Unipivots Hadcocks Vs Grahams

I am using a Graham 1.5tc that was upgraded to a 2.2 (but still with the SME base). I'm running it on my Gyro SE, which I have heard in my system with a Michell Tecnoarm before (which is a highly modified variant of the Rega RB-250).

In my opinion, it's a fabulous arm. Definitely not bass-shy, it is very consistent from top to bottom. The top end is absolutely fantastic, just so smooth, natural and musical. The arm doesn't add warmth though, so if your system is lean and you're hoping to add some extra warmth, you'll need to do it with the cartridge. It is a marked improvement over the Tecnoarm and is a breeze to set up and adjust.

Everything I've read about the Hadcock indicates that it's pretty tough to deal with, which is why I never seriously considered it for my table. I guess it all depends how comfortable you are dealing with a more tricky arm - but I've never heard (or even seen) a Hadcock.

One thing with the Graham - look for something that comes with their fantastic cartridge-mounting tool. It makes it a breeze to change cartridges and have them set up perfectly in a few minutes. Also, all models can be ordered with an SME base if you prefer, so even a new Phantom can be ordered (but that's not a cheap arm!!!). On the used market, not many 2.0's or later will be found with an SME mount, since it was a custom-order option from that model on.

My 2.2/1.5tc is identical to a new 2.2 deluxe in every way, except that the mounting plate changed from model 1.5 to 2. While the design is the same (with the exception of the availability of a Graham mount from model 2 on), the materials changed for model 2.

As such, a 1.5tc with the 2.2 bearing added becomes nearly identical to a new 2.2. Currently, you can still buy 2.2 bearing caps from Graham, but if you have a 1.5 model on which to use the bearing cap, it needs to be a 1.5t or 1.5tc (where the "t" means tungsten sideweights as used in the model 2.0/2.2 and the "c" means ceramic armwand as used in the 2.0/2.2 deluxe).

FYI, Graham's are set it and forget it if you want them to be, but there's also the option of easily swapping cartridges due to the ease of setup. Many consider one of the Graham's best features to be that minor VTA adjustments can be made precisely and repeatably. I just find the arm to be very pleasant to deal with, and never intimidating - not to mention how good it sounds...which I'm sure is partly due to the fact that cartridges are always set up properly on the arm.

Unfortunately though, I've compared it only to the Michell Tecnoarm directly, and never heard a Hadcock.