OK Loveys,my serious opinion(for what it's worth),since you asked....
You seem to have a very good set-up.I like the unique way the table is set up.My friend(a close friend of Harry Weissfeld)is about to embark on the standard VPI rim drive,on his TNT(the latest one).He's really going crazy with a ton of new stuff,including replacing his fabulous Air Suspension(very pricey)on the Heavy VPI Stand,with a new Still Points Rack.Hope it works out for him.Yet,he knows what he's doing and is pals with some folks at Hi Fi Plus,so he's got good input.
He owns the 12.7 arm and Titan I cartridge,and has highly moded Infinity RS-1b's.The rest of the set-up is the very latest CJ amps(the BIG ones),and an ART series III pre,with the newest CJ phonostage....He would be very interested in your approach to the rim drive,as he is having one of Harry's guys set his rim drive up very soon.There is a contingent of VPI lovers,in my little audio circle.Regardless of criticism from other posters,these guys are the creme de la creme of hobbyists/music lovers/major LP collectors that I've ever come across.If there is something floating around about "anything" audio/analog,they knew about it,before it was imagined.THAT serious,are these guys!So...
I must assume your unique approach to the speaker combo,and set-up works for you.The table looks great,in all honesty.Very original!!
The rest of your system seems superb,so what can I "really" say,other than I hope you listen to the kind of music(and have a commensurately good music collection to do it all justice)that brings out the best of it all!!
Personally I am fascinated by the Allaerts stuff.Love the hand made aspect of Jan's creations.
It's ALL in the "set-up",and each hobbyist's skill level.Not to mention the aid that can be had from a good group of audio friends,for their useful input!
You should be proud!!!
Hope this "somewhat" answers your question of my opinion of your stuff,and rim drive.....Lately I've come to "truly" appreciate the artistic/unique approach of many hobbyists.I don't aspire to the school of it has to be the way I personally have something done.Too many unique/different approaches.
As to the "topic",I believe once the Graham Phantom is set up "well"( a bit more than just "correctly")it should be an amazing instrument.The arm-rest should move rather easily,but does not affect sound,from where it ultimately rests.
Btw,for those still experimenting.....I had the Graham 2.2 for about five years,and LOVED to play around with it's voicing ability through the judiscious use of the combination of damping "fluid amount" and VTF and VTA!
IT was a Rubic's Cube approach that "definitely" rewarded those who took on the challenge,of that "Classic" arm....A good time to mention it is a BARGAIN on the used market!!!!!
The new Phantom is not quite as sensitive as the 2.2 to fluid,but definitely rewards those who don't accept "good enough sounding" settings!Where many are happy to just stop,there.
It can be made to sound WAY better than just very good!
Surprisingly so!I've found the fluid to significantly affect sound,with careful additions,until there is just enough to eliminate the slight resonant characteristic riding with dynamic musical passages.
There are some who feel the arm should be set with NO fluid!I totally disagree,from experience at a friend,where I set up his Phantom.I've played around with his settings(at his request)numerous times.
The fluid(based on cartridge)should be "started" at the very bottom of the "squared off" part of the bearing.Just above the point of the bearing,but just touching the squared off part.
Move up,from there,in REALLY tiny amounts.Maybe two to three pin-heads at a time,and listen for clarity,but NO resonance/distortion.The bass should be clear and distinctively powerful.I will stick my neck out enough to assume that there should never be a scenario for any fluid to be more than about 1/3 way up the "bottom" of the bearing.Regardless of cartridge.
Further down in fluid,opens up the stage and dynamics.I can't emphasize how important it is to "overshoot/undershoot" this,just to get a grip on how it can be altered!
Up too high and you think you are under water,from the overly damped sound.
If the bass is slightly soft/mushy...you have too much fluid.
You must play around ALOT,to "get it"....Like Goldie Locks and the Porrage...."It has to be just right"!
Once it's set,you'll know,but remember that the fluid affects VTF,so check this parameter often.
Use LP's with alot of high freq energy and overall dynamics.Use alot of very good LP's and expect to spend a goodly amount of listening sessions learning this.It's really fun.If think you got it "very quickly"....You don't have it perfect yet.....GUARANTEED!!!!
Hope this is of some aid.
Best
