View Full Version : Jumping off the deep end... mounting a Graham tonearm
Here's the next project for the Techie -
http://www.diyaudio.com/forums/gallery/data/500/2500x1875xphoto_11.JPG.pagespeed.ic.iO89AVHPJQ.jpg
http://www.diyaudio.com/forums/gallery/data/500/photo_21.JPG
This is my new arm, it's a Graham 2.0 that has the Graham base, ceramic arm wand and brass pivot shank, so it's really a 2.2.
The previous owner monkey-fisted (ham-handed?) some soldering, so the base needs a rewire. Easy. And I need to assemble a DIN-RCA phono interconnect. Also easy.
At issue is the need for a completely custom armboard... and that's not so easy. But a friend and I have already taken measurements and a base similar to a Rega origin live will be made, with no arm mounting holes for the arm, as those will be made by marking them off in situ.
Why a Graham? It's arguably the best unipivot made. And the older ones are genetically the same as the newer, so they are all going to sound related. Plus the Cartridge alignment jig is the neatest, simplest, most elegant device ever made for the job.
More to come as it happens, it's not going to be a quick process.
Also, stay tuned for part 2, where I build a new valve phonostage around a set of MC transformers I got due to a slight misunderstanding... :)
Audio Al
02-06-2014, 03:45
:eek:
Wow very nice , always fancied a Graham arm :)
337alant
02-06-2014, 04:18
Yes agree that is a lovely looking arm :stalks:
alan
Firebottle
02-06-2014, 04:55
http://www.diyaudio.com/forums/gallery/data/500/photo_21.JPG
This is my new arm.........
Is that the pink one or the black one? :lol:
Sorry couldn't resist. It does look like a fabulously engineered bit of kit.
What tubes are you going to use in your phonostage?
:cool: Alan
:eek:
Wow very nice , always fancied a Graham arm :)
+1 to that! :)
MikeMusic
02-06-2014, 07:41
Seems to have a family resemblance to me Fidelity Research - and that is good !
Wonder if they shared a designer
Seems to have a family resemblance to me Fidelity Research - and that is good !
Wonder if they shared a designer
Beautiful arm but personally I don't like the gold:cool: however it looks very similar to my Micro Seiki arm too but no doubt it is massively better than that, very expensive arms those Grahams if I remember correctly.
Is that the pink one or the black one?
The black one - the pink i've had for all my life as far as I can recall... :D
What tubes are you going to use in your phonostage?
D3a/ECC88. Transformer input.
Beautiful arm but personally I don't like the gold
In all honesty, neither do I.. But I can live with it for what I paid for it. Had I needed to have one with silver trim I would probably have paid at least half again what I spent, and that's, well, an awful lot. As you surmise, these are not cheap, even second-hand.
WOStantonCS100
04-06-2014, 07:07
Watching with interest. Very nice.
A short update, starting with the base -
I re-wired the base, which was a complete and utter $%@!**$, as 36ga teflon wire is significantly un-fun to strip. And it's fragile. And the DIN connector has no solder cups, just pin ends. The good news is fishing the wire is quite easy, but the rest is a significant challenge. (And this is coming from a guy who has built essentially everything in his system or significantly modded it, and has built tons of equipment over the years... and I have 20/15 close vision... )
So normally I would have a ton of photos, as I do with any project, but this was taking so much time, a couple of hemostats, a third hand that I don't seem to have, and much profanity that I didn't grab my camera. I do think, however, that if I were to do it again I would try using an enameled magnet wire or something with a melt-able insulation.
2nd Armwand -
The Graham did come with a second armwand, the normal non-ceramic, but the (literally un-replaceable) Bendix connector was broken off and a victim of a poorly done repair. So I didn't mention it. Luckily, a friend and DIY compatriot who is more versed in materials use has had good luck with the necessary actions to restore it to a place where another repair can be attempted. So I may have another wand. :)
The 'normal' armwand is a thin Aluminum tube with a smaller stainless steel tube glued inside it to make a very dead and stiff non-resonant constrained layer. The connector is glued on and the wires with cartridge clips are one bit from the connector. The tube required heating to weaken the repair epoxy (5-min style, likely why it broke) and drilling with a 12" long bit bought for the job. Once the connector/arm in re-wired, it will need to be glued back together (with a significantly different and more expensive commercial grade epoxy) and hopefully it will take. There is a good chance it may not. The interface of the threaded connector is a place where these break all the time as it's not the ideal mechanical interface. The newer arms have a different style of connection, where the physical connection is separate from the electrical, and looking at it I bet it would be impossible to break by accident. (Or possibly even with a hammer...)
Armboard -
The same friend attempting the armwand repair also drew up an armboard after we took the table apart and measured the arm opening and dimensions, and sent the design to a CNC machinist. It will be a two-piece assembly, as the base must be lower than the mounting lip to have proper VTA adjust. The Board will be drilled here once it's back from the machinist as we couldn't give accurate mounting measurements, the chief reason being that the arm has it's own mounting jig and can be done in-situ very easily.
WOStantonCS100
14-06-2014, 19:28
Interesting...
Well, the earlier armboard drawing we made didn't have enough data to actually make something... so back to the tools and a template - I took some random photos of the process, some may be of passing interest.
http://origin.dastatic.com/forums/gallery/data/500/IMG_0448.jpg
This is as good of a place to start as any; the first, most important part of this is how the pivot-spindle distance is set - a special widget is placed over the spindle and then into a hole on the arm - that's the distance, measure and mark accordingly. It's very convenient, as (obviously) the arm can be anywhere on this arc. As it happens, the arm is not gong to be centered in the armboard, because the VTA pillar won't clear the opening. it will have to be more towards the back edge.
http://www.diyaudio.com/forums/gallery/data/500/IMG_0447.jpg
If you look at this photo you can see the circle of pinholes, they are to show the location of the mounting lip in the plinth. (also you can see how close the VTA pillar is to that edge, and that's the best mounting position!) The armboard will have a recessed portion where the arm will mount and the higher section will mount to the plinth. Similar to the following photo -
http://cdn-2.dastatic.com/forums/gallery/data/500/medium/Armboard.JPG
The slightly recessed mounting is to guarantee that most cartridges can be mounted low enough, height is not an issue, the Graham has an amazing amount of VTA adjust, something just shy of 3/4 inch!
Anyway, here are a few more photos of the work done today, the piece of cardboard has an awful lot of measurements and notes on it, I feel like an idiot for not getting a photo of the template in it's 'finished' state. (Although it just looks like a scrap of cardboard with random doodling upon it... :) )
http://www.diyaudio.com/forums/gallery/data/500/IMG_0449.jpg
http://www.diyaudio.com/forums/gallery/data/500/IMG_0450.jpg
Look at the spindle, it has the mounting jig placed on it. This has a small pin at the top which fits in the small round hole on the 'headshell' closest to the cartridge slots. (See photo in first post)
Firebottle
18-06-2014, 06:27
Excellent Jim, good to see work in progress.
Where would we be without the odd bit of cardboard :thumbsup:
Cheers,
Alan
rubber duck
18-06-2014, 22:29
The Graham looks like it belongs on an SL1210 Mk5G!
WOStantonCS100
19-06-2014, 05:46
Very cool to actually see it going in. I suppose you could always shave the opening if you needed that wee little bit more wiggle room (for the VTA)?
Yes, exactly. I have no issue taking a file to the armboard/plinth if it needs to be notched out a bit. If it does, I would suspect it needing no more than 2mm of additional clearance.
WOStantonCS100
10-07-2014, 23:40
The suspense is killing me. :popcorn:
Me too...
I'm waiting for the armboard.
I have received a photo of the armboard - It's currently in transit.
http://www.diyaudio.com/forums/gallery/data/500/20140720_191356.jpg
The left is the lower section, where the arm will mount, the right is the top section, that will attach to the plinth.
The holes to secure the arm to the board have not been drilled, I'm planning on doing that myself. Also will add another hole towards the back to secure the top and bottom plates.
WOStantonCS100
22-07-2014, 04:11
:)
Audio Al
22-07-2014, 06:42
Tick tock tick tock
We are all waiting :D
I have received the armboard, it looks great!
I am now waiting for two things - 1) my buddy (he has the good tools) to return from a Europe trip, and 2) as that will overlap myself leaving town for a few days, I will need to wait until I'm back from work.
SO, that means Wednesday at the earliest.
WOStantonCS100
25-07-2014, 23:47
The Scent of A Graham (coming soon)
I'm home, and working on it. Here are some photos, more will follow with the arm mounting as well. This specific hardware is temporary.
http://origin.dastatic.com/forums/gallery/data/500/IMG_0475.jpg
The screwdrivers are there to align the holes, the diameter is right, but bummer about the platter radius cut. Oh well. I knew this was going to be a prototype.
http://origin.dastatic.com/forums/gallery/data/500/IMG_0476.jpg
It's a big gap. Operationally will cause no issues.
http://origin.dastatic.com/forums/gallery/data/500/IMG_0477.jpg
The good news is that it seems the plinth will not need filing out to accommodate the VTA tower.
http://origin.dastatic.com/forums/gallery/data/500/IMG_0478.jpg
The nuts are being used as spacers, although this is just a fraction of a millimeter too much, the arm raise lever is getting in the way, so I will have to find a combination of washers that are perfect, or remove a bit of the top.
http://origin.dastatic.com/forums/gallery/data/500/IMG_0480.jpg
http://origin.dastatic.com/forums/gallery/data/500/IMG_04791.jpg
I think, if what I'm seeing is correct, that everything clears. :) :) :)
I'm going to drill the armboard now.
http://www.diyaudio.com/forums/gallery/data/500/Graham_positioning.JPG
Note the genius in the Graham mounting scheme, lust place the jig on the spindle, use the alignment hole on the arm, and mark the armboard. It's so simple to be laughable, but it's damn clever.
Wakefield Turntables
30-07-2014, 19:43
you could always fill the gap in the tonearm board with clear silicone to act as a dampener, just a thought.
It's working! I will have to go in one more time to get everything tweaked just so, but it's operative and sounds fantastic. I'm chuffed to bits!
http://origin.dastatic.com/forums/gallery/data/500/IMG_0481.jpg
http://origin.dastatic.com/forums/gallery/data/500/IMG_04821.jpg
http://origin.dastatic.com/forums/gallery/data/500/IMG_04851.jpg
http://origin.dastatic.com/forums/gallery/data/500/IMG_0483.jpg
The bottom.
http://origin.dastatic.com/forums/gallery/data/500/IMG_04842.jpg
http://origin.dastatic.com/forums/gallery/data/500/IMG_04861.jpg
Wonderful cable, I followed this recipe - http://www.takefiveaudio.com/mall/shopcontent.asp?type=DIN_phono and used some Mogami cable of the same arrangement that is shown. It's detailed and Quiet!!
I also need to make the hacked hole in the rubber neater. :)
http://origin.dastatic.com/forums/gallery/data/500/IMG_0487.jpg
http://origin.dastatic.com/forums/gallery/data/500/IMG_04881.jpg
Don't judge anything by these photos. Its just together for the first time to make sure it all works and is happy.
And it is.
And am I.
:D :D :D
You have certainly got something special there Jim. I'm afraid I am already judging by the photos, and that Graham Arm is the business. Much satisfaction of doing it yourself, right. Also well done with the phono cable. I rather like that Take Five Audio site and have used them before. Don't forget to keep us updated!
Wakefield Turntables
31-07-2014, 07:36
Looks the dogs danglies, I always fancied a Graham. That's the tonearm, that is! :lol:
Respect, Jim! I think you're the first one to fit a Graham arm onto a Techy :youtheman:
I don't doubt it sounds fab!!
Marco.
Actually I'm not, this guy had one on his techie until he got a different table-- http://www.audiocircle.com/index.php?topic=106045.0
I actually reached out to him to see if I could get any suggestions, and because of his input early in the process, I was able to work around some of the issues he ran into.
WOStantonCS100
01-08-2014, 00:25
Awesome. Awesome. Awesome. The Graham is my dream pivoted arm. This is proof positive (2 proofs with the other link) that it can be done (and without having to notch out the plinth). Very cool. Very cool. :clap: A 1200 with the T3 Pro and one with a Graham Phantom and I think I could call it "done".
So how does it sound? I hear you all ask... :)
First, the arm has been engineered to be extremely easy to use. As I said before, all of it's adjustments as well as mountings are very easy to do, but it took some damn clever thinking to make it so. I'll make a post in the future outlining the best parts of it.
Yes, Jim, that's nice, but for cripes sake, how does it sound?
In a word, gobsmacking. It's such a step forward from the stock arm I am genuinely taken aback. Slightly stunned at times. It's almost difficult to be subjective as listening to a single track for the purposes of examination or analysis turns into an exercise of getting up from the couch to pull the needle out of the run-out groove because I've gotten completely sucked in. Of course I was expecting it to be better, but honestly not to this degree...
The first and most immediate thing is the low-midrange, or I suppose the 'midbass' -- regardless what it's called, I'm talking about the place where the electric and upright bass hangs out, the power octaves of the piano, the larger tom-tom drums, the bass singer in a doo-wop group. And not to mention lots of electronica... With this arm it's so incredibly tuneful and musical, well-textured and nimble, and almost intense. Was the old arm lacking in this area? I don't think so, but errors of omission are always harder to detect.
It's very cliche to say, but I am hearing things I haven't heard before - but not because those frequencies are exaggerated, but because they are much, much more in focus musically... Yes, it does sound like the wick has been turned up a bit, but certainly not to the detriment of anything else.
And that leads me to the second observation - the overall balance of the arm - it's fantastic. If the mid-bass frequencies were being exaggerated, it would be similar to turning up the Bass tone control on your preamp - an increase there but at the cost of everything else; and that is not happening with this arm. Everything else sounds great, as you would expect, but the sheer amount of total musical information being extracted from the grooves is significantly increased compared to my original (Cardas re-wired) arm.
The overall tonal balance, with wonderful resolution, detail, and tonal responsiveness, combined with a surprising increase in soul-lighting, foot-tapping musicality is what the Graham has brought to the table. I'm pleased beyond words. I'm not one for audio prose -- even these few paragraphs have taken me a long time to write, but hopefully you can get an idea of what I'm experiencing.
Spectral Morn
07-08-2014, 21:12
Can't believe I missed this thread as I have both a Phantom and a 2.2 and I have wondered about mounting either of them.
I think the Phantom is too big to fit.
Jim Is it possible to get another armboard made - pretty please - happy to pay whatever it might cost ?
ps
Edited your first post as requested.
Regards Neil
I'm going to get the top-plate on mine cut again, to fill the gap near the platter, and when I do I'll be happy to have another made for you. :D :D :D
I'll contact you when I have it.
Spectral Morn
07-08-2014, 21:43
I'm going to get the top-plate on mine cut again, to fill the gap near the platter, and when I do I'll be happy to have another made for you. :D :D :D
I'll contact you when I have it.
Thank you very much Jim
Regards Neil
Thanks for the report Jim, it confirms what many people say - that the tonearm is vitally important. Now for the bad news: you are going to have to spend some dosh on matching your other components to the arm - we can't have you running a BMW engine with retreads now can we?
you are going to have to spend some dosh on matching your other components to the arm - we can't have you running a BMW engine with retreads now can we?
Hmmm...
Class-A, single ended amplification? Check.
Class-A zero-feedback preamplifier? Check.
Jfet discrete current-sourced phonostage? Check.
Boron cantilever, FG120 nude, moving coil cartridge? Check. (Ok, fair point, I haven't told you guys about that piece yet...)
...I'm not seeing too much of an issue here, in my opinion. :D :) :D :) :D :) And anyway, I always have some kind iron in the fire, currently the list is fairly small, (for me) including a valve preamp, valve phonostage, transformer coupled power Jfet class-A power amp, and a valve power amp.
That said, I could use a different pair of speakers, but I need to finish some stuff before I take that on.
I'm sure you took it as tongue-in-cheek. All the same I did notice the DL110 in your sig - I still keep mine as a backup. At one point when I had the stock arm I purchased a Benz Ace, and to honest it was not much of an improvement over the Denon 110, despite being four times the price. Then I put on the Jelco Arm, and at that point the improvement was noticeable. (Then I plonked on a Benz Wood and the system just took off). I guess what I am trying to say is that a superlative tonearm can do justice to far better cartridges than I have ever owned.
I'm sure you took it as tongue-in-cheek.
Quite certainly. :) :) :)
It's funny, however, as though I am an unrepentant box-swapper, I've evolved to the point of only trying stuff I've built. Honestly I think that's merely a different plane of insanity... But it's a hobby, so who cares!
Anyway, back to the regularly scheduled program --
http://www.diyaudio.com/forums/gallery/data/500/2500x1875xBenz-Scheu.JPG.pagespeed.ic.W15xdhWVHd.jpg
This is a Benz-Micro custom for Scheu. 'Normal' output (1.6mV) Boron cantilever, Nude Fritz Geyger fine-line 5x120uM square shank. In a Glider body. :D
I got it from a friend here in Denver, it was well-loved but low mileage, and he wanted it to go to a good home. I believe it has.
I have a couple photos of the tip from his USB microscope - I think it looks wonderful!
http://origin.dastatic.com/forums/gallery/data/500/402066_3092699925027_751392868_n.jpg
http://www.diyaudio.com/forums/gallery/data/500/429x533x396889_3092700965053_935989608_n.jpg.pages peed.ic.YUGpCmjxTC.jpg
It's already installed, it sounds utterly beguiling, as you might expect.
Next post, the Graham mounting jig.
Spectral Morn
09-08-2014, 14:31
Hmmm...
Class-A, single ended amplification? Check.
Class-A zero-feedback preamplifier? Check.
Jfet discrete current-sourced phonostage? Check.
Boron cantilever, FG120 nude, moving coil cartridge? Check. (Ok, fair point, I haven't told you guys about that piece yet...)
...I'm not seeing too much of an issue here, in my opinion. :D :) :D :) :D :) And anyway, I always have some kind iron in the fire, currently the list is fairly small, (for me) including a valve preamp, valve phonostage, transformer coupled power Jfet class-A power amp, and a valve power amp.
That said, I could use a different pair of speakers, but I need to finish some stuff before I take that on.
I would say Jim that you have an excellent system :cool:
Regards Neil
Spectral Morn
09-08-2014, 14:37
Quite certainly. :) :) :)
It's funny, however, as though I am an unrepentant box-swapper, I've evolved to the plane of only trying stuff I've built. Honestly I think that's merely a different plane of insanity... But it's a hobby, so who cares!
Anyway, back to the regularly scheduled program --
http://www.diyaudio.com/forums/gallery/data/500/2500x1875xBenz-Scheu.JPG.pagespeed.ic.W15xdhWVHd.jpg
This is a Benz-Micro custom for Scheu. 'Normal' output (1.6mV) Boron cantilever, Nude Fritz Geyger fine-line 5x120uM square shank. In a Glider body. :D
I got it from a friend here in Denver, it was well-loved but low mileage, and he wanted it to go to a good home. I believe it has.
I have a couple photos of the tip from his USB microscope - I think it looks wonderful!
http://origin.dastatic.com/forums/gallery/data/500/402066_3092699925027_751392868_n.jpg
http://www.diyaudio.com/forums/gallery/data/500/429x533x396889_3092700965053_935989608_n.jpg.pages peed.ic.YUGpCmjxTC.jpg
It's already installed, it sounds utterly beguiling, as you might expect.
Next post, the Graham mounting jig.
Excellent cart, I have one myself - well a standard one.
Regards Neil
Mounting the cartridge - (And if you thought aligning arm spindle-to-pivot distance was clever, wait until you see this...)
http://www.diyaudio.com/forums/gallery/data/500/IMG_04891.jpg
First, remove the armwand. This still has the Denon attached.
http://www.diyaudio.com/forums/gallery/data/500/IMG_0491.jpg
Remove the cartridge. Note the two holes in the 'headshell'.
http://www.diyaudio.com/forums/gallery/data/500/1280x853xIMG_0494.jpg.pagespeed.ic.xzrulA81eM.jpg
Mount the new cartridge and attach the clips.
http://www.diyaudio.com/forums/gallery/data/500/IMG_0490.jpg
Grab the alignment jig. Note the two pins on the back portion.
http://www.diyaudio.com/forums/gallery/data/500/IMG_0492.jpg
Obviously, they mate.
http://www.diyaudio.com/forums/gallery/data/500/IMG_0493.jpg
The jig has enough room to place a tool on the mounting screws while things are still together. This is a bit of a fiddly job, as nothing snaps together, but it's not impossible to hold.
http://www.diyaudio.com/forums/gallery/data/500/1280x853xIMG_0496.jpg.pagespeed.ic.8vAlCm8Avy.jpg
Flip the perspex gauge over and onto the stylus. Align the overhang to the short part of the L, and get the cantilever (not the body) parallel to the parallel lines. Why two lines? Baerwald and Loefgren A.
http://www.diyaudio.com/forums/gallery/data/500/1280x853xIMG_0497.jpg.pagespeed.ic.QoAAnjvuX1.jpg
Overhang is plainly visible from the side as well as top. Snug the screws and make sure it didn't drift when the screws were torqued.
That's it. Reattach the armwand. Bob's your uncle. (Almost literally... Robert Graham, get it?)
How long does it take? Quite seriously, with no exaggeration, 5-10 min. If you want to get out the protractor you may, but trust me, it's bang on.
a FANCY GADGET FOR A FANCY ARM....LIKE IT:)
Spectral Morn
09-08-2014, 20:09
Wonderful way of doing it, carried through to the Phantom arms as well. Graham also had at one time a one piece arm and cart too, the cart section supplied by Transfiguration.
See here http://theartofsound.net/forum/showthread.php?31398-Graham-Model-2-Tonearm
Regards Neil
Point of information: Baerwald and Loefgren A are the same. I think you mean Loefgren B.
Neat idea for arms having a detachable arm wand. :)
Ha! I remembered it wrong... Whoops. :doh:
Thanks for the clarification. :) :) :)
Now that I've had a few days to listen to it, the Benz is wonderful. A very different presentation than the Denon, less audiophile buzzword, and very much more real.
I also have not done anything about proper loading, and will need to wire in a pot across the phonostage input to find the magic operation point. I expect for there to be another significant change once that is done.
I've gotten the chance t play with the loading of the Benz-Scheu, I'm rather amazed, as changing from the stock 47K and down to 1K is like hearing another cartridge. Seriously. Very different presentation. (I also quite seriously doubt that 47K was anything close to optimal...)
Had you told me you changed carts I would have handily believed you.
That said, I suspect it needs a bit more resistance, 1K seems a touch hot, I'll try 1.2K next, and then 680ohm to make sure things are genuinely moving in the direction I suspect.Failing that I'm just going to wire a 5K pot across the inputs and twist until I'm happy, then remove it and replace with a resistor of that value.
The next phonostage project (SYclotron "His Master's Noise") is transformer input, so loading will be something else all together...
P.S., through a series of interesting, and somewhat unexpected events, I have not one, but two SP-10 Mk2a coming this next week. The deep end has gotten even deeper. :stalks:
I finally got around to mounting the new top plate of the armboard, with the platter radius re-cut. It looks great!
http://www.diyaudio.com/forums/gallery/data/500/new_armboard_mounted.JPG
http://www.diyaudio.com/forums/gallery/data/500/SL-1200_armboard_take_2.JPG
You can see here the difference between the old and the new.
WOStantonCS100
26-09-2014, 19:43
I finally got around to mounting the new top plate of the armboard, with the platter radius re-cut. It looks great!
http://www.diyaudio.com/forums/gallery/data/500/new_armboard_mounted.JPG
http://www.diyaudio.com/forums/gallery/data/500/SL-1200_armboard_take_2.JPG
You can see here the difference between the old and the new.
Nice! A panned out shot, please? This is great. :)
Sure -
http://www.diyaudio.com/forums/gallery/data/500/IMG_2074.JPG
http://www.diyaudio.com/forums/gallery/data/500/IMG_2076.JPG
My table is in a built-in closet shelf, that's about the best I can do for photos.
Spectral Morn
25-01-2015, 02:14
Thanks to Jim, who supplied me an armboard I have been able to take my Graham 2.2 of my Oracle Delphi to night and fit the Graham to one of my Technics 1200s.
Opportunity arose as I wanted to try my SME5 on my JBE Slatedeck, lifted it out of storage yesterday, cleaned it and oiled the slate today, set speed and arm up. That left the Technics minus an arm so I fitted the Graham. No idea how it sounds yet, too tired to check it out now, but I will tomorrow, and I will post some photos.
Thanks to Jim once again, for having a spare armboard made, when he had his second one made. Jim you are a gentleman :cool:
Regards Neil
I'm chuffed to bits that somebody had a spare Graham to mount to an SL! Having a spare armboard made was my pleasure.
Sincerely looking forward to seeing some photos and hearing of your impressions. I'm sure you'll love it.
Sincerely looking forward to seeing some photos and hearing of your impressions. I'm sure you'll love it.
+1
As we say downunder: Good on yer mate!
Spectral Morn
25-01-2015, 12:13
A few teaser photos, taken while setting it up last night. I will post more later.
http://i549.photobucket.com/albums/ii364/davros124/002_zpsp44eocmq.jpg
http://i549.photobucket.com/albums/ii364/davros124/003_zpsvpbrxksb.jpg
Regards Neil
NB All photographs Copyright Adventures in High Fidelity Audio 2015 (no unauthorised copying or reposting)
Gordon Steadman
25-01-2015, 12:23
The gold on the arm seems the least of the slight colour overkill. There are always the shades I guess:smoking:
Spectral Morn
25-01-2015, 13:24
The gold on the arm seems the least of the slight colour overkill. There are always the shades I guess:smoking:
It was the standard finish Gordon, silver was an option but rarely seen. I bought this S/H quiet a number of years ago so it was buy it or don't buy it. When I bought my Graham Phantom - new - I opted for silver and an SME mounting. Cost me a bit more as I recall but more universal than the gold and Graham mounting arrangement.
I agree it doesn't match lol but it is what it is. The blue finish of the Technics is darker, richer in normal light - I actually really like it.
Regards Neil
walpurgis
25-01-2015, 13:46
It's a big bugger. Looks like part of an oil rig. :)
Its the 1st blue one ive seen. its quite nice actually.
Spectral Morn
25-01-2015, 14:22
It's a big bugger. Looks like part of an oil rig. :)
Compared to the more recent Phantom arm, its actually quiet small.
Regards Neil
Looking good! I'm sure you will rotate the arm pillar out of the way of the platter... :)
As other people have commented, it's a bit of a color clash, but I suspect it looks much less garish in more subdued light.
Generally though, I very much like the blue.
Spectral Morn
25-01-2015, 19:40
Looking good! I'm sure you will rotate the arm pillar out of the way of the platter... :)
As other people have commented, it's a bit of a color clash, but I suspect it looks much less garish in more subdued light.
Generally though, I very much like the blue.
Those photos were taken just after I set the basics up, so as you will see below the arm rest is now back in its normal position.
More photos here http://theartofsound.net/forum/showthread.php?36322-Graham-2-2-mounted-to-a-Technics-1210-mk2&p=615005#post615005
Yes, most folks don't seem to like it lol. This is an experiment, next step would be to use it on either a black of silver 1200/1210. I am also going to try the Phantom.
Regards Neil
Coming soon - comparing the SP-10Mk2 to the SL-1200, apples to apples, as I've got another Graham for it. :) :) :)
Looking forward to hearing all about it, Jim!
So, forgive me for not being up to speed on your set-up, will the test be between a totally stock SL-1200 and SP10, using the same arm, or if not, how have any of the respective T/Ts been modified? :)
If the former is the case, then I'd expect the SP10 to win hands down!
Marco.
A few teaser photos, taken while setting it up last night. I will post more later.
http://i549.photobucket.com/albums/ii364/davros124/002_zpsp44eocmq.jpg
http://i549.photobucket.com/albums/ii364/davros124/003_zpsvpbrxksb.jpg
Regards Neil
NB All photographs Copyright Adventures in High Fidelity Audio 2015 (no unauthorised copying or reposting)
:popcorn: :popcorn:
Six months later, Neil, and still no update on how the Grahams sounds (or rather how the Techy sounds with the Graham arm on it).... Tut, tut - you're slipping! ;)
Marco.
So, forgive me for not being up to speed on your set-up, will the test be between a totally stock SL-1200 and SP10, using the same arm, or if not, how have any of the respective T/Ts been modified?
Luckily I have this neat thing at the bottom of each post called a "signature", and in it is a quick and dirty summary of my kit... :D :D :D
But to specifically answer, my Techie is - SL-1200, Graham 2.2 tonearm, Benz-Scheu Glider. Jim & Ken Super DC PSU, Oil well bearing, Acromat, Isonoes, strobe lamp switched.
The apples to apples aspect will be that I'll have identical arms and the same cartridge to swap between the two. There really isn't a 'stock' setup for the SP-10, nor is mine non-fettled with, as it has the Pass Labs PSU and has been re-capped and generally rebuilt. As with all SP-10, the plinth is custom. More info once I get things all rolling along. :)
Lol - yes, I should've looked, sorry... :doh:
Trouble is, when you've got 100s of posts to monitor nearly every day, scan-reading (and often missing things as a result) is unavoidable!
Okies, in that case the comparison should be very interesting. One thing I've found with the SP10 is that, with it being a motor unit only, the quality of its sound is very plinth dependent, and as such one can sometimes dismiss it as being no more than 'average', then hear the very same thing in a different plinth and completely change your mind...
I've compared my own modded Techy against a number of SP10s, some of which have been very good indeed. I still haven't sold my SL-1210 and bought one, though!! ;)
Marco.
http://www.diyaudio.com/forums/gallery/data/500/IMG_3508.jpg
http://www.diyaudio.com/forums/gallery/data/500/IMG_3510.jpg
http://www.diyaudio.com/forums/gallery/data/500/IMG_3511.jpg
http://www.diyaudio.com/forums/gallery/data/500/IMG_3512.jpg
Filling plinth, things placed on it. Looks quite nice so far. Armboard Wenge.
Spectral Morn
12-06-2015, 23:15
:popcorn: :popcorn:
Six months later, Neil, and still no update on how the Grahams sounds (or rather how the Techy sounds with the Graham arm on it).... Tut, tut - you're slipping! ;)
Marco.
I did write about it in the context of the Funk bearing and FX arm article, but my recent exposure to the AMG Giro has brought it home, quiet soberingly so, that no version, or combination of arms, PSUs or cartridges I have tried to date (note I say this) comes close to what that turntable did. To be honest I kind of feel I have been wasting my time and money chasing the Technics 1200 in the light of that experience. The Giro really was that good, that it makes all my other analogue playback sound broke, and lacking.
So where I sit now is I intend on winding my involvement with the 1200/1210 down soon, keep one, a best of the bits, PSU etc and move the other bits and bobs on.
I have made a few movements recently in reference to upgrades by getting my Oracle Delphi brought up to date by the addition of mk6 parts - with Coherent now - moved on a CD/sacd player in exchange for a new arm which I intend to try on the Delphi.
But if finances had permitted I would in hindsight, should have bought an AMG Viyella or a Giro.
As a last involvement over the next few weeks I will finally be putting the Technics project to bed with a few more articles and then I will move on from it.
Regards Neil
Spectral Morn
12-06-2015, 23:21
http://www.diyaudio.com/forums/gallery/data/500/IMG_3508.jpg
http://www.diyaudio.com/forums/gallery/data/500/IMG_3510.jpg
http://www.diyaudio.com/forums/gallery/data/500/IMG_3511.jpg
http://www.diyaudio.com/forums/gallery/data/500/IMG_3512.jpg
Filling plinth, things placed on it. Looks quite nice so far. Armboard Wenge.
Very nice, I wish I had a black and silver Graham rather than the gold version..
Regards Neil
I did write about it in the context of the Funk bearing and FX arm article, but my recent exposure to the AMG Giro has brought it home, quiet soberingly so, that no version, or combination of arms, PSUs or cartridges I have tried to date (note I say this) comes close to what that turntable did. To be honest I kind of feel I have been wasting my time and money chasing the Technics 1200 in the light of that experience. The Giro really was that good, that it makes all my other analogue playback sound broke, and lacking.
So where I sit now is I intend on winding my involvement with the 1200/1210 down soon, keep one, a best of the bits, PSU etc and move the other bits and bobs on.
I have made a few movements recently in reference to upgrades by getting my Oracle Delphi brought up to date by the addition of mk6 parts - with Coherent now - moved on a CD/sacd player in exchange for a new arm which I intend to try on the Delphi.
But if finances had permitted I would in hindsight, should have bought an AMG Viyella or a Giro.
As a last involvement over the next few weeks I will finally be putting the Technics project to bed with a few more articles and then I will move on from it.
No worries, mate. Wish I lived nearer, so I could bring my own Techy round and compare it with the AMG. I love doing these types of comparisons! :)
Do bear in mind, however, that you could've simply lucked out on the 'perfect T/T', which in reality simply marries best with your existing kit and your particular sonic proclivities, rather than it being technically/factually the best. I'm not saying that's the case (as I don't know) but it's possible.
Marco.
That SP10 looks very sexy indeed, Jim! :stalks:
Marco.
http://www.diyaudio.com/forums/gallery/data/500/IMG_3510.jpg
http://www.diyaudio.com/forums/gallery/data/500/IMG_3511.jpg
http://www.diyaudio.com/forums/gallery/data/500/IMG_3512.jpg
Filling plinth, things placed on it. Looks quite nice so far. Armboard Wenge.
That's a bit of an understatement - it looks fabulous! Love the black SP10 - did you change the colour yourself, or did it come as an option?
Jim, l can only echo other folks posts- that SP10 looks stunning!:stalks:
Spectral Morn
13-06-2015, 10:12
No worries, mate. Wish I lived nearer, so I could bring my own Techy round and compare it with the AMG. I love doing these types of comparisons! :)
Do bear in mind, however, that you could've simply lucked out on the 'perfect T/T', which in reality simply marries best with your existing kit and your particular sonic proclivities, rather than it being technically/factually the best. I'm not saying that's the case (as I don't know) but it's possible.
Marco.
Very much aware of that possibility that's why I said 'so far'. Yes indeed a Giro shoot out vs your Technics would be interesting.
Anyway the guy who owns it is a very lucky individual and its going to be awhile before I can exorcise the memory of how good the Giro was.
Regards Neil
Love the black SP10 - did you change the colour yourself, or did it come as an option?
My brother in law owns an automotive paint and body shop, so I sent it off to him. It was pretty rough with corrosion, they refinished it beautifully. I really, really like the black.
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