Graham Phantom , simple tweak for improved sound


All you Phantom owners , don't tighten the locking set screw after you set your VTA. . Big improvement in my system.
jebsmith73
Downunder,thank you,but I'm not really back.

I just felt Doug made a good point and it seemed quite valid.I wanted to extend a positive thought to his interesting ascertion,after my being a contrarian at times,in the past.That's it,no more....but...

I "do" wish you and all other hobbyists I've known the best,these days....Enjoy!

Adios

The lock screw on my Phantom MUST be locked down because when loosened, the tonearm tilts to one side slightly due to play in the ground body that moves up and down in the tower. If I don't tighten it, the whole assembly is tilted so azimuth and spindle to pivot are off. I don't see how contact from a single point set screw would make a sonic difference, but I think it makes more sense to lock it down given the level of fit I have on my tonearm.
Hi Frank,
I saw this and your post about the arm wand. I've got a Phantom II and have neither problem. You may want to consider emailing Bob Graham a digital photo or two and ask him whether your tonearm needs servicing. Best of luck, Jeff
I spotted this during another search and decided to give it a shot. I found the experience useful. Although the sound was excellent when "loosely set", I found that barely "nipping" the screw up by 1 degree was slightly better - not a massive improvement - which was probably close to the setting I had when I initially set azimuth for this cartridge. That might also confer a wee bit of damping too.

I've a feeling that it may well turn out to be a "fine azimuth adjuster" (and perhaps a fine damping adjuster) - at least between the limits of being loose and tight. I've now considered noting the angle of the lock screw's Allen key e.g. in the manner of the hand on a clock face, whenever altering VTA so that I can fairly precisely replicate the setting.
A useful experiment so thanks to the OP for that. ;)