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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 2 responses by samleung

samleung
38 posts
 
Hello jameswei,it still sounds good if you position your Phantom tonearm in a bigger angle to fit your VPI ring. The TT and tonearm geometry isn't correct. It is ok but not maximize your Phantom performance. I know Granham makes a armwand that is 1/2" longer to fit in VPI (or other) TT that uses the ring. The hole in my arm board was make to fit longer tonearm.
samleung
38 posts
 
Hi Jameswei, I'm no expert to provide knowledge and theory behind the geometry of TT and tonearm. You can find of this knowledge in other website. I use Wally protractor to set up my tonearm, it sounds ok to me.
I also find it sounds quite amazingly diferent if I don't use the ring. With the ring, the tonearm is riding stably along the horizontal pane and result in more signal is picked up by cartridge. Most important of all and what I like most is the stable soundstage it gets from using the ring.

If you can't position/anchor your tonearm on top of the platter spindle (as per manual installation instruction), then the angle of your cartridge isn't placed in the best postion on the platter.

I suggest you call Bob Granham to discuss your problem. I tell you, if your tonearm and cartridge is set up properly, you get sharp and focus image, detail with good extension (assuming your speaker is placed properly and synchronies with your room acoustic). Use Carol Kidd All My Tommorrow Lp to check your center image focus. Her voice should be small relative to your overall soundstage image.
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