SME V, Tri-Planar or Phantom B-44


To be mounted on a Raven AC (only one arm) what is your system or choice. No way will I get a chance to listen to any of these where I live (France). So would like any of you here to feed opinions.

My system is :

Raven AC
Nagra VPS
Nagra PL-L
Nat Audio SE1 (SET 211 tube)
Wilson Audio WP 5.1

I would be using a Lyra Argo i

Thanks
Tim
timnaim
I've owned all three,but did not have the best table set-up for my Triplanar,yet it is definitely a superb arm.I liked it alot though,and you'll hear from alot of posters liking it too.

The SME was a good arm,but the Phantom is superb,in virtually any catagory....

BTW,there is NOW a NEW series II Phantom,which should be even better than the one we all know about.

Check Graham's web-site for details.

You will have a superb arm,with all these choices,so price could be a factor.

Good luck
Dear Tim: I like the SME V/IV for the Lyras, is a very good match.

Regards and enjoy the music.
raul.
Hey Sirspeedy, i should receive my Phantom in a couple of weeks after a 6 months wait. I guess with Bob's tribulations and problems with some of his part suppliers, it delayed the whole manufacturing/assembling process. Will be mounting it on my Cosmos. It will be replacing my beloved SME V. I guess i will be getting a series II. But.....i am not holding my breath. I will advise when i get it. Sly.
Tim, I took delivery of a Raven AC two weeks ago. I already had a Triplanar and ZYX Universe X and I think I will be very happy with the compination. I will double check a few elements of the set up when I have time in the next week but it is very nice now.

BTW, I had the Universe frist, later added the Triplanar before adding the Raven AC so its not like I set out to find the best match...it just evolved that way.

That said, I have realized the Raven and Phantom could be a better match and I would have spent more time learning about the phantom if I did not already have the Tri. You may know that Tom the maker of the Raven likes the Phantom from what I have heard. But then the Tri and Universe are a great match so it is easy to keep the two togeather.

I have no experience with the SME or the Lyras, but the SME was never on my list.

TD
ALL..Trust me!! If you have any properly working arm be happy...Be very,very happy!!

I am "not" alluding to any delay issues either!...

Don't even ask!!

" -:) " I hope)