Graham 2.2 Damping.

Have you experimented yourself?

Seems logical to me.

Frank I have tried fluid from SME in the 2.2 & the Phantom, I have also tried Townsend's fluid in the 2.2, but not extensively. I found that when using the SME damping fluid to damp the 2.2, you couldn't actually quite achieve enough damping to optimise the Arms performance. I found however that with the Phantom (old bearing cap version), that similar results could be achieved using SME's, by using enough to almost completely fill the bearing chamber(just enough to cover the square on the bearing cap, when I was using a Temper W) . Although I haven't experimented with the Phantom to the same degree as with the 2.2. I would stick with Bob Graham's own fluid, as He has obviously obtained a version of the correct viscosity. From my finding's the Graham Arm,s are the best. You can almost taylor their sound to your own specific requirements, by that I mean HiFi or Music.

Having owned,and loved the 2.2(which is probably the best deal on the used market,btw)it truly was adjustable to almost anyone's particular tastes,through careful voicings.More-so than my current Phantom,which I do like alot(big time).
I was told,by a very good authority,that adding a particular motor oil(forgot which one...."something 300",I think)could potentially outperform the "blue fluid" which I use.Also,Graham was supposed to come out with a new,lower viscosity fluid,but that got held up.
So,my main feelings(soley an opinion)is to simply be happy with the Blue Fluid.It just happens to sound great,in both the still fabulous 2.2,and wonderful Phantom.
I just don't care,it is SO superb anyway!!
I am very sceptical about going SO high on the squared off portion of the bearing,as mentioned.My Orpheus likes a tad over the very most bottom.
Personally I am curious if there is a better mouse trap,in the way of out performing the IC-70 arm cable,which I use.
I've A/B'd the Purist Venustas to the IC-70 and thought the Graham cable beat it out in dynamics,and lack of darkening effect.BUT the jury is still out here,as there are so many variables affecting ultimate sound.
Gotta go....my wife & daughter are literally yelling at me to take them out to brunch......"OK,OK I'm coming"!
Best.

Sirspeedy, I have used IC70 but prefer to use Audionote ANVX terminated with Eichmann Copper Bullit Plugs & an SME 5 pin din, this cable seems to outperform the IC 70 in almost every area. I also make a home brew cable that is also excellent. BTW, I live only 30 miles from SME's factory here in the UK & prefer to use the Graham Arms as they are just simply better(in my opinion. I can't stand that hanging bass which seems to dominate the rest of the frequency spectrum in an un-tuneful way.

Going back to cables, I have a friend also who has the same arm cartridge combo as yourself(originally traded up from an SME V), which incidentally I set up. He uses the Hovland cable, but I feel that He could get more from His system by changing.

Thanks for the info on the fluid/oil.

Just in case you thought I was of the fairer sex, Yve is my wife's name. Mine's Barry.