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SME 20/2 & Graham Phantom issue

Hi guys
I'm having an issue trying to setup the Graham's Phantom on the SME 20/2 (in place of the SME IV.Vi ): I cannot position the Phantom straight forward as suggested in the manual (due to the fact that the VTF adjustment knob of the Phantom does not have enough clearance (it touches the rear right post of the SME20 turntable). Did anyone have this problem when setting up your combo? I am wondering if i have to swing the arm rest inwards closer the platter, will it effect the accuracy of the arm's anti-skating mechanism?

The reason i asked is that with SME arms, it is crucial that the arm is placed in a particular position so that the edge of the headshell is about 53mm from the edge of the platter in order for its anti-skating to work correctly, and in this position, the arm-rest is not pointing forward.

Would this be the case with Graham's Phantom too? Would the anti-skating mechanism NOT work correctly if the arm is not pointing straight forward in its arm rest???

Thank you.
Jay
jaytea

Showing 2 responses by rlawry

rlawry
477 posts
 
I have this exact combo and mine works fine as set up by Brooks Berdan. However, I am not sure how Brooks did it. Actually, the first time I had the turntable set up using the SME mount the VTF knob did slightly hit the suspension o-rings when swinging the arm toward the record but didn't affect the play. Then I found out that Graham developed a new base for the 20/2, so I brought it back to BB and when I got the table back with the Graham base it did not hit the o-rings. I could call Brooks to see how he did it if you want. E-mail me to discuss it further.
rlawry
477 posts
 
Jaytea, I believe your description of your "SME" base is the same as the one I originally had. Yes, my newer "Graham" base was developed shortly after I had the SME base and yes, it is stationary. Since I did not have to change the holes in the plinth for mounting the arm, you should be able to get this base from Graham and just bolt it to the plinth. I think the Graham base is now considered his standard base for most tables. I am not sure why there is so much confusion as to the type of base used for the SME table. I found the Graham base to give better resolution and extension in the bass and better dynamic range, as well as more detail in the midrange and treble. Part of this may have also been due to the newer, sharper pivot bearing. BTW, if you move the turntable after setting it up, you may want to check VTF when you get the table in place. When Brooks Berdan set VTF at 1.85 g I got it home and noticed initially that it would mistrack on dynamic passages. I checked VTF and it had fallen to about 1.5 g. I think the arm had "settled" onto the new bearing. I haven't had any problems since resetting the VTF.
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