Phantom B44 vs The SME V Tone Arm


Can anyone explain to me how these 2 tonearm differ, in sound character and sound quality. This would be mounted on a SME30/2, any experienced comments are welcome.
Thank You
macallan25

Showing 2 responses by rgurney

The SME V should be purchsed with (or upgraded to) the MCS 150 internal silver wiring for a valid comparison with the Graham Phantom. Both should be used with a quality phono cable rather than the pitiful stock phono cable which comes with the SME V arm. Be careful - the 30/2, when used with the SME V, requires a special orientation of the phono cable DIN plug to fit well inside the arm mount. The DIN plug orientation of SME arms is 180 degrees opposite that of Graham arms.
The V, a gimbal bearing arm, excels with the 30/2, delivering especially good bass. The Graham, a unipivot design, has the advantages of easy adjustability and quick change of cartridges(with arm wands).
IF you buy an extra tonearm mount for the 30/2, you can have your cake and eat it, switching quickly from one arm to the other, the best of both worlds. For a table of the caliber of the 30/2, you should have both.
All the contributors above have made valid points. However, Maccallan25 asked the original question of how these two arms would differ on the SME 30/2, not in an absolute sense, or on a variety of other turntables. The synergy of cartridge, arm, and table strongly influences this evaluation, as Raul has stated. Yes, Raul, there is no best tonearm in the absolute sense, but given the 30/2, and perhaps a particular cartridge, what would be the better choice. Fremer's review is a good starting point in this discussion.
Pcosta, you have a 30/2. Wally Malewicz has one. I have one also. There are other owners out there who could ring in on this subject.
The synergy of the 30/2 with SME V is quite significant. Yes, the V is not as quickly or completely adjustable as the Phantom. IF a particular cartridge can be set up correctly on the V, if it sounds good on that arm, and if quick cartridge change is not a factor, THEN the synergy of V with 30/2 may be the choice.