Graham Phantom Supreme?

I needed to have some work done on my Phantom II and recently sent it back to Graham. While it was there Bob did the supreme upgrade. Service was great and he had it back to me in a little over a week. As an aside, Bob Graham is a great guy, and when you call the company he is the one who answers the phone and is very generous with his time.

The upgrade includes the new pivot housing and pivot point, new magneglide magnets, and a new and more substantial looking counterweight.

But when I got the arm back, I also installed a new Koetsu Vermillion cartridge which is still breaking in. So to be honest, I can't distinguish the differences I am hearing between the upgrade and the new cartridge. But the combination has done great things to my system including greater musical detail, richer and more 3D midrange, and an overall warmth and sense of realness to the music.

Regards,

Dave

Dave, What is the cost of this upgrade?

I have a MKII as well. I had sent it back to Bob a couple years ago to have the Micropoise installed. The service was fantastic. Indeed, Bob is a great guy.
Same as Peter at Soundsmith. Too few of them remain in audioland unfortunately.
Thanks

My advise, stick to the manufacturer of the arm. Graham period. Upgrading with him will provide piece of mind in better service, warantee and should you ever decide to sell I'm sure would be piece of mind to the buyer and less of a loss to you.

Cheers

Smoffatt,

I had the bubble level installed at the same time, sime my Phantom II was one of the first and did not come with the level. Total cost was $600, but I think Bob threw in the level for free.

Sorry I can't be more descriptive of the impact of the upgrade alone versus the upgrade & new cartridge.

Dave

$600 seems very reasonable given the work involved. Did the origianl reason you sent the arm in defray some of the cost? In short, do you know if you send the Phantom II in, just for the Supreme upgrade, if its $600?