Graham tonearm tweaking

sirspeedy,
Do you change the fluid level for each record? Or once you get fluid level, VTA, and weight where you want them for your most challenging record do you just leave them there?
George

George_a,

If you changed the fluid level on a Graham 2.2 for every record you could only spin 1 or 2 records a day. It is a potentially messy process that must be done with considerable patience and care. If you only have one pair of hands it may take 5-10 minutes per change, and if you're using the (reportedly superior) new blue fluid it takes hours to settle in thoroughly, as sirspeedy has explained.

I admire your spirit and dedication though. You're even more insane than I am, and that takes some effort!

Once you find the right fluid level there's no reason to change it until you change cartridges. Each cartridge requires its own unique level. Even the three similarly compliant ZYX cartridges we listened to on Cello's Graham performed best when damping fluid was fine tuned for the individual cartridge.

I hope you are kidding!I use a series of records with complex,and difficult to track material.I also use some discs that have a variety of different instruments,showing off their timbres and harmonics.The most difficult thing to get right is CORRECT timbres and harmonics.That is when you know the arm is "RIGHT".Forget about setting up for percussion,as it can fool you into thinking you have it.
Once you have spent a few listening sessions, and are happy with the results,there is no need to "FOTZ" around anymore.Of course unless your audio pals are like mine.Never happy!!

Everyone, can you give a few examples of the LP's you used for this tweaking? How dependant on the cartridge in use is the "correct" amount of dampening fluid? If I set up for a 103R and then change to something with more compliance, will I need to re-do the fluid level?

Doug and sirspeedy. Thanks for the answers. It was a little tonge-in-cheeck but I wanted to check for asking the next question.

sirspeedy said: "VTA/downforce/Fluid level all work in conjunction with one another." I do understand this is true and how the mechanics work.

What I don't understand is how once you get these three perfect for one record they can be perfect for the next record. To state the obvious, record thicknesses vary dramatically as do the original cutting angles. If VTA is different on the second record, the combination of VTA/downforce/fluid will be different.

I have no doubt that sirspeedy achieved the results he said with the method he said. Would it be correct to conclude that once VTA/downforce/fluid are dialed in for one record (your most difficult) that it will be dialed in for all records (within reason) with a Graham? I imagine it is possible that if VTA/downforce/fluid reach some "golden ratio" that altering VTA may actually make things worse.