does not work well with the IC-70. The downward projection of the cable’s wires interferes with the free movement of the Basis’ suspension.

I’m sure that this is something that can be corrected in the future.

Best Wishes,

Dr. Steven Plaskin

Dear Sirspeedy,

I have a vacuum table. The Phantom is as the kids say "Way Better". In fact, if the arm does not sound a great deal better, I will take you and your wife out to dinner if you come to San Diego.

Best Wishes,

Steve

"DDDRRR.Steve,I hope you let me pick the venue."

Absolutely!

I just received the Revelation Audio Labs phono cable. I'll report my findings to you shortly Sirspeedy.

Steve