SME V or Graham 2.2 on Michell Gyro SE

I use to sell the earlier Gyros and had a IV and a 309 later on other tables. I currently have a 2.2 on a Basis 2001. My impression from this is that either would work very well. They are two of the best arms available and I personally would be more than happy with either. I would get the version of the Graham with the SME base if there is a choice. I think either can benefit from a cable upgrade and just got one from an English audiophile who got disgusted with the prices charged for them and started making his own. He sells on eBay with a money back guarantee. They are under $200 in standard configuration, I got mine with Silver Bullet RCAs and Clearaudio DIN which added 40 pounds so I paid around $250.

A clarification, I meant to say that IF you decided on the Graham I would get the SME base configuration if offered a choice between it and the standard mounting one.

Since the mass of both arms is in the medium range very low compliance cartridges are not ideal for either. I never meant to imply that they are identical in sound, only that they are of comparable quality. Which is best with a particular cartridge would be a case by case question, both work well with the medium compliance MCs [Denon 304, AT OC9, AT 33EV] that I use. I find the Graham alignment system easier for my old eyes than the SME but the SME system is also extremely accurate if used properly. I have found all arms that use damping to be a little finicky, I ended up not using it at all on the SME IV and VPI 12.7 as the cartridges I use do not require it. I use about the minimum amount in the 2.2. I will probably do the same with my Jelco 750, which I haven't yet set up, haven't got all the parts for my Linn upgrade project yet.