the perfect tonearm

The Perfect tonearm is the Graham Phantom Supreme for so many reasons....

The 'deceptive' part is the IS in the sentence form 'x is P'(aka the subject -predicate).But we want a tonearm which satisfy many conditions and this assume a list of properties not just one. Besides 'the best' imply comparison between how many tonearms?: 3, 4, or...
What we get is actually: John thinks, believes, is convinced that,etc. that the tonearm A is better than the other he ever owned. Assuming that most of us owned, say,
3 tonearms this 'best quality' become a very hazy qualification.

Dear Ihcho: The SAEC UXL3, Victor L1000 and Audio Technica LH-18, all these weight: 18grs.

R.

you can buy a new SME V now for around 2600 or 2700. Why settle for less?

Atmasphere wrote:

Tri Mai of Triplanar has nothing but complements for the Phantom, and there have been quite a few threads here on the 'gon regarding its qualities. IME it is a transformation over the 2.2!

I would call the Phantom, the logical evolution of the v2.x series - not so much a transformation, as an improved 2.2 - an arm which weaves a very similar sonic presentationto the 2.x series.

In other words, if you liked the 2.2, you will love the Phantom.

I will say that if you audition the Phantom and the Tri-Planar, and will most certainly prefer one over the other.

I can typically work with a customer and predict to a high degree of certainty which will be the case.

Both are fine tonearms, but the designers have a different vision of what an analog presentation should be, and this vision has been consistent through the evolution of both products.

Disclaimer - I know Tr-Mai (Tri-Planar) and sell his tonarms. I don't know Bob Graham very well, but have a high degree of respect for him.

Note - I don't have much time for forums these days, so any pressing questions are best directed to me via e-mail.

Cheers,
Thom @ Galibier