Graham Phantom vs. Phantom II

I wonder why there's more people selling the Phantom tonearm and buying the new one rather (taking a loss), than just have it sent to Graham for an upgrade at $500 ?

First, - because most people do not know about the upgrade option. And second because many do want an "all new" toy and don't believe that the upgrade is 1:1 identical to the Phantom II in all parts and performance. Maybe a word about this from Robert Graham would clarify and encourage people.

I thought the $500 upgrade was if you bought an early mkII and wanted it upgraded to the micropoise?

Perrew , the micropoise is a tiny spirit level attached by threaded screws to the bearing well.
A useful and clever add on for sure, I would think.

I know many in this industry would love to charge $500.00 for this $2.00 part.

According to Mr. Graham himself, when you send your Phantom MKI back to Graham Engineering for up-grade's this modest $470.00 fee covers the following:

New internal wiring as used in the MKII, including I would imagine new Bendix connectors.

A new refined Magnaglide system installed.

Then Micropoise, this according to Mr.Graham was an after thought during production of the MKII.

For those with the MKII this handy feature can be added by ones self with adhesive, carefully done I hope!

To complete the up-grades from the MKI to the MKII the Titanium arm wand should be purchased also.
More refinement went into this arm wand like the headshell.

So, with this done to the MKI Phantom there is still a difference between the up-graded MKI and the new MKII?...bearings?

well, if it can get very close to the Phantom II performance at $495 + Phantom I arm, i think it might be well worth it.
I understand from our dealer than the new price list of the Phantom II will be higher again due to new price increase.

Nolitan
I understand the retail price of the MKII stands at $4,900, your dealer using a sales tactic to make you jump off the fence at that moment and purchase one....

I would like to point out to make clear. Early production of the Phantom II did not have the micrposie level included because Mr.Graham came up with the idea a month after production began.

Like the great guy he is those that have one of these early production IIs without the microposie that sold for less then the currant retail price can order the micro level as a kit, easily installed by you.

How do I know all this some may ask?

I read this entire thread....

How do I know all this some may ask?

Huh, the mother of all questions... :-)

7-10-09 Bob Graham of Graham Engineering this thread:)

Unless I've omitted something, the transition from the Phantom I to the Phantom II is as follows:

new bearing cap
new magnet
titanium wand
micropoise

Each of these upgrades, with the exception of the latest - the micropoise, can be done just by purchasing the new part from Bob. With those upgrades, I don't think one can distinguish between an upgraded II and a new factory II, other than to insist there is a mystical difference.

although off-topic, what phono cables are you guys using with the phantom I or II arms ?
is right angle din to rca needed or just the straight din to rca ?

Many thanks...

Nolitan, start a new thread. This one has petered out.

Do Phantom II armwands work on Phantom I arms?

Nolitan, I have Phantom MK2 and I'm using Stealth Audio Hyperphono w/right angle din but see I could have used a straight with no issues.

Do Phantom II armwands work on Phantom I arms?

yes