Gladstone,sorry if I seemed a bit defensive.The Grand Prix does look "way cool",but c'mon,it's as itsy bitsy as the "Cello's window bikini babes' outfits",and they are asking twenty grand for it.It just looks a little pricey,but of course design developement can be used to diminish my comments(opinion,only).
Also,if you read about it,on the Pos Feedback site(I did),it REALLY could not have been TOO BIG a stretch for the reviewer(who admittedly has,and is thrilled with)to make an "itsy bitsy" comparison with his beloved Walker Proscenium table.Not a "peep" there.Where's Arthur Salvatore when you need him?We got stroked,there!!
What a "PUFF" piece,to state how wonderful the Grand Prix "seems",and not compare it to the Walker,sitting five feet away.
Can anyone say "marketing" shmooze?Condescending,to boot.We deserved a comparison.At least !!
Ed,To give a bit of insight as to your question,I have a nice Graham 2.2 that I love.A nice arm,like so many spoken of here!I am now familiar with the Phantom too,yet have not made any side by side comparisons.The Phantom is a superb arm,and is very well thought out.It will,most importantly, mate with a vast majority of cartridges we hear about.It is a better match to a wider variety of these cartridges,than the 2.2(which ain't chopped liver).
I don't believe it is as sensitive as the "fussy" 2.2 is,when it comes to the damping fluid,though I like to use this extra degree of fussiness to actually voice my front end,a bit.
The arm is very "substantial" and the bearing is really robust,and the bass is "apparently" on the "BOLD" side.YMMV!The magna-glide feature really works,especially if you have alot of non flat records(a good vacuum table kinda negates this).
Actually there's not much to "not like" about it.The finish,btw,is every bit as good as the SME(I had two SME V's).
Most importantly,taking a look at pricing,it was not overdone,at the 3900 dollar asking price.I think this may have gone up,though,so you make that call.A really good phono cable is a MUST,here!
Best of luck,with your decision! |
BTW,Dougy...How can you assume I can appreciate and follow an analog waveform.Are you trying to make me jealous?I'll be lucky to hear a lousy CD,by the Holiday season,if I'm lucky!!
The only music I can play(these days),is on my "Walkman" at the gym!So if I do go my usual route of obnoxiousness,please cut me a small break.I'm hurting!
Also,STOP posting about your fabulous "super duper" new electronics,by "what's his name"!!
It only makes me envious! -:)
Best...."lucky dog"!! |
Gladstone,though I can see what is coming,realize these are only my own thoughts,and observations.I make my "thoughts/feelings" based on what is my own intuitive observations,and being involved in the hobby for a few decades.Nothing more!Sometimes certain observations are made using common sense,which I admit to having little of!!
Specifically the Gaia looks overpriced!Period!And I bet it is!Yet I would love to own one,and admit it.The Grand Prix seems a bit pricey at twenty grand too,and it's only my opinion,on a hobbyist website.As to the Galibier Gavia,it seems beautifully composed,in design and manufacture,and seems to be supported by a "caring" and knowledgeable designer,who seems to be marketing a "fairly priced" product( based on what I can ascertain from studying the specifications of said product,and looking at competitors)as is my SOTA COSMOS(rediculously underpriced too boot).Please let me know if I have gone astray,and I appologize in advance,if so!
Best! |
Dan,don't tempt me!I could always throw up that I saved you money,by being the first to recommend the Stylus pressure guage ,we ALL seemed to buy! |
Thanks Larry!Very nice sentiments,but having had the fortune of meeting you I am not surprised as to the consideration and concern.
Best! |
Doug,please NO letters to Rowland!It's a matter of them getting availability of acceptable Power Supply.Not sitting on hands.I truly understand their dilemma,and they did offer a loaner amp,which I stupidly(you can see a pattern with me,here)declined.So,I have no gripes with them,at all.
Getting back on topic,I must say that after carefully viewing the Galiber web-site,it seems that "there lies a guy" who is from the "old school" when it comes to product developement and customer COMMUNICATION!!
Not a common thing anymore........As to the Galiber designs,and loving too many alternative tables/arms/cartridges,for me to be considered "normal" I must admit to really loving that "dang" new GAVIA!The site beautifully lays out the design parameters,and potential performance objectives.GAD,I love this kinda stuff.Nothing does NOT make sense,on that site.Thom is even honest enough to admit to the disadvantage of a ring clamp,when I have no doubt he could have easily offered one,and made some extra cash.Does this manufacturer care about his customer base??I don't have to answer that one.Kudos!!
Seemingly very well thought out,and eluding to a world class performance,in design,too.When I take a look at MUCH of it's competition I believe it is incredibly well priced.Sensible too!!Not that you all don't know there are other very worthy designs,to lust after.I've been boning up on the increased interest in designs like the old/modded Garrard 301/401(my pal Sid is kicking himself for throwing out his flawless 301).That "idler wheel" system really makes sense.HEY,I HAVE NOTHING BETTER TO DO.Remember my system will be down until "trick or treat season",most likely.So why not ascribe towards the "knowledge is power" way of garnishing information.
This can be dangerous,for me,because I am now either paranoid(due to the lack any forseeable ability to enjoy the hobby,already knowing I'm nutz),or have learned enough to doubt my current component choices.
Sadly,there are many who would opt to spend more,elsewhere,for that certain "cache" product, that the industry does such a good job of marketing(I'm guilty too).
Look closely at the GORGEOUS new Metronome Gaia,as an example!Definitely looks like a stunning design,but I'm willing to bet it does not outpoint the Gavia.Enough to justify the multi-thousand dollar difference.Same goes for the Grand Prix Audio 20,000 dollar direct drive "beauty".
Here is one area where I don't need to compare each to get a bit sceptical as to where the money is better spent!One can "do" a Gavia/Schroeder Ref/"nice cartridge",for the asking price of the above "lovely" designs.
BTW....Do love the new SME-20/12!Looks like a winner,like so many designs today.I could go on,but am beginning to think I've overstayed any welcome.
Wish I could hear an lp or two,these days!!I'd even take my 390's,spinning a nice John Zorn cd.Oh,to dream!!
Best,and sorry for the length,I have nothing better to do,these days. |
Nsgarsh,do you know what the "trade up" to an Orpheus would be if one has a perfect Transfig Temper -V?Obviously I would be interested at a future point(I can't even listen now,as my amp is down),but I have a friend with a "V",who could "GO" at any time.Thanks!
Best! |
Thanks all!The dealer I used in the past had a superb trade in on Tranny designs.So,this will be the way to go.
As to Doug,you make sense,but I think I'll keep my fingers crossed regarding my own amp.One reason is that I have added some interesting new mods,and an additional "line component" to my system,and don't want to "voice" to any parameters other than with my own amp in line.My friends think I was nuts,not to take a free loaner,but I did not think it would take so long.Apparently a problem with suppliers of particular parts.
BTW--when I heard the UNIV,it was fabulous on non classical stuff,as well as classical.I heard the XV-1s for a shorter period,and believe it could "do" any musical type too.It will be a matter of choice,but to "pigeon hole" a particular cartridge design into a specific musical category(when we are at this level) is wrong.
Best! |
BTW,anything Cello states should not be taken as accurate,in his observations!! -:)
Please allow me to explain,and see if any of you would not agree......
Cello has a fine set-up,defined by good "common sense" choices in componentry.No problemo,so far. -:)
He seems to have a dedicated extra set of hands/ears in his audio pal(Pat),who is well meaning,yet has not(due to similar localization) noticed the serious problem. -:)
Which is...Though a fine set-up(nightly cleaning crew taken into account),the location of said system is a major problem,for serious audio observation! -:)
Allow further analysis,and explanation(please)...Room considerations are just fine,actually(had ya going,there),yet it is the "VIEWING AREA",outside of the listening room which spells "no way I can concentrate" on musical accuracy!! -:)
It is here where I can aid the folks,who will gain(rare)entry to this interesting system.WEAR SUNGLASS!!Really dark ones!!.....
Because....Unlike my own fellow NY/NJ fellow hobbyist "schleps",including me,Cello has the MAJOR DISTRACTION(it affected me,but I never let on...heh,heh)of having a room "with a view", literally"!!
My problem,and yours will be too,was the fact that this audio room overlooked a BEAUTIFUL WATERWAY!!Which(here was MY problem,for listening and concentrating)abounded with "pleasure crafts".......These pleasure crafts more than occassionally had LOVELY LASSES,in ITZY BITZY BIKINIS being pulled by long ropes.....
Really long ropes!....I think you call this WATER SKIING!...Oye,vey!!
NOW,how many of the folks sporting these analog threads believe they can fairly asses a set-up,which is "set-up" as such?
Scantily clad "babes" and Accurate musical observation don't mix!! -:)
Who disagrees with my logic? |
Cello,you are obviously right,and have the same sentiments as my friends.Thanks for the concern! -:)
In reality(and the real reason I have not made an overture to Rowland)I have been playing alot of tennis(coming to an end,due to infection),and also originally did NOT want to be an additional bother to Rowland.I TRULY did not think it would take this long,and have gotten used to my current situation.Supposedly my amp,as currently configured,will clearly outperform any current products.That's one reason for the delay,as certain "hard to get" parts must become available.At least,that is how I care to rationalize the whole thing!Though that's how it was explained to me.
Also,my dad has been ill,and I must go to Florida this weekend to aid my mom,so listening would take a back seat!
The things that are really important sort of puts the hobby in perspective.
Best! |
I have owned two SME model V's,and the Triplanar.For what it's worth,when installing my Triplanar,I was quite impressed with it's "amazing" bearing rigidity/smootheness upon installation.This probably seems silly and redundant,but the arm's movement in free space,when mounted on the armboard,and being moved into place,"blew me away".Of course,it had moved "out" of the arm lock,to notice this.I guess you had to see this to understand,otherwise it seems like a stupid point.
The SME,obviously has great bearings,yet there was "something" about the Triplanar that stated...."this is hand made,and tweaked to the max"!!
I,also,found the SME bass to be a bit over-ripe,in my older COSMOS.
My friend had a SME-V on a VPI TNT,at the time,and felt bass response was a bit over done.Of course synergy has everything to do with it,but if I were to choose either arm today(assuming my table could accommodate them equally well)it would be the Triplanar.Warts and all Doug!-:) |
C'mon!!You dropped the hint,that you are leaning to the Triplanar(I can hear the applause,from Conn.).It will accommodate either "fabulous" cartridge choice.Just "go for one",and enjoy the music!!You'll not look back,and that's a promise!!
BTW,Dougy.....I still await my amp!!4.5 months down!!I am told the newer power supply will be more advanced,and reliable,though I had no sonic complaints regarding the older one,and because I am "one of the handful" of "two chassis" owners(8t),it is taking time to source a circuit up to Rowlands standards.He does not want these power supplies to come back in the future.Pleeeeease feel a "little" sorry for me.Hey,I've been supportive of your beloved Triplanar.Haven't I?
Not to worry.I'll be my old self sometime down the road.I'm thinking around Halloween.If I'm lucky.
My appologies to all,not in on my dilemma.Not that it should affect the "lucky" 'philes who can actually power up a system,and play music!!!Sheeesh,I even got some great NOS vinyl at the Pnctn Rec Exch last week!And my tennis game "sucks",to boot!!Considering packing it in,like Agassi!At least he can afford multiple amps.Maybe even two arms,as well!
Sorry for my rant!!
Best!! |
