Dev,
From the PMs, I got messages from very reliable audiophiles strongly favoring either the Schroder LT, or the Kuzma or the Graham Elite. It is unclear if they properly compared in their systems. Maybe (probably?) they have not properly compared in their own systems, but they heard in other systems and feel they have been able to compare.
Ya that wouldn't shock me and then provide a opinion which is not credible because they didn't have it in their own system - I see allot of that happening in this hobby, it's very easy to say this and that and push those keys. Personally I like to know be it good or bad but still have to take such with a grain of salt and in the end try myself. There are some whom I have found over the years to have a similar ear which assist, not the easiest to fine though.
There is not much more than this in terms of information. It is clear that at least these three tonearms (maybe all four) are top notch and the people who own these tonearms love them and believe they have the best one. I guess I will just pick one based on their various atributes, and be happy with it.
All of these arms are top notch and there are numerous others out there not mentioned in the mix.
However, it would be great if someone who already owns one of these, and has a great full-range system, organize to have other people bring some of the other three tonearms (and the selected comparison cartridge) to his house to compare in the same turntable, with the same cartridge. Since severaly people have either the Lyra Atlas or Air Tigh Supreme with these arms, they would pick one cartridge to properly compare the tonearms in the same table and system. I think that many audiophiles would be grateful to hear about the results of a properly implemented tonearm comparison.
Cheers,
Vicente
Good luck with that happening and even if it did will still only be that persons opinion which would be debatable, you would need to personally know the system well and be there and hear to determine what you prefer. Do you visit many systems in your area? I have and found there isn't one that I would find to be the same - I find allot of different preferences, some like it hot - some medium and others mild and some just so friggen bland - boring and put me to sleep.
One area which is nice that Jack mentioned above about the Elite is owning extra arm wands - you can have several different cart set-ups and just swap them out. Once you have gone through the initial process of setting them up - keep a record of the preferred weight and when you swap the wand that's all you have to do.
I personally still feel this wand fitting is a weak link, any fittings - the cart sends such a small signal. Anyone care to share their thoughts on this - I did notice the actual connection appears to be superior over a Phantom II I owned a few years back.
How many joints "breaks" in the tonearm cable are there on each of these arms - say from the cart pins to rca cable plugs that attach to the phono input.
I recall someone telling me that the Phantom II had 4 - anyone know how many the Elite has? For sure it has two - wand and mini-din connector - are there more?