Graham 2.2 traking force, do you use more?

Dan_ed
A good point on the damping fluid, at the moment I am trying a combination of Graham's blue fluid with a higher percentage of SME fluid. This can be one point I need to explore again and will order new graham fluid tomorrow. The SME fluid I just find more open and transparent and it seems to allow the music to breath easier than the blue which I find a little dull sounding. I use the SME fluid full up on the dip stick which maintains the open sound but brings a more controlled soundstage (similar in sound to other threads on this site concerning damping fluid levels but without the hassle). It is an interesting point Dan_ed and I will look into this again. I use the Wally scale for tracking force.

I do find I have always been fighting a lighter sound with the Graham 2.2 (with blue damping fluid also) in comparison with say an SME 5 and with other cartridges. The higher tracking setting does bolt the sound down more into reality with better deeper bass and projection both forward and backward but it also maintains the Grahams superb movement (musical), smoothness and dynamics.

Doug,
How much more VTF does Cello use?
Have you heard it?
TriPlanar, yes a very nice arm indeed, like the graham phantom a labour of love that is extremely well thought out.
We have never had it so good.

Dear Sniper101: +++++ " So as an experiment I am tryiing an additional 0.2 grams over the suggested maximum of 1.5 . " +++++

The VTF range that the manufacturer states is a value where that cartridge works " safe ", where the cartridge coils are centered, where tracking right and where perform the best.

If you use a higher VTF then the coils will be un-centered ( causing distortions/colorations ), the cartridge suspension will " suffer " and could exhaust before time, the stylus suffer a higher wear, etc, etc.

Now, if any one has a tonearm where we have to use a higher VTF that the manufacturer recomendation then change that tonearm!!!!!

Regards and enjoy the music.
Raul.

Dear Raul,
I Agree.
What tonearm and cartridge do you use?

All the best
Tris

Tris,

I haven't heard Cello's 2.2/UNIverse since he started exploring above-normal VTF's. IIRC he was using 2.3g (ZYX recommends a maximum of 2.2). Since then he's acquired a Schroeder Ref SQ. I believe his 2.2 may be collecting dust.

Raul hit the nail on the head of course. I was trying to be gentle but I agree with him 100%.

Yes, we are very lucky to have so much incredibly good gear to choose from these days! The Phantom is a major step forward by all accounts, Frank Schroeder has improved his already remarkable Reference and Tri Mai is shipping a newly enhanced version of the TriPlanar VII. Truly amazing stuff from three amazing guys.

Doug