Graham 2: Reliability Issues

jaica: i've listenened to the graham 2.2 only briefly at ces 2001 and not a/b'd it with the 2.0. i've not seen any technical info on it yet either. the two changes on the 2.2 of which i'm aware are the above-mentioned bearing cap and the counter weight. that's as much as i know. you might want to check with musical surroundings, graham's distributor, for additional data. good hunting. -kelly

Jaica, Bob Graham offered the following comments recently in a posting to the Phonogram listserve:

"For those of you who haven't looked lately, we have just introduced the new Model 2.2 tonearm, and which is a major step forward in performance, especially in the areas of imaging, bass extension and impact, and midrange resolution..."

And in a follow-up posting:

"...the improvements have to do with the bearing/balancing system and the upgrade is simplicity itself, and is user replaceable. We have totally redesigned the pivot bearing system for more stability. The user merely has to replace the bearing/cap assembly, add new damping fluid and affix a "2.2" sticker to the VTA bracket. The sticker doesn't improve things very much, but does reassure the owner that they're at least current with our thinking on analogue. The cap will now be either gold or chrome, depending on the tonearm accents, rather than the earlier black. The upgrade cost is just $300, and as I mentioned in my original note, I feel sure you'll be pleasantly surprised, regardless of which table/arm you're using. The upgrades will be available in about a month, and all new production deluxe tonearms will be the 2.2."

i have owned the graham 2.0 for 2 years and ordered the 2.2 upgade in early janurary. i recently had the cueing arm hydralics rupture so i am waiting for a new one of those also. previously owned a 1.5 tc and never a problem until now. it seems like anything analogue takes awhile; probably teaches me alittle patience.

I've owned a Graham 1.5t for about 7 or 8 years and the 2.0 for one with no problems at all. Surprised to hear about any problems with these arms. Now I'm probably doomed! Maybe it'll be the 2.2 upgrade I just ordered.....