VPI 10.5 vs Graham 2.2


OK guys & ladies....which one is best? I have the Helikon and Benz m2 cartridge. Which is the best cartridge for either arm?? I have read many different comments about both arms. I have the VPI but I am experiencing some ( I believe ) anti-skateing problems.....help! I am a non-tech person..so keep that in mind. Thanks all and Happy Thanksgiving!!
rwd
For me, without doubt the Graham.
Excellent quality !
And every setting is possible ( Azimuth, VTA ....)
Used Scan Tech and Benz system with it. Great.
And the replacable arm wands is the real thrill for cartridge collectors ....
Rick,

I guess you did the test on the HFNRR test record. Can you tell me on which track did you experience anti-skateing problems?

I saw that Wally tools (http://www.simplyblack.net/) is making an anti-skateing device for JMW arm. I am wondering if anyone has tried it?
I agree the Graham is the best of these. I owned three versions of it before moving up to the Walker turntable and it's linear tracking arm.

Interesting that Extremephono mentions the arms he does. Not only have I heard most of these, I officially brought Breuer into the United States from Lucerne (his home in Switzerland) in the late 1970's.

Last I spoke with him, he had moved on to manufacturing large format cameras and still later I understand another company took over the business and is now manufactured in another facility.

I still have many photographs of Breuer at his work table. My favorite taken in the failing light of day, just before we all left for dinner. The photo includes my wife looking on intently as he puts the finishing touches on the tonearm I hand carried back home with me.

After that, I imported at least a dozen more of these high end tone arms, most with his special flycut heavy counter balance and as many of his custom built moving coil cartridges to match. These cartridges began life as an EMT, then fitted with custom aluminum cantilever and a modified line contact diamond he had manufactured by Van Den Hul in Holland.

The Graham is a masterpiece in today's world and can perform with incredible resolution when set up properly. Which I might add is near impossible without a lot of experience.
Hi Sid (and everyone)...I did the test on both my cartridgers....Here we go! FIRST please understand...I am an tech "no-no". I can only listen well. Set up and adjustments must be very easy for me so that is key. Anyway: The Benz m2 passed #6.....on #7 is started to hum....so we know that was not good. Off went the cartridge and arm wand and on to the Helikon (here is where TWL will smile). When I put to stylus on track #6 the cartridge went sailing to the spindle. Yep!! Then I put on an album (MECO Star Wars album- great album and lots of fun)...well towards the end the cartridge started to skip...So if figured an anti-skate problem...... I go and twist the arm-cable and I try it again. OK it works....The I put on the HR-Test record...Well this time it stayed in the groove...but #6 hummed!!!!!
The funny thing is that on regular records, both cartridges sounds fantastic?
So this is why I am now considering a new arm or table or cartridge or all three. I plan to go to a dealer today and try the HR record there....I just want to make sure there is a set up that can negotiate these tracks....
Anyway........Can some one tell me (KISS-keep it simple((stupit)) what measurement numbers I should look for in an arm and cartridge that matches...in other words high compliance (what is the number????) High or low mass arms (what numbers indicate that) what cartridges work best with what arms??? TWL, you were very helpful, but I am unfamiliar with the Origin line and more familiar with VPI and Graham...so I lean towards them (but interested in your suggestion). I also love the idea that I can change arm wands on the VPI and (I believe ) the Graham. The VPI can also adjust VTA easily...(can the Graham??) Albert, your last comment about the Graham scared me.......!
Thanks all for your support and advice and I look forward to your comments....you have always been very, very helpful!!
by Rwd
You skiped on track 6! That isn't right. I can paly through 6 without any problem. How many turns did you twist the wire?