Graham Phantom vs Triplaner

IMHO you can't compare the quality performance of two tonearms " per se " ( any ) because a tonearm is a " incomplete " product/item ...

I agree with Raul on this point, which "per se" can be extended to any component. You can't listen to an arm alone. You can maintain a stable system context and swap out a single component and compare those swaps, but there will always be other components within the system that *could* vary.

I agree, an analog front-end is a product of its pieces: turntable, turntable drive mechanism, cartridge, fastening hardware, headshell, tonearm, armboard, tonearm wires, phono stage, phono stage impedance resistors, tubes, etc. etc. If I'm off a half newton-meter of headshell bolt torque, from you, well ...

Not to mention the vagaries of semantic nuance even when we use the same vocabulary. "Tonearm X has superior top-end extension, asymptotically spinning heavenward with receding gossamer grace." (hmm... not bad, maybe i'll use that line.)

And then, we each have a different room. Not to mention humidity. Heh.

What does tonearm X sound like compared to tonearm Y? As the master says: "hard to predict all the variables are".

Yes, its a system. And yours will never be identical to mine. But lets never stop talking about it, the collective community of opinion is a joy.

And then, after all the headshell swapping, damping trough removing, and the four prelude passes ... after all the needle mr. cleaning, after the vta adjusting and antiskate donut twiddling, finally ... finally .... a record is played! Hooray!

Gawd, I love this hobby. Thanks to each of you for helping me enjoy it even more. honest! :-)

Tim

Tim

Yes I agree, hifi is a great hobby and it is enjoyable reading and listening to other people's experiences even if there outcomes are not the same as yours.

Are you still looking for a new tonearm to replace the SME V??

I use a Vector on my Galibier from time to time. Is it better than my Triplanar? Might be with some cartridges. But the Triplanar is much, much more user friendly. I like both arms quite a lot.

Dan_ed's remarks about the Triplanar are spot on. It is an extremely user friendly arm. Perhaps the best.

My previous comments alluded primarily to build quality, fit and finish, trackability, and noise level.

Thanks.

I agree with Raul that there are lots of other variables when it come to tonearm comparisons. There is NO one tonearm or for that matter one cartridge that can do it all - that's why Raul have 7-8 tonearms and more cartridges than i can count that freaky Lucky Bastard (sorry, i just jealous :-)

But all of us can afford such luxury as Raul so it come down to one Tonearm and maybe if we are lucky, 2 or 3 cartridges. When i did my comparison of these 2 top tonearms, i tried to match all parameters as close as i can (same Turntable, same cartridge and same Phono) but at the end, i end up choosing the Graham because of these factors:

1. Versatility - you can easily swap cartridge with diff removeable wand; it's more expensive than the headshell like Raul mention but it's great if you have just 2-3 cartridges that you really like

2. DIN connection that allow you to experiment with different cable - tonearm cable make a big difference but Triplanar also have that option

3. Quality and workmanship - personally, when i have both tonearm with me, the Graham look and feel like a more quality product (very well built and heavy) while the Triplanar feel flimsy (prob going get a lot of hate mail regarding this but that's my opinion - Post your opinion)

4. Product support - i had the Graham 2.2 before and Bob is a sweetheart when dealing with when you can get a hold of him (sorry to hear that he had personal problems lately). He sent me free of charge, counterweight supplement for my old Graham when I was having problems with heavier cartridge. A really nice guy

5. Lastly resale value - you know us audiophile, eventually we all will sell our gears and look at the resale value of both Graham and Triplanar; the Graham still retain it's value and never have problems reselling (maybe because Bob Graham cannot keep up with demand so his product is not flooded in the market like Triplanar - kind of like the Schroeder Tonearm)

I do love this hobby though, so many opinions and too much gear to try out - hope that help Downunder...

Regards,