The replies made in this thread mirror what was stated years ago when the Graham first arrived on the scene. At that time, audiophiles could not comprehend why someone would have an interest in a Graham as the SME V was the established top arm. It was only after many of these very people HEARD the Graham that it become accepted as superior.
It is humorous that history repeats itself. None of the respondents in this thread have heard the Vector, yet judgements were made that the Graham was the preferable arm. Even one respondents comment, Why re-invent the wheel? echos the identical question asked when the Graham first appeared. As history has shown, if a new component provides superior attributes, it will succeed. And all audiophiles benefit.
With my audio priorities, I demand excellence from my analog front end. To that end, I gave up on pivoted arms over 12 years ago when I acquired my first AirTangent tonearm. Subsequent to this, I acquired the best arm AirTangent has produced to date which is the awesome tonearm from the generation after the AirTangent Reference.
My high performance AirTangent is superior sonically to the Graham and I dont think any knowledgeable audiophile would contest that point. No other arm that Ive heard during these past 12 years has had the ability to convey the emotion and musical life achieved with my AirTangent. Upon hearing an astounding demo system that included a Vector, I evaluated a Vector in my system. Was I shocked!!! The Vector significantly beat the AirTangent in the low end, was its equal if not better in dynamics, tracked as well, and matched the AT in every other parameter. Yep, I purchased the Vector.
Without a doubt, the Vector joins the ranks with the AirTangent as a state-of-the art high performance tonearm. Everything about the Vectors design, like with a Ferrari car, serves to enhance performance. The Graham is an excellent arm but is more like a Cadillac, with many built in features that facilitate convenience, but in so doing impact ultimate sonic performance. Thus, I would recommend the Vector as the arm of choice.
Do note that Wally Malewicz, the well known analog maven and designer of turntable setup tools, made the following statement regarding the Vector (Vinyl Asylum on 1/25/02):
It represents a breakthrough design and is based on complete engineering analysis of every parameter. Perfect match with MC Cartridges and well engineered TT. ....... The best dynamics available with musicality and details.
