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SME 20/2 & Graham Phantom issue

Hi guys
I'm having an issue trying to setup the Graham's Phantom on the SME 20/2 (in place of the SME IV.Vi ): I cannot position the Phantom straight forward as suggested in the manual (due to the fact that the VTF adjustment knob of the Phantom does not have enough clearance (it touches the rear right post of the SME20 turntable). Did anyone have this problem when setting up your combo? I am wondering if i have to swing the arm rest inwards closer the platter, will it effect the accuracy of the arm's anti-skating mechanism?

The reason i asked is that with SME arms, it is crucial that the arm is placed in a particular position so that the edge of the headshell is about 53mm from the edge of the platter in order for its anti-skating to work correctly, and in this position, the arm-rest is not pointing forward.

Would this be the case with Graham's Phantom too? Would the anti-skating mechanism NOT work correctly if the arm is not pointing straight forward in its arm rest???

Thank you.
Jay
jaytea

Showing 4 responses by jameswei

jameswei
883 posts
 
Just eyeballing my Phantom, I would think it should be OK if the armrest isn't straight forward. The antiskate is one of those string-and-weight assemblies, and it is actually supported by the armrest support.

I had to position my arm slightly wider (angled the other way from yours) to achieve adequate clearance from my VPI ring clamp. I have observed no adverse effects from having the armrest at an angle.
jameswei
883 posts
 
Hi Dgad,

I haven't really scaled up to digital imaging capability yet. (Duh.) I'll try to get a pic this weekend using my son's camera and contact you via email.

Verbally, I would say that my Phantom's pivot is located at the correct position, and the armrest rotates on the same axis. I had to point the armrest slightly away from the spindle (vs straight out = parallel to the right side of the plinth) so as to provide adequate clearance for the antiskate assembly away from the ring clamp. There's enough room, barely.
jameswei
883 posts
 
Hi Samleung,

Thanks for your comments. I am not able to change my armboard but I can play without the ring clamp if it makes a real difference. Can you explain why you think "The TT and tonearm geometry isn't correct"? And, why is the performance less than "maximized"?
jameswei
883 posts
 
Hi Samleung,

Thanks for the follow through.

I agree with your assessment of the benefits of the ring clamp. I like it too!

Perhaps I miss your point about the positioning of the tonearm. You are certainly right to say that the tonearm should be able to rotate the cartridge so that it is over the spindle. My tonearm does that fine. The tonearm pivot is at the right place on the plinth, and the cartridge is mounted in the cartridge shell in the right place.

The question I think we have been asking is whether it matters where the ARMREST is located. I mean, when you are not playing a record and the arm is at rest on its armrest support, at that time is the arm pointing straight out toward the front of the turntable or is it pointing slightly inward toward the spindle or slightly outward, away from the spindle? My opinion is that it doesn't make a real difference, especially since the angle is small.

Again, I am interested in your view. If you have a better idea of this matter, I'd appreciate it if you let us know.
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