Does the level of the damping fluid in the Phantom have as great an effect on performance as it does with the 2.2? Just wondering as I had a chance to buy a Phantom a short while ago and may again.
New Phantom Bearing
There is a new bearing for the Graham Phantom tonearm, available as an upgrade or shipping with new arms. For those who are not sure, it is that portion of the arm - either gold or silver - which unscrews and contains the pointed shaft sitting in the blue fluid you added on setup. The new bearing has a much sharper point, compared to the old. Upgrading is as simple as unscrewing the old and screwing in the new. According to Bob, the new profile better stabilizes the arm and allows for more detail and dynamics to flow through undisturbed. Believe me, the difference is immediate and not subtle. Highs are sharper and clearer, the soundstage is deeper and instruments are more three dimensional. I just changed my bearing and as HP would say - I have not yet gotten the full measure of the upgrade - but I already hear an immediate difference. The new bearing, in either silver or gold, is $225.00 available from a dealer or directly from Graham Engineering. New arms ship with it in place. A great arm made even better. Thank you, Bob.