Frank,currently I have the fluid level just touching the very bottom of the squared bearing block.Just overlapping it,by a tiny margin.I only have "one" lengthly listening session with the arm,so I may very well add a touch more fluid this week.I have the (old?)blue fluid,which seems to be quite good.One thing different from my friend's Phantom.....the bearing on my arm is much pointier,and it does NOT slip out of alignment,like my pal's does.Not a big deal,but a better modification.
Fortunately I have a very good idea how my specific ref set-up LP's should sound,and this dramatically cuts down on the "voicing" time.The set up time was a pain,though kinda fun,but because I want to max out my Orpheus,I am being fanatical about all parameters.I spent about 6-7 hrs on overall set-up,and am literally exhausted.
Also,because of the general excellent feedback, from all other posters here,and their comittment to exactitude,I am attempting to go a bit beyond what I normally think is very good sound!....I have a Wally set-up tool on the way,to verify what I have done with the acceptable(not perfect)Graham jig!
Best. |
Sirspeedy, what is your current fluid level? If you could say where it is in relationship to the machined square on the bearing cap that would help. Glad you are having fun with your new tonearm. |
For anyone interested...just finished my own two day Phantom install,and calibrating.More enjoyable than I had thought,but very tedious.Thank goodness my family left me alone for a few hours!
The entire installation took me 6 hrs on Saturday,with two more on Sunday(today)to get to an acceptable level of performance.As of now,definitely beating my previous 2.2,but not killing it!
Yet,there is more to get,as my set up jig,had some play in it,and I think my armboard was drilled slightly off.No problem,and I'll soon have it all scoped out!But,in all honesty....SHEEEEEEEEESH!!!!!.....What a delicious pain in the tush!!!I am NOW a bit tipsy on my celebratory Amorrone!Been saving it for this exact moment!!
I hope to NOT look into too many new things to do,in the near future!!!
Really fine performing arm!Still more of my reference LP's to "voice to"!!...I can't wait for the end game!!!!!
Best. |
From my experience, close to nothing is the most "true reproduction" but it will vary from cartridge, Phonostage and what kind of records you listen to.
With newer records I would say, forget it, it doesn't matter, because none of them are true in the tone.
I did listen to a Living Stereo 2400, Strauss Waltzes, Side 1, Track 1
Phantom with Zyx Universe, VTA is a little bit higher in the back
The Vienna Blood allows you a view into the performance, a little bit from above, the strings section left is excellent for that, the tone has to go up and down like their bows and you can hear the reflections on the side walls.
When the fluid is too high, the separation of the strings are a bit "muddy", not really clear, a kind of "wall of sound".It softens the tone.
I checked this tone of this performance with 2 other (top) Record Players, For me: nearly nothing |
Sirspeedy - Hope you savor every minute of setting up and using your new Phantom. You certainly have waited long enough. Welcome to the Phantom club. Keep us informed of your findings, as you kindly did with the 2.2 Regards. |
Well,since I got my new Phantom yesterday(it is still in the sealed box)if there actually is a new bearing cap,I'm a happy fellow....Truthfully I am so happy to obtain the arm that I would have been happy with the original cap my friend has,on his arm.
BTW,I re-checked the fluid levels on my friend's Phantom,yesterday,at his request.He has made some system changes,and wanted me to re-voice his sound,using vta/vtf/fluid.We found that as of now,the fluid is at the bottom of the squared off bearing part.This is on "his" system,so it should vary.
Best. |
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The bearing cap upgrade came out about 9/06. |
Since when is the update on the bearing cap? So is there are new fluid as well? |
Frank_sm, 2 mm is from the end/tip. I agreed with Sirspeedy, a little change in fluid will change the sound. Good amount of fluid plus right VTF can get the best out of the Phathom. Too much fluid makes dynamice slow and sluggish. |
I know there was an updated bearing cap. I bought one! The point on the end is much sharper than on the older caps. VTA , VTF, and lets not forget playing with cartridge loading! |
Frank/Jeb....I have a dear friend who's Phantom I helped to set up,so I am pretty familiar with it already.I,m going over there tomorrow,btw,to pick up my new Phantom.
The fluid does not take that long to settle.A couple of sides of an LP maybe.Unless it is a "new" installation.Then maybe an hour,I guess.Not a huge concern.
DO NOT use a Q-tip.Firstly it takes off too much fluid,at a time.Secondly,there exists the possibility of "cotton fibers" getting into the fluid.I don't think "they" pose a big problem,but who needs it?
I would use a tooth pick.It allows for definitive amounts of fluid to be added or subtracted.SMALL amounts at a time!!
Also,I would hope one knows where the best VTF and VTA are(for their particular cartridge),when voicing the fluid!!This impacts the amount of fluid to be used.The VTF,and VTA are somewhat of a moving target when playing around with the fluid.
It is best to re-check those parameters after taking out,or adding fluid.I'd start at the lower recommended VTF range,and go from there.From experience,I cannot see where the fluid amount would be much more than half way up,the squared portion of the bearing.I don't think it really needs to be more than 1/3,at most,but I can only speak from Transfigurations Temper-V,and Orpheus.Yet,last month Bob Graham told me to go very low fluid with the Phantom.There is NEW fluid,but not a bearing cap,from my info.
Once you are in the fluid amount ballpark...DON'T STOP THERE!!!...To many "relatively new to vinyl" are happy with "good sound",but one can get GREAT sound with a little more "hands on" playing around!......Overshoot,AND undershoot the fluid parameters(regarding musical performance)so you know the exact spot where the fluid should be.But remember to re-check VTF and VTA(experiment a little too)after setting this.It is really NOT a big deal,so don't be intimidated!
This arm(AT MY FRIEND,who has the Transfiguration Orpheus)exhibits tremendous bass dynamics,while retaining superb/delicate high freq performance."IT" truly has NO sonic signature,once gotten "right".One reason why I sold my "still superb" 2.2."That" arm DID seem to have a subtle resonant quality,which rides along with "some" music.I still loved it though.
BTW,the dialing in of the arm,is NOT going to take one listening session,because different LP's exhibit different musical characteristics.So you might be pleased for some discs,but may need to refine the tuning to voice for a wide range of LP's.NOT hard,and actually fun,if you don't let yourself get intimidated.
Good luck |
I have a VPI arm with damping ability. I add the oil one drop at a time and listen. Deapth, width, and air is added with every drop, then BAM it all falls appart. I take a Q-tip to remove that last bit of oil, and Im satisfied. |
You know there is an updated bearing/cap for the Phantom . Also every time you remove the bearing cap and play with the damping fluid levels , the tone arm needs time to resettle . Does anybody know how long? |
Sam, Are you saying you have a fluid level 2mm high on the square? I am looking to extract the tightest bass possible from the Koetsu RSP.
Sirspeedy, I hope to hear your thoughts when you have yours setup, fluid level and all. |
Frank,it is going to be cartridge dependent,AND requiring careful listening at different fluid settings.No getting around it!
Yes... start with minimum amount(at bottom of squared off area)is the way to go,but you must add VERY small amounts at a time.Then replay your reference LP's and listen for detail retrieval,bass impact(not soggy,or too much fluid),and high freq extension.
When I say add small amounts at a time,I mean REALLY tiny amounts.Here the Phantom does not need to have actual "pinhead" amounts added slowly(like the 2.2),but you MUST go slow,and with small enough additions to not even see much more fluid height,on the bearing square portion.
Good luck.
BTW,I'l be doing the EXACT same thing this week,as my own Phantom has just come in to my dealer.I used to have a Graham 2.2.Another fine performer,yet more sensitive to fluid than the Phantom. |
I have Urushi with Phantom. The dip level varies and changes the sound. How deep you want to dip all depends on your musical taste. I just dip in 2mm. You don't want to over-damp your tonearm,by same token, you don't want to under-damp it. |
