Thanks for the update. I have not taken the leap yet....
Art |
I know this is a old thread but I thought I would give my experiences with these two fine arms. In Dec 2002 I took the plunge and purchased the Basis Vector tonearm. Prior to the Vector I used the Graham 2.2 for over 2 years on my Basis Debut Vacuum Table and while happy with the performance of the graham I realized it was not perfect. I can now say with over 6 months of listening with the Vector tonearm that in terms of performance it is Superior in every reguard to my Graham 2.2 which I sold in January. From top to bottom the Basis Vector outperformed my Graham 2.2 tonearm and was in general terms more musical and presentated a "lifelike" sound. The vector has tigher and faster mid bass, a clearer and more transparent midrange and more accurace Highs. For more detailed info go to the Vinyl asylum and do a search under "Basis Vector". I did a short review and there are numerous post by other Vector owners which will verify its Superiority. The Graham 2.2 is still a nice arm and has some convienent features but in terms of performance the Vector is at a higher level of musical reproduction. Johnny |
I currently own a Basis Debut Vacuum with a Graham 2.2 tonearm and although I very much enjoy it its not perfect. The Graham lacks the sharp clarity I hear at live performanaces and its bass responce is well defined but lacks that snap, crackle and pop from a real drum set. I am thinking about trying the new Vector tonearm which I understand improves in these areas. The Graham is a Pretty sounding tonearm but in my view is not the Ultimate. Its amazing how many people in this thread perfered the Graham without even doing a compairson. |
The replies made in this thread mirror what was stated years ago when the Graham first arrived on the scene. At that time, audiophiles could not comprehend why someone would have an interest in a Graham as the SME V was the established top arm. It was only after many of these very people HEARD the Graham that it become accepted as superior.
It is humorous that history repeats itself. None of the respondents in this thread have heard the Vector, yet judgements were made that the Graham was the preferable arm. Even one respondents comment, Why re-invent the wheel? echos the identical question asked when the Graham first appeared. As history has shown, if a new component provides superior attributes, it will succeed. And all audiophiles benefit.
With my audio priorities, I demand excellence from my analog front end. To that end, I gave up on pivoted arms over 12 years ago when I acquired my first AirTangent tonearm. Subsequent to this, I acquired the best arm AirTangent has produced to date which is the awesome tonearm from the generation after the AirTangent Reference.
My high performance AirTangent is superior sonically to the Graham and I dont think any knowledgeable audiophile would contest that point. No other arm that Ive heard during these past 12 years has had the ability to convey the emotion and musical life achieved with my AirTangent. Upon hearing an astounding demo system that included a Vector, I evaluated a Vector in my system. Was I shocked!!! The Vector significantly beat the AirTangent in the low end, was its equal if not better in dynamics, tracked as well, and matched the AT in every other parameter. Yep, I purchased the Vector.
Without a doubt, the Vector joins the ranks with the AirTangent as a state-of-the art high performance tonearm. Everything about the Vectors design, like with a Ferrari car, serves to enhance performance. The Graham is an excellent arm but is more like a Cadillac, with many built in features that facilitate convenience, but in so doing impact ultimate sonic performance. Thus, I would recommend the Vector as the arm of choice.
Do note that Wally Malewicz, the well known analog maven and designer of turntable setup tools, made the following statement regarding the Vector (Vinyl Asylum on 1/25/02):
It represents a breakthrough design and is based on complete engineering analysis of every parameter. Perfect match with MC Cartridges and well engineered TT. ....... The best dynamics available with musicality and details. |
I own a Stan Klyne 7 PX 3.5
Very good unit. |
Albert, did Jim White ask you if he could call the Signature the "Albert Porter Edition" since it is so similar to your modified Io?
btw, i plan on buying a 2-power supply Signature to replace my stock 2 year old Io. |
I am using the Aesthetix Io with dual outboard power supplies. Replaced all the tubes with select NOS and did a few internal tricks. Superb phono stage, represented by the same gentleman who brings you Basis and Graham. |
Until recently, the phono section of my Jadis JP80MC, but it's been giving me rumble problems for years, which were exascerbated when I got a low-output Koetsu, so I finally swallowed my pride (and dug into my pockets) and got a Lamm LP2 to handle the phono chores. Superb product! |
Thanks for the feedback. Sounds like we have some very happy Basis / Graham customers.
Out of curiousity - what are you all using for a phono stage?
Art |
Hi,
I own the Graham Arm with a Basis Debut Vacuum Player. I am very satisfied with it and it is definetly a recommendation.
The Basis Vector is good, but not in this class.
I ordered a Schroeder Reference with a custom made arm tube for my Miyabi , it will arrive this month.
I listened to it for a few hours mounted on a Basis Debut with a Takeda Miyabi system,( I own that, too ), the demo system I knew VERY well and it is a really interesting arm! |
I am with the group that says go for the Graham. I owned two of them before going to a Walker, both were on Basis turntables.
The upgrade will be stunning, you cannot go wrong with the Graham, likely the best pivotal arm made. |
Art,
I am currenty shopping around for tonearms, but am not in any major rush to purchase one.
I have been researching and leaning towards a Origin Live Silver 250. It seems that well thought out engineering principles went into its design, and is made by the same company who has been doing the modifications to all the REGA arms over the years.
Origin Live's product enhancements to the REGA line have been well received by audiophiles so it might make sense to consider their own tonearm. Its based on the REGA 300 base so it would work with your existing armboard. It is also less expensive then the Graham 2.2 tonearm. They even make a high end model called the Silver Taper which uses higher grade bearings and an improved tonearm design.
I am wondering if anyone else has heard or used this arm that could provide more real world feedback to my research.
Its worth looking into.
|
The Graham is a great arm, and works extremely well with the Basis, I would echo the others' recommendation of that arm. |
I agree with Dan, having owned the Graham 2.2 (and the 1.5 t/c before that. why re-invent the wheel? the Graham is rock-solid, easy to set-up and world-class in performance.
i had the Graham on both a VPI TNT and a Basis 2500 and the match was superb. |
I to am cosidering up-grading
tablesand arms. It is my understanding
the Schroeder arm are similar to ET-2
units but slightly different concept.
NJ dealer sells them foe full price:
Ref.-$5500 and model 1- $3300-3600
depending on arm type. I am tring to
fid another source and info on any
sonic gains over Graham, SME or
Nottingham arms. Check out website
www.audioasylum.com for starting
point. If find addition info, please
e-mail me. Hope this helps. George |
Get a hold of 2Juki and find out what he can get you! |
Art,
You're upgrade avenue makes sense. The weakest link right now is your tonearm despite the fact that the RB-300 is probably the best single piece that Rega makes. I don't know of the vector, the Schroeder is a fiddly piece of German kit made by a newcomer into the analog game.
My wholehearted advice would be the graham, a marvelously designed device which has been very successfully mated to Basis 2000 series turntables and VdH cartridges in the past. Guaranteed winner and not a subtle improvement.
Good luck.
Dan |
