Is Wally tool preffered for Graham 2.2?

Just a quick note to Dougdeacon: yes, to be very specific, the target plate will exert the 1.25-1.5 gram downward force when it's level, and slightly less when it's not level. But the difference is really quite slight and even this "error" is less, I maintain, than the usual eye-ball results from typical paper protractors. This is especially true of those which depend on the sides of the cartridge body or tonearm wand for horizontal positioning (a very hit-and-miss chance of getting it really right).. The Wally is the best I've seen in on-turntable alignment systems. We maintain that the off-turntable system has it's own advantages - not to mention the safety - in cartridge installation/setup.

But, being a perfectionist, even this one detail of downward force exerted by the target plate will be addressed by our upcoming alignment fixture which will have an adjustable-height setting.

As Sirspeedy points out, it's necessary to get it right, but it's also good to know when not to be overly concrened and just enjoy the results of your (and our!) best efforts.

And speaking of Best Effort, thanks to all of you, by the way, who have bought the Phantom, even having previously owned the 2.2. Your notes to me have agreed with our own findings in the improvements noted in this latest design. OK, end of commercial and thanks again - tell your friends, too!

Bob,

Thanks for confirming that. While I doubt it applies to anyone on this thread, clearly anyone who would otherwise "align" by using the body of their cartridge (or their arm wand) would do better with the tool you provide.

Good to hear there's an improved version coming soon.

BTW Bob,You were right when I called you two months ago,regarding the IC-70 vs some high priced spreads.
I had asked you if you felt the IC-70 could be improved upon.Obviously you defended,emphatically,the IC-70,and stated that the other choices would be different,but not necessarily better.
Well,I have to give you some credit!My pal,who has the 2.2/Temper-v/Sota Cosmos/IC-70 decided it was time to spend money,which he does alot.He went for a competing,very expensive cable(more than twice the list of the IC-70),that is very well known and extremely highly regarded.There were three very experienced audiophile/MUSIC LOVERS at the installation.We have followed up the "comparison" enough times now,and the IC-70 is the clear winner.More open,dynamic,and better tonal textures.It is the tonality which appeals most,to me,as some well reviewed stuff really skews this.This business of pure silver being a weakness,in arm cables,now leaves me scratching my head.It is a misconception,and the overall system balance surely has to impact such choices.No?

BTW,I got the hint!!The Phantom surely must be superb.Though I'm going into LP playing/listening to my wonderful music collection mode,for the forseeable future.Thank God!But I'll keep an eye out for your upcoming table.Should be interesting.

Best!

Just putting in a little computer time on Saturday, and saw the latest notes from Dougdeacon and Sirspeedily (!)... Thanks to all for your notes and for your approval of our work; like any other endeavor, there's always room for improvement, and I take constructive feedback very seriously. I hope customers and listeners see that the products we come out with show this result, and I believe they do.

The cable-biz is something that can be very personal and system-dependent; however, I do believe that neutrality and freedom from inticing artificats are the way to go, not to add warmth or boom that's not really there. Same for my tonearm designs; no artificial thrills, please - only the smoothest, most natural sound we can evoke. In any case, I'm glad the IC-70 acquited itself as it did in your tests!

There are many fine turntables now on the market, and I've owned and enjoyed quite a few in my development of the various tonearms through the years. But it also seems apparent that there is a tendency to go for "same-brand" systems sometimes, and even though I think this is not necessary from an absolute standpoint (again, having enjoyed the Phantom -- and the earlier arms - on various turntables of different brands) I can see the handwriting on the wall. Time will tell what we come up with for a finished product(s), but some of the concepts are exciting, anyway... As they say, stay tuned - later on - for futher details......

Has anyone used the Feickert setup tool?

I have a Basis 2800 with a Vector Mk3. I have used the gauge Basis supplies with the Vector to setup my Benz Ruby. I like the mirrored surface of the gauge but it requires that you line up the arm with its outline scribed into the gauge which is hard to do.

http://store.acousticsounds.com/browse_detail.cfm?Title_ID=28626§ion=equipment

Regards,
Rich Maurin