Graham Phantom vs Triplaner

Yes,Halcro I did read Fremers comments.Hey,if something pushes the emvelope.... "great".I don't recall Fremer doing a "real" comparison against the Copperhead,as it was itegrated into the Criterion(gorgeous table,btw).
He did make mention of the Phantom vs the "16,000" dollar Cobra(Hmmm),and though the Cobra seemed to be his preferrence(I did not get the impression he thought it was a huge chasm),he did not seem to make a big deal about this.I have no interest in E-mailing him,as to his preferrence.His tastes are "his",and his music of choice differs from mine.I cannot tell you how many times I have seen this scenario!....But I DO hope you are right!!...Actually I did hear the Continuum/Cobra,at HE 2006.Sounded superb,with the given system.So did the Walker!
I truly am happy if there is something else "pushing the envelope".My point of view(from experience,and just my own taste)is...... #1-I would have to hear it enough times,in familiar systems,with program material I know well,and...#2-If item #1 cannot be easily done,then there "must" be enough good word of mouth,by enough experienced folks(that I respect),to create "believeability" in that product.Of course this would take quite some time,to develope such a reputation!No?
The Phantom is highly regarded,and I know it well,but it's only been around for about two to three years....The Triplanar has been around for around thirty years(and refined to the max).Not to mention I had one for three years.Even with a not so hot coupling with my table,it was "way" good enough to not be so happy seeing it go(to my accountant,as a barter-:).....That's a serious track record!!!
We'll see!!

Btw,you are SO right about general value,as it relates to the US dollar!I love alot of stuff,but must think HARD about getting something that is inflated.Either by economical considerations,or by high profile reviews.
Best.

I want to make one more comment regarding the Triplanar.Just hobbyspeak,and only my opinion.
Although I now have a new,and wonderful(not much for me to find fault with,in a "sane" world)Graham Phantom,the Triplanar reminds me of the irreplaceable,and CLASSIC Leica Rangefinder cameras.
Built to an amazing standard.Built and refined for years,and performs spectacularly!Collectible as hell!!
One does NOT see too many owners getting rid of them,for the latest gadgetry!!
Best.

Sirspeedy i always wanted a Leica but had to settlle for a Pentax. I had an older SME 3009 series 3 and was still using it. And in the modern era a VPI 10.5i.

Tri Planar 7 is one for the ages. I had my SME for 30 plus years. I know now Tri Planar will be the last tone arm I will ever need.

It still amazes me when i drop the needle and hear absolutely no distortion. I am still going through my new lp collection one at a time. Awesome and more.

Sirspeedy,

I have followed this forum with great interest because I am considering a second turntable in my system, the first being a Walker turntable with a Linear tracking arm.

The Triplanar and the Phantom are high on my the short list of arms I am considering.

Throughout this wonderful dialog, the results are fairly evenly divided between both arms making it difficult to draw a conclusion... and you have made it clear you prefer the graham. But in your last comment you go back to salute the triplanar as the leica of tonearms, quite a comment, that makes me think you are not 100 % sure that the graham was the right choice!

So I will serve up the question one more time, with the finest associated equiptment-great tone arm wire, and Air Tight or Titan or Koetsu assuming everything is top draw, what is the best sounding arm between these two heavyweights.

Logenn,I am not someone who likes only one product.I am a true fan of many fine designs(like Leica,which I always wanted too,but got a Cannon).If someone asks me a question about a product I own,hopefully I can give some meaningful feedback.BUT I am no authority!!A hobbyist,only.
OK,so about your question....I LOVE the Phantom.I like the fact that it has only one mechanical contact point,in this "seemingly new" very sharp bearing.It sounds amazingly like an air bearing design(which I KNOW,from experience sounds fabulous,and no resonances riding along with music).My MAIN reason for getting it,other than performance and familiarity,was economic.Sorry!!
I previously had owned the 2.2,and had the armboard drilled for a Graham,already.Also,I had the IC-70 arm wire.Of course,my friend went from the 2.2 and got a Phantom,so I knew the benefits of moving that way.
Yet,I know (I had one some time ago)that the Triplanar is a fabulous arm(why can't I like it too?),mainly due to "amazingly good word of mouth"(not unlike the Phantom)and it has been further refined.
So,my suggestion is to look at the design(of whatever you like),check out the design parameters that make it a viable product,and compare it's attributes to other contenders.What seems like the most plausible choice,based on the design brief?
That's how I do it,which is fairly logical,I think.
Good luck