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New Phantom Bearing

There is a new bearing for the Graham Phantom tonearm, available as an upgrade or shipping with new arms. For those who are not sure, it is that portion of the arm - either gold or silver - which unscrews and contains the pointed shaft sitting in the blue fluid you added on setup. The new bearing has a much sharper point, compared to the old. Upgrading is as simple as unscrewing the old and screwing in the new. According to Bob, the new profile better stabilizes the arm and allows for more detail and dynamics to flow through undisturbed. Believe me, the difference is immediate and not subtle. Highs are sharper and clearer, the soundstage is deeper and instruments are more three dimensional. I just changed my bearing and as HP would say - I have not yet gotten the full measure of the upgrade - but I already hear an immediate difference. The new bearing, in either silver or gold, is $225.00 available from a dealer or directly from Graham Engineering. New arms ship with it in place. A great arm made even better. Thank you, Bob.
rgurney
4yanx
1,576 posts
 
Does the level of the damping fluid in the Phantom have as great an effect on performance as it does with the 2.2? Just wondering as I had a chance to buy a Phantom a short while ago and may again.
sirspeedy70680e509
1,064 posts
 
4yanx,I hope not!!

Best!
grahamengineering
20 posts
 
As Rgurney reports, the new pivot cap/bearing does make a significant jump in performance. This is the kind of thing one wishes had been achieved from the very beginning; however, that's the nature of progress, and the reason tonearms, cartridges, speakers, and all the rest continue to improve as they do.

The Phantom is our statement on the very best performance possible at the current state of the art. It was a big jump ahead of the 2.2 before, and now, with the Improved version, moves even further ahead. And, as our website and ads say, we also invite comparison to any other tonearm at any price....

And speaking of price, there is one correction on the upgrade pivot bearing: The price is $250, and given the level of improvement(and not to be immodest!), I might say it's the most significant $250 you can spend on your system if it includes the Phantom B-44.

As for the question of damping fluid level - yes, the amount of fluid will make some differences, and it will end up being your personal call. We recommend starting off with the fluid extending about half-way up the square shank of the pivot cap (like measuring oil on the dip-stick in your car).. A little less or a little more will be a refinement for your personal taste.

Enjoy the rest of the summer and get ready for the fall season of colorful trees and more listening!

- Bob Graham
bugman03
44 posts
 
I just upgraded my Phantom with the new bearing and all I can say is wow! The improvement is just as Rgurney says it is. This is one of the most cost effective upgrades one can do. Thank you Bob Graham!
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