For me the choice would be simple.
Of these two, only the Graham gives you the full adjustability that a top quality cartridge demands. The SME-V assumes that the cartridge/cantilever/stylus is perfectly aligned....unfortunately this is rarely the case. The Graham jig allows proper alignment using the cantilever as a reference - not the cartridge body.
The SME-V doesn't offer proper VTA-on-the-fly adjustment (nor calibration), nor any azimuth adjustment.
I owned the SME-V 15yrs ago and made the switch to the Graham 1.5T - never regreted that move for a second. I far prefer the sound of the 1.5T to V on my TNT. Choosing between the new Phantom and the SME-V is an absolute no-brainer IMO.
Of these two, only the Graham gives you the full adjustability that a top quality cartridge demands. The SME-V assumes that the cartridge/cantilever/stylus is perfectly aligned....unfortunately this is rarely the case. The Graham jig allows proper alignment using the cantilever as a reference - not the cartridge body.
The SME-V doesn't offer proper VTA-on-the-fly adjustment (nor calibration), nor any azimuth adjustment.
I owned the SME-V 15yrs ago and made the switch to the Graham 1.5T - never regreted that move for a second. I far prefer the sound of the 1.5T to V on my TNT. Choosing between the new Phantom and the SME-V is an absolute no-brainer IMO.