Graham Phantom vs. Phantom II

Dear Downunder, there is much truth in your comment......... much more thruth than most want to hear or know.
BTW - nice set-up.
Never forget who was and is the one, real and only King !

Appreciable sonic difference between the final design of the Graham 2.2 , original Phantom and the Phantom II would hinge on the ability of the turntable itself to reveal these differences, be it small or large.
Including the ability of associated equiptment and above all ones own experience in this hobby....

I for one do have high regard for Syntax's approach to a system including his opinion here of the Phantom arms.
Overall the components that he bought, set up in his system, evaluated, dismissed, then list on his page speaks volumes to his approach.

Btw,Stilty(and I'm "not" rying to be contrary)....

I "did" set up all of those arms,on multiple times,in multiple systems.All pretty much sota set ups...so...

Yes,there is an increase in performance(between the arms)as one moves up the table of model designations,and time periods of design...but...

these improvements are "not nearly as large"(though obviously audible) as we like to make them seem.That is simply my own observation about things audio.

You can change out a tube or almost anyother component or chachka,and get a similar result.

It is fairly common with many components,not specific to these great(and they are that good) arms.I LOVE the Graham stuff,btw.

Anyway,I think there is a certain "something" about just listening to,and enjoying music that counters the "need" to have to get that "last degree" of "whatever".One reason why highe end audio is on a downward spiral,sadly.Not enough new blood,who are willing to spend the cashola.

I TOTALLY understand your "correct" asessment of these arms' differences,but I'd say in the long run it does not really matter,once a certain level of sonic bliss is had.

In the boutique acoustic guitar world,each and every instrument is very different from oneanother,and each is voiced differently.

Different wood combinations,different scale lengths etc,so there is NO "one" standard of accuracy.

Yet,each player understands this,and lauds the differences.Even respects a different sonic vibe,from whatever he,himself, is playing.

So,I say we are knocking ourselves out,trying to shoot for the last vestige of accuracy.It does not exist!

Each component in the chain(so long as they "do" meet a good standard)will change the total vibe of the syatem,and it's up to the owner to voice it.Then stay off websites like this(habit forming)and have a nice glass of wine,while enjoying your record collection -:)

Hmm,looks like I have not changed mush either!Another one of my long winded rants.... -:)

Good luck

R F Sayles,
I guess the issue here goes back to synergy and especially between turntables & tonearms.

I like my Phantom tonearm, however I am not sure if I would like it as much on a leaner sounding table compared to what I have now. Personally I am not 100% sure if I would like the Phantom II on my table with the majority of music I prefer to listen to.

Mass/Avid are just taking that synergy point and recommending their tables go with a more robust sounding tonearm like the SME V.

That is one reason why intergrated table/tonearm by the same manufacturer makes a lot of sense - except in the true equipment audiophile that is in a lot of us.

As always one man's lean/bright is another's neutral/transparent and one man's warmth and tone is another's turgid bloat and lack of transparency.
I can find this going from record to record - which is why a 2nd table or tonearm combo is a good idea to better match the recording sometimes. Cartridges have the same choices.

All the gear we have is comfortable ahead of the majority.

I appreciate you sharing comments and experience in this matter. The Graham Phantom II is a work of art both mechanically and sonically, to that I feel we all would agree. I would also acknowledge that synergy is paramount, regardless of anything else. And in the end... when all the talk settles, I may have no other choice than to try, as was suggested, for my self and see. Going with the Kondo silver wire in my SME V as opposed to the stock VDH braid was intended to move away from some of the alleged darkness of this arm. I am surprised that to my ear, this wire and the character of my Aesthetix front end and phono has not added disproportionately to the leanness of which you speak. Using my listening experiences from our local audio club juxtaposed with live acoustic concert experiences, the system appears to be markedly balanced IMHO. Though I do fully concede to a penchant for long lean women, wonder if there's any connection!?

Happy Listening!