Graham Phantom or Morch DP6 ?

Salectric, DP8 is very expensive, I am in the $2k range where at the max I can expect/aim to buy one of these four arms

1. Graham Phantom (used)
2. Moerch DP6 (new/used)
3. Naim ARO
4. Rega RB1000

I have heard the Rega on a Rega P9 TT and liked it a lot. I have heard the Moerch on a Nottingham Analogue Hyperspace and thought and generally thought it was very dynamic. The ARO and Graham are on my shortlist purely because of their reputation.

Pani,

I understand about the 2K budget, and of course that doesn't allow the DP-8 as an option. Within your budget, I would choose the DP-6 preferably with 12" wand. Although I've never used a Graham in my system, there are three reasons I never gave any Graham models serious consideration: (1) reputation for being somewhat light in the bass, (2) reputation for not holding up well over years of use (mainly cosmetic issues I believe), and (3) too frequent changes in models. I can't say for sure if #1 or #2 is correct or still applies to current Graham models. The frequent updates to Grahams is a fact but may not bother the buyer of a used arm.

In contrast, Moerchs are very neutral sounding, very reliable and the models stay in the line for many years. They also retain their value on the used market.

If you are thinking about buying the Moerch DP-6 new, why not contact Mehran at Sorasound? I believe he carries both Graham and Moerch. I didn't recommend this earlier since it isn't fair for dealers and importers to spend their valuable time with someone who wants to buy used and will spend their money elsewhere.

Hi Salectric,

I just want to address your point #2. I've used Graham arms for five years and they've held up perfectly. After three years, my 2.2 looked and functioned like the day I bought it. Ditto on my Phantom II after two years--and I listen to vinyl 4 to 6 hours a day, as I work at home. They're extremely well-engineered and well-built. I know several other Phantom owners and I've never heard a complaint. One might not like their sound--that's a matter of personal taste--but it's hard to argue with their quality. I also own and listen to arms from Triplanar, Clearaudio, and SME, so I'm not married to a brand. The Grahams are as well made as any of them, perhaps better. I also think the Phantom II is the most neutral-sounding arm I own. Were I to keep only one arm, it would be the Graham. Just my opinion. Nothing against Moerchs, though; I'm sure they're great arms.

Wrm57, I'd be interested in hearing how the Graham Phantom II compares to the Triplanar arm.