During my e-mail exchanges with Bob Graham when I recently upgraded my 1.5t to a Phantom Mk ii, he indicated that he is not in agreement on "longer tone arm length means superior anything" when viewing the tone arm a comprehensive whole.
He felt his standard Phantom Mk ii (which I believe is 9.5") is a world class tone arm - period. Bob indicated that he did develop the 10" Phantom Mk ii arm wand for the sole purpose of accomodating those TT owners who use a ring clamp of some sort, like the VPI super platter with ring clamp. I have a TNT IV with super platter and ring clamp. Without the 10" Phantom Mk ii, the ring clamp would grind against the Phantom - not good.
I do not understand the science behind these discussions, but I wanted to share the opinion of one of the "masters" in this area.
I like Graham arms, so for me, I will accept Bob's design decisions. For others, maybe not so much. That's the beauty of our hobby.
Brent
He felt his standard Phantom Mk ii (which I believe is 9.5") is a world class tone arm - period. Bob indicated that he did develop the 10" Phantom Mk ii arm wand for the sole purpose of accomodating those TT owners who use a ring clamp of some sort, like the VPI super platter with ring clamp. I have a TNT IV with super platter and ring clamp. Without the 10" Phantom Mk ii, the ring clamp would grind against the Phantom - not good.
I do not understand the science behind these discussions, but I wanted to share the opinion of one of the "masters" in this area.
I like Graham arms, so for me, I will accept Bob's design decisions. For others, maybe not so much. That's the beauty of our hobby.
Brent