Graham Phantom vs. Phantom II

Let me help clear the confusion for you all.

Crystalref already stated the differences between Phantom I and II. The latest Phantom II has a spirit level (bubble) on the right side of the arm tower.

I asked Bob Graham a few months ago this question, "Other than the bubble (micropoise) on the right side of the arm tower of the new Phantom II, is there any other difference between the old Phantom II and the new Phantom II?"

He answered "No, that's the entire difference... And older arms can be upgraded easily (well, quite easily, if the customer is handy at all...

Additionally, he said, "new Phantom II is the same as the first Phantom II, the Micropoise was an after-thought..."

So, there is no Phantom III. The latest Phantom II does not have longer arm tube. The current Phantom II arm tube fits any version of the Phantom.

I don't think there is any sonic improvement with the spirit level. It is only a convenient feature. I do like this feature because I can easily start with parallel on the VTA first with the bubble in the middle of the markings. Then I can adjust it up or down very easily. Without the bubble, I used to eyeball it to start with parallel. Not any more. Bob is a genius.

Hope this clears everything for you all. Happy listening.

Bob is a genius.

Agree, he always thinks useful improvements. This is a good addition.

Thanks for the info Audiolui ... too bad Bob is not responding to e-mail messages. I assume the micropoise is not an upgrade that can be made to existing Phantom II's ... it does sound like a useful addition to the tonearm.

Taylor514,
Bob mentioned "the older arms can be upgraded easily (well, quite easily, if the customer is handy at all..."

So I think the older II can be upgraded to the latest with the micropoise. As to how it can be done, ask your dealer or wait patiently for Bob to answer your email. It took him a while to respond to my emails back in March 09.

I did a search for a picture of this new II, but all renewed the text, but all pics show model I.
Can someone shoot a pic from II+ gauge and link it here?