Graham 2.2 with Denon ML-160

ironcloudz

New Member
Feb 1, 2021
4
0
1
72
Greetings:

I recently mounted a Denon ML-160 ontoa Graham 2.2 arm to replace a Vdh Grasshopper 3 out for repair.

However it is so plasticky light (4.8 g) that even pushing the counterweight all the way towards the front yields a max of .8 VTF which unsurprisingly has the stylus bouncing in the groove.

My brilliant solution was to put a wee bit of cardboard on top which brings it up to 1.3, only a bit under its stated minimum of 1.5.

As a basis for comparison my Vdh Grasshopper weight is 12.2 g.

The manual for the arm states that the standard counterweight will balance carts between 4-7 grams which is in the low range for the Denon. I emailed Bob Graham via his website and see what he has to say but no response yet.

Maybe I had to do something to the counterweight to get it to work with the heavy Vdh which I need to undo. Memory fails.

Anyone have a Graham arm and/or have advice?

Much Thanks,

-stu
 

ddk

Well-Known Member
May 18, 2013
6,261
4,040
995
Utah
Greetings:

I recently mounted a Denon ML-160 ontoa Graham 2.2 arm to replace a Vdh Grasshopper 3 out for repair.

However it is so plasticky light (4.8 g) that even pushing the counterweight all the way towards the front yields a max of .8 VTF which unsurprisingly has the stylus bouncing in the groove.

My brilliant solution was to put a wee bit of cardboard on top which brings it up to 1.3, only a bit under its stated minimum of 1.5.

As a basis for comparison my Vdh Grasshopper weight is 12.2 g.

The manual for the arm states that the standard counterweight will balance carts between 4-7 grams which is in the low range for the Denon. I emailed Bob Graham via his website and see what he has to say but no response yet.

Maybe I had to do something to the counterweight to get it to work with the heavy Vdh which I need to undo. Memory fails.

Anyone have a Graham arm and/or have advice?

Much Thanks,

-stu
There have been issues with Graham arm and light cartridges, AFAIK there isn't a lighter counterweight for the tonearm. My solution is a little blue tack on the head.

david
 

ironcloudz

New Member
Feb 1, 2021
4
0
1
72
There have been issues with Graham arm and light cartridges, AFAIK there isn't a lighter counterweight for the tonearm. My solution is a little blue tack on the head.

david
Thanks. I guess that is why Mr Graham has not responded to my emailed request for assistance.
 

Solypsa

Well-Known Member
Jun 7, 2017
1,811
1,399
275
Seattle
www.solypsa.com
Something I've done in this situation is to blutak a brass crown nut to the headshell...the blutak stays hidden underneath.
 

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