RWD, as I mentioned before, I am also using a Helikon with a JWM-10.5 on an Aries. While I also had trouble tracking the same antiskate bands on the HiFi News test record, I honestly have no desire to switch arms or cartridges. I couldn't be happier with the sound of the Helikon. For that matter I am also fond of the JMW -- particularly since swapping arm tubes, and thus cartridges, is so easily accomplished. I also have a mono Helikon, which is an absolutely amazing cartridge. By far, I get the best sound in my listening room when playing mono records with the mono Helikon. That I can so easily swap between cartridges is a HUGE plus.
I understand that you can swap arm tubes easily enough with the Graham as well. I am not sure if you can do so with the non-unipivot arms. If your listening tastes lean heavily towards classical, jazz, or 60's rock, then you may want to consider leaving yourself open to swap cartriges in the future.
It is my understanding that true mono cartridges, such as the mono Helikon, will soon be available from other manufacturers. I believe that you can now special order a true mono version of Grado cartridges from the Sonata model on up. Benz will also be coming out with one -- possibly a mono ACE.
Jumping back to the stereo Helikon -- prior to acquiring that cartridge I used two different Clearaudio cartridges; first the $1200 Sigma and then the $1600 Clearaudio Victory. Both tracked the HiFi News LP antiskate tracks better than my stereo Helikon -- and yet neither approached the Helkon's ability to get out of the way of the music.
IMHO I think there are better places that you can spend your money on than a new arm or table. The first thing that comes to mind is a Vibraplane (makes a HUGE difference) -- and from there a second arm tube and a Helikon mono.
That's just my two cents. I hope it helps.
Ken
I understand that you can swap arm tubes easily enough with the Graham as well. I am not sure if you can do so with the non-unipivot arms. If your listening tastes lean heavily towards classical, jazz, or 60's rock, then you may want to consider leaving yourself open to swap cartriges in the future.
It is my understanding that true mono cartridges, such as the mono Helikon, will soon be available from other manufacturers. I believe that you can now special order a true mono version of Grado cartridges from the Sonata model on up. Benz will also be coming out with one -- possibly a mono ACE.
Jumping back to the stereo Helikon -- prior to acquiring that cartridge I used two different Clearaudio cartridges; first the $1200 Sigma and then the $1600 Clearaudio Victory. Both tracked the HiFi News LP antiskate tracks better than my stereo Helikon -- and yet neither approached the Helkon's ability to get out of the way of the music.
IMHO I think there are better places that you can spend your money on than a new arm or table. The first thing that comes to mind is a Vibraplane (makes a HUGE difference) -- and from there a second arm tube and a Helikon mono.
That's just my two cents. I hope it helps.
Ken