Graham Engineering Introduces Platinum Version of Phantom Tonearm

Graham Engineering has released the new Phantom Platinum tonearm for vinyl turntables. The model takes its place near the top of the brand’s lineup and is aimed at owners of high-end analogue systems.

Like other Graham Engineering tonearms, the Phantom Platinum uses a unipivot design. In this version, the bearing assembly has been revised with tungsten carbide elements manufactured by a Swiss producer of micro-precision components.

The bearing support area is not designed as a simple point contact. It has been machined and polished to a microscopic radius, working in conjunction with a matching cup. According to the developers, this design should provide highly free movement of the tonearm in both the horizontal and vertical planes. For additional vibration control, silicone damping fluid is used around the bearing.

Graham Engineering also notes that the Phantom Platinum maintains neutral balance without additional contact points or an artificially raised pivot point. This geometry is intended to help the tonearm track the groove more steadily, maintain consistent tracking force, and preserve correct cartridge alignment even when playing slightly warped records.

One of the model’s key technologies is the company’s patented Magneglide stabilization system. It stabilizes the tonearm laterally using a strong magnetic field while leaving vertical movement unrestricted. A second magnet is mounted on a movable bracket with ball bearings and can be adjusted in height, making precise horizontal azimuth adjustment easier.

For the Phantom Platinum tonearm, the company developed a special carbon-fiber arm tube. Graham Engineering considered different materials, including aluminum and titanium, but ultimately chose carbon fiber for its low weight, high rigidity, and good internal damping. The headshell is made of magnesium, a material also selected for its low weight and ability to reduce resonances.

The tonearm is available in two versions: 10-inch and 12-inch. The 10-inch version has an effective length of 246.8 mm, an effective mass of 10 g, and an overhang of 16.7 mm. For the 12-inch version, these figures are 308.8 mm, 12 g, and 13.2 mm, respectively. Both versions use a standard SME mount and are equipped with a 5-pin DIN output.

The internal wiring of the Phantom Platinum is made from 4-9s silver-plated copper. It is complemented by a spiral grounding shield and a silicone jacket that helps damp vibrations. In Europe, the Graham Engineering Phantom Platinum is priced at €33,000 for the 10-inch version and €34,000 for the 12-inch version.