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Any owners of the Graham 2.2 tonearm here?

68.42.45.72
Posted on July 26, 2014 at 08:37:07
free.ranger
Audiophile

Posts: 16951
Location: Santa Fe, NM
Joined: April 8, 2004
Contributor
  Since: January 7, 2005
 How is the thing treating you? Pros? Cons? Any troubles?

I have one mounted on my SOTA tt, holding up a Dynavector cart, but I don't use the rig much. I'm a bit concerned about the oil sitting below the pivot and other aging problems.

The Graham/Dyna combo is a bit aggressive, but not a deal breaker.

The CD collection is right there next to it, and I have no issues with that system, so the vinyl doesn't get much air time.

 

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RE: Any owners of the Graham 2.2 tonearm here?, posted on July 26, 2014 at 10:21:37
TWR
Audiophile

Posts: 1346
Location: Tempe, Arizona
Joined: November 13, 2003
 I've had many cartridges on mine; Lyra, Dyna, Shelter and now an Ortofon 2M Black. Never would describe the sound from any of these as aggressive.

Pros: a great sounding arm, especially at current used prices.

Cons: must be set up properly including the quality and quantity of damping fluid (I'm assuming this is the oil you are talking about).

On a different note, I recently replaced the old bearing oil in my Michell Orbe with the Origin Live stuff. Surprised at the level of improvement, so I'd also consider checking that.
Open up your mind, in pours the trash. - Meat Puppets, 1987

 

RE: got one..., posted on July 26, 2014 at 10:41:09
user510

I've had mine since ~2005. Currently mounted to the TT in the above photo. It seems like a happy combo. Based on your comment, you might find my setup somewhat "aggressive" sounding. I find it very fast and somewhat forward sounding. But I would not use any term that deems it as a negative. The Shelter (501-II) and the Graham get along together very well.

I do use a tad more damping "goo" in the pivot bearing when using the Shelter. My theory, when the LOMC cartridge has a very stiff suspension, like compliance rating of (9)x10¯6cm/dyne, more damping fluid may present an audible benefit on the Graham.

When cartridges have somewhat higher compliance, less damping fluid in the pivot bearing may be preferred. but the way to reach that goal is by listening first then adding or subtracting the fluid. Btw, I've got the blue silicone fluid (so viscous it flows more like molasses).

My current fluid level has the puddle just touching the bottom of the block that is located on the pivot shaft a short distance above the point. It appears that the block is what is designed to interact with the fluid to dampen pivot motion. So.....I have the fluid high enough to just begin to engage with the block but no higher. Your requirements may be somewhat different. And like I noted above, the amount of fluid depends upon the compliance rating of the cartridge mounted.

If you are out of damping fluid, contact your nearest Graham dealer. He should have a supply of hypos with the fluid.

For what it is worth, I've used a few different LOMC cartridges on the Graham. Each presented a very different character from the others. Laid-back sounding cartridges sounded laid back on the Graham. Fast and dynamic sounding cartridges sounded fast and dynamic on the Graham. And so on. I'm guessing the character of the Dynavector cartridge (of which model you don't reveal) should not be too aggressive sounding and perhaps you need to add some damping fluid into the pivot bearing.

-Steve


 

Thanks T; I'll check into other damping fluids. nt, posted on July 26, 2014 at 12:46:39
free.ranger
Audiophile

Posts: 16951
Location: Santa Fe, NM
Joined: April 8, 2004
Contributor
  Since: January 7, 2005

 

Thank you. Very helpful., posted on July 26, 2014 at 12:52:26
free.ranger
Audiophile

Posts: 16951
Location: Santa Fe, NM
Joined: April 8, 2004
Contributor
  Since: January 7, 2005
 As stated below, I'll check out other fluids. Cart is a Dynavector 17 D2, which is vivid and forward to my ears. Not bad, but I'll see if that can be tamed a little. It was only $750 at the time, so looked like a steal after I dove in for the arm. Nice looking setup you have.


 

RE: Thanks T; I'll check into other damping fluids. nt, posted on July 26, 2014 at 14:04:00
TWR
Audiophile

Posts: 1346
Location: Tempe, Arizona
Joined: November 13, 2003
 You're welcome. You should use the Graham damping fluid (purchase from Graham). There are many posts on how to set the damping properly; a search should find them.
Open up your mind, in pours the trash. - Meat Puppets, 1987

 

RE: got one..., posted on July 26, 2014 at 14:07:53
TWR
Audiophile

Posts: 1346
Location: Tempe, Arizona
Joined: November 13, 2003
 I have the just about the same amount of damping fluid in mine. A good place to start; then add or subtract with a pin until you get the sound you want.

Nice rig you got there Steve.
Open up your mind, in pours the trash. - Meat Puppets, 1987

 

RE: Thanks T; I'll check into other damping fluids. nt, posted on July 26, 2014 at 17:13:04
unclestu
Dealer

Posts: 5851
Joined: April 13, 2010
 never have used the recommended amount finding a bit less seems to give better dynamics, with very little loss of detail if any at all. I often use a toothpick to slowly remove damping fluid, to avoid disturbing the fluid which takes some time to settle down if large amounts are changed. A lot on the sides will eventually creep down and change settings.

 

I bet you never part with that Neuance stand. I wouldn't. /nt\, posted on July 27, 2014 at 03:28:40
Opus 33 1/3
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Opus 33 1/3

 

RE: right you are....(nt), posted on July 27, 2014 at 07:45:44
user510
 .

 

I'll settle for my Ikea Lack tables. /nt\, posted on July 27, 2014 at 09:02:21
Opus 33 1/3
Audiophile

Posts: 4184
Location: D.C. Area
Joined: February 19, 2014





Opus 33 1/3

 

RE: Any owners of the Graham 2.2 tonearm here?, posted on July 28, 2014 at 16:13:01
Roastaman
Audiophile

Posts: 516
Location: Seattle
Joined: July 18, 2000
 I've had mine since about "2000", still do but I upgraded to a Phantom. Graham switched from the clear fluid to the blue fluid a while back. I switched as well, though I can't say it made any difference. Drop Bob a email re: the aging fluid. I haven't changed mine since 2003/4(?) It doesn't seem any differnt when I inspected it. Of course, it's easy to change as well.
I struggled to get mine to where I was happy but that had more to do with compensating for other issues, one of which I just recently by accident solved. Look for something else in you set up that might have been exposed when you went with the Dynavector. There's something to be said for how things interact in every system. Believe me, I know all too well.

 

Thanks. I'm hoping its just damping fluid. I hate fussing with these things. nt, posted on July 30, 2014 at 07:25:42
free.ranger
Audiophile

Posts: 16951
Location: Santa Fe, NM
Joined: April 8, 2004
Contributor
  Since: January 7, 2005

 

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