Looking for a great arm that is low maintenence

Hey guys,why don't you read my post a little more carefully!I ALWAYS state that my impressions are "opinion".I also was clear that things are a matter of taste,and that is why I made the statement about the Phantom being massive,which it definitely IS TO ME!!!Also I have auditioned it on two occassions,and it sounded great.So?

I also believe I CLEARLY STATED that any potential doubts I may have had about the Phantom were "probably wrong",as I don't like to knock any product,unless I have owned it for a length of time.I don't take myself all that seriously,in this forum,and am only having fun corresponding with fellow hobbyists.

Splashkin,I know you are happy with the Phantom,as you have stated this to me in the past,and I TOTALLY believe you,when you praise it's performance.It has been obvious from previous correspondence that you are a well adjusted and decent guy,with a sense of humor.I hope all is well,and wish you the best!BTW-I still love your Basis!

Gmorris,I do take your comments as having a bit of a "goading and antagonistic edge".Believe me I don't want to create ill will with ANY hobbyist on this forum,but lighten up!Your "there you go again" statement does not seem to sway towards the friendly!I hope you are a bit more mature than some hobbyists,that I've seen in Audiogon who start a verbal assault because someone doesn't like (BTW-I do happen to like the Phantom,but my 2.2 is proven,by my own experience,which could very well migrate towards a Phantom at some future point)something the other guy owns.That is ABSURD,and I'm NOT accusing you of this.Just don't take my "opinions" so seriously.I,myself,don't!If you like stuff you own,then that's it.Nobody can dictate what someone should like.But we're free to make comments,which is what this forum is all about!Someone correct me if I'm wrong!I'm just a yutz,who likes the hobby,and has some experience with a couple of products,as well as some harmless opinions.Anyone who thinks differently is taking this forum WAY too seriously!!Best wishes!

BTW-I agree with Raul!!

Thanks for the kind words Sirspeedy.

If we get back to the original question requesting a tonearm of low maintenance, then the Graham 2.2 or Phantom does the job.

This weekend I listened to a number of my old Mercury Living Presence stereo recordings with the Phantom. I was amazed at the increased tracing ability and rendering of information I had never heard before on these recordings. The first Mercury stereo recordings with early matrix were tough to track. Not for the Phantom-Koetsu Jade Platinum. Of course, a Zenith Cobra would also do an excellent job!

Best Wishes,

Steve

You know Sirspeedy, sometimes with your obfuscations you come across like a politician. I tend to be upfront with my comments. The fact is that you have never heard the Schroeder but perhaps the Phantom (which you claimed “sounded great”); yet you are willing to recommend exploring the Schroeder based on reputation and design whereas you are dismissive of the Phantom based on your erroneous conjecture that it may be too MASSIVE for low mass/high compliance cartridges. I said, “Here we go again” because many words were expended in a previous thread discussing this issues (including a lengthy explanation from the manufacturer). I found it odd that on a thread were someone was seeking recommendation on possible arms that you would raise this conjecture.

Are you positioning yourself for a nice accommodation price on a possible future Schroeder purchase?

By the way Raul, I own three arms: Zeta, 2.2 and the Phantom.

Splashkin,I LOVE the fact that someone is actually talking about the "software" aspect of this hobby.In a forum where equipment is taken WAY too seriously!ALL of the equipment we all love to discuss,is easily replaceable!!The software,in many instances,and especially if one has put together a truly "great music collection"(one that you can really take pride in,and one that your mother-in-law is impressed with,too)),is almost impossible to replace!!

I would love to see some of us mention some of the more interesting(obviously one's own opinion,but interesting to consider)Lp's we have come across.Ones that may not be of the norm.GOD,I LOVE to try to hunt down something different,and unique,that I've heard at a friend,that "blows me away"!How friggin' great is it when you finally get it?Locking yourself in your listening room,and "Going Back Through Time".To the "Event"!Anyone ever hear of the British EMI/Columbia pressing called "Conquistadors"?About the Spanish conquest,and destruction of the Aztecs.A disc where Raul's insistence that we "MUST" have TWO subs begins to make sense(I only have one)!In line with the DECCA recording "The Plague".Only better,to many,who have heard it.Stunning orchestration,and percussive forces,here.Man,those Spaniards were "MEAN"!Sort of like Steven Spielberg,for the ears!Finding that disc is another story.Took me ten years.

I have almost all the MERCS.WOW!!Are some of these magnificent.The DECCAS may be technically better,but as you probably know,there is NOTHING like the sound of some of the orig Mercury series discs.I hope I'm not going to get "yelled" at by someone for making that statement.It's JUST MY OPINION!!!There's a ton of newer music in this series that MUST be heard.One can source from archives(I'm fairly certain)the "GREAT" reviews by the INCOMPARABLE and "One of a kind" SID MARKS.This series was in TAS,as of a few years ago!!

Splashkin,if I can make a suggestion as to an incredible disc(one that sort of mirrors some of the Merc series,in content)that has some absolutely stunning sound(real demo quality,especially with a Phantom),as well as Phantomstic,oh sorry,I meant fantastic,and a "HOOT" fun musical content,it is the Deutche Grammaphone pressing of Russo's "Street Music".It is coupled with a fine Gershwin piece,but the REAL discovery is the "Street Music" side.It is(believe it or not) a Blues Concerto,for harmonica,with "slammin" blues piano,string bass and orchestra.It "ROCKS"!!!!!NOBODY,and this is NOT my opinion ,who has heard it,has been able to lift his/her jaw off my listening room's carpet!You should see the saliva stains on my nice rug.A bit like a dentist's office!I really should make everyone "RINSE",after the piece ends.

I hope you(or anyone else reading this)has this fabulous disc!If not keep an eye out.It should not cost more than 15-20 bucks!!And you thought I got off on equipment!!

Man I love this hobby,but it's WAY MORE FUN sharing "musical passions" with fellow music lovers!

Gmorris,

In response to your last comments to me,and REDICULOUS conclusion,as to my intent!
#1-Phantom vs Schroeder--you have a point!
#2-I specifically stated that I thought the Phantom probably was a great arm.Did I not?I also stated that it looked massive to me!Which it does!What the heck is the problem here?It's my freakin' taste!Actually,since you seem to be so damn condescending,I "think"(my opinion,which means nothing,and I'm sure I'm NOT impacting sales)my 2.2(and it's arm mass) will perform better with my cartridge,on my vacuum table;and I don't care that you have a Helikon,that sounds fine with an arm that you clearly have so much attachment to.Good for you!How dare I speak to my feelings,that OTHERS know is to be taken with a grain of salt,anyway.That was my advise to NRCHY,as well.So tough luck if I hit on a nerve,and you have decided to impress me with your propensity for arrogance.

#3-Your inference that I may be trying to position myself for a possible accommodation price on a Schroeder is so laughable that I "just have to love you" for making the accusation.
I have one child in the fourth year of med school,and another in the first year of graduate school.I have a mortgage,employees that actually like me(I pay all med/insurance expenses,and offer 3 week vacations,after 1 year),and have positioned myself to have a satisfying existence,with as little aggravation as possible.In other words-I haven't got alot of loose cash lying around,as of now.If I was to consider adding any additional expenses,after what I have spent on this hobby over these last few years,it would be ME not my wife who would have myself committed!Also,I really like the 2.2.

BTW-I have been gracious towards the Schroeder line because I think it looks like a finely designed and made product,has gotten tons of acclaim and because Frank Schroeder comes off as a very engaging guy, "committed" to his products(as I know Bob Graham is)and customers.If you have a problem with any of this,than all I can say is "TOUGH LUCK"!!