Graham Phantom damping fluid level.

Hi Dgad, thanks for your input. I have unlimited VTA adjustment on my table so it doesn't matter whether I use a spacer or not, I can have tail up or down regardless.
I will play a little more with VTA to see if that helps. I'm getting very nice bottom end response, much better than I was getting with higher fluid level. The fluid level makes a huge difference in my setup.
Perhaps I will machine a brass spacer to see what that does.
Dgad, Have you actually tried using that much added mass (brass spacer) with a Koetsu?

Tshulba, Ducatirider,
If your Phantom is a later production the headshell is thicker than earlier productions thus eliminating the need for the spacer. I remember asking Bob Graham about it and the new arms do have a thicker headshell.

I just took possession of mine. It is brande new. Thank you Tshulba

Mine was manufactured in 2006 s/n 3137 so that is why it came with the spacer. I prefer the sound with the spacer installed.

Tshulba, my S/N is 3155-purchased Nov. 2006

Hey guys,
Hevac1 {Leo} here.
I purchased a Phantom and recieved it 3-10-08 after 2 years with a 2.2 and it is sounding awsome. I have the fluid just after the square section but I am bottoming out on the VTA and still need more room. I do not remember getting those spacers talked about here with either of my wands. I have a Koetsu Urushi and a Lyra Helikon Mono.
I tried to call Bob Graham and have had no reply either. The last time I had spoken with him he was having some big health issues with the family so it will take a while for him to get back to us. Keep leaving messages though so he will remember to call you, he has a lot on his plate so to speak at this time. I live 5 minute from his office so as his problems clears up I am going to see if he could make a house call. Fingers crossed.

My whole point is that you can't leave a message. His voicebox is full. BTW my serial number is 3280. I can't imagine the isues one would have with a low profile cartridge like a 17D3. That thing is very squat.

Hello Ducatirider,
I talked directly with Bob Graham yesterday, (he actually answered the phone) so give it another try. He was on his way to the doctor office so could only talk for a few minutes.
I asked him about the spacers every one is talking about here and he said it really didn't matter if you use it or not other than it is being used with lighter cartridges.

My post about my problem is wrong on my last reply. I am having an issue with anti-skating and not VTA. I use the Denon test record for setting anti-skating. On track 10, about center of the record the track starts to distort on the left speaker before the right speaker. I make adjustments to the anti-skating, but have found that I am at the end or furthest away. The distortion is still off to the left but I cannot make it correct. The noise should come from both speakers at the same time. Bob suggested I increase my tracking weight. The Koetsu settings are 1.8 to 2.0 and I am at 1.95.
What’s bothering me is Bob said I can go up to 3 to 3.4 grams. I am very nervous about setting a $4500.00 cartridge at a higher tracking force than recommended by the manufacturer. I could break the cantilever and be shit out of luck.
Any help on this matter would be appreciated.
I did not have this problem with the 2.2.

Thanks.

Hevac,some test records(I own the Telarc Omni-disc)may not allow for the distortion to "totally" go away.I know my Phantom,using my Omni-disc still exhibits a certain degree of distortion in one channel.I believe we want to shoot for least amount heard,if it cannot be totally eliminated.
What I do,is get familiar with the actual "volume" of the distortion,as well as how long the distortion lasts,timewise.I play the track over,quite a bit,to become familiar.
I voice my arm for lowest volume,and shortest duration of this distortion,but one can always go from "that" point using one's ear,as well as watching the cantilever trace a groove,when viewed from straight ahead(front of cartridge/arm).It should be as vertical as possible,from a frontal view,as a disc spins.
Good luck.

thanks for the response Hevac. I appreciate you reaching out. I hope Bob Graham gets well soon.

I apply the fluid as recommended. If the sound is a bit dull, I use a syringe with an 18 gauge needle to remove a little bit; wait several hours, and repeat until it sounds right. It is not precise, but I wouldn't obsess on the fluid level. There has to be a point that we enjoy listening to the darn thing.

Congratulations to Sirspeedy on the aquisition of his new tonearm.

Make it hot, before you fill it inside.

Dr Steve,thanks for the thoughtful words.

Sirspeedy thanks for the reply.
The Denon Telarc Omni-disk is the one I use to set anti skating.
I know the distrtion will start somewhere in the track I am just trying to get them even close to distorting at the same time. Now the they are not even close maybe 5 seconds between both channels.
Thanks for the help.
Sirspeedy you don't live in Mass. do you?

Hevac,I live on east coast,not Mass.I do love that state,though as I have fond memories of being a tennis instructor at a camp,years ago.Great Barrington.Gorgeous area back then.
Best.

Sirspeedy,
If your ever in town email me and come on over.

anyone with experience using the Blue fluid in the model 1.5t/ceramic arm, regarding the level?