SME V tone arm advice

Keep that SME!

Keep the SME V! There's a seller here with a nice Technics SP10 in a gloss black custom plinth that looks really beautiful! $7500 though! But compared to the price of a Tech Das Air Force ($50K +) a bargain!

You might also find a nicely restored Garrard 301 or 401 here or on US Audiomart for $4K or less!

A nicely restored Thorens TD124 is worth consideration too!

Oracle is still in business and you can upgrade the table. Keep the SME V tonearm. You have two great products that work well together.

I don’t think the change to a VPI Prime is an upgrade at all. Many of the VPI owners and fans will likely disagree.

What phono preamp are you using? By higher output do you mean a higher output MC or a MM/MI cartridge?

Thank you all for your highly  regarded advice as it appears to be unanimous. I was on the fence but not anymore. Evidently some products withstand the test of time. 

Thanks all,
jperry, using a Prism Orpheus as my one and all pre/Dac. Decware and Sim amps , Grand Veenas complete my quiver. 
Soundsmith Aida MI  has my interest right now. 
Actually id like to simplify  and Lyngdorf may get my business as an all in one. 
Spatial, Dutch,Dutch; and Tekton may also be on the horizon. Appreciate your interest. 

Keep the SME V for sure! Personally, I use an SME IV, fitted with a Clearaudio Maestro V2 Ebony cartridge, on a Michell Engineering GyroDec (full plinth, not SE version) and could not be happier with the results. See my previous post on this system:

https://forum.audiogon.com/discussions/second-system-that-sounds-and-looks-spectacular-i-am-there

Last night my wife and I listened to the new MFSL, 45 rpm, one-step (UD1S) release of Simon & Garfunkel Bridge Over Troubled Water. Wow! Can’t believe this recording is nearly 50 (48 for those who are pedantic) years old. Unbelievably quite background and wonderful rich sound. To me, this is as good as vinyl gets.

@bigwave1

I have a Sme IV with Ortofon Mc3000mk2 and Gyrodec full up-graded for 30 years.

SME series 309 - IV - V and Gyrodec like some other models of different brands (Denon DL 103 for example) resist for 30 years and beyond; there will be a reason!
Do not give in to the temptation of novelties!

the prime is not an upgrade.

Just pulled the trigger on a used GyroDec Mk V. Thanks to everyone for the perfect advice. Can’t wait! 

SME on Gyro is a classic combination. I used to run a IV on an Orbe. You should also look into the Pedersen mods

http://www.pedersensgyro.dk

@folkfreak 

I do not like that change, it distorts the Michell project and also makes it ugly aesthetically.

great choice

But @best-groove it sounds so much better -- and as to "distorts the Michell Project" (whatever that means, I met John back in the day and I'm sure he'd be good which whatever you want to do with his baby) not sure what to think

If you are fixed on looks stick with the Oracle

More seriously post Pederson mods setting bounce is much more predictable and easily achieved, stability is improved and overall its a no brainer

Get an SME table to put that superb arm on!

Hanss T-30 (or T-60) + SME V is also a good combination. Very rigid arm + rock solid stable player. My SME V worked well on the VPI hw19 also, but the synnergy is better here.

Thanks Folkfreak, the gyrodec is only in transit to me and already fascinated by the Pedersen mod. I haven’t spun vinyl since my Talisman Virtuoso DTI. Hopefully my growth will be slow and steady as I’m already out of comfort zone so to speak. 

Thanks @bigwave1. As I recall the Pedersen mods are all fully reversible so do not undermine the resale value of your Gyro and can take the table to a very high level. It is also a best practice to really get to know how to strip down and tune your table -- especially with a design like the Gyro where tuning the bounce is key. It was only when II finally got to spend a half hour with Tim De Paravicini that I really understood how to set up my table (the EAR DiscMaster) but the advice was invaluable -- luckily there are many on line resources on tuning the Gyro

But @best-groove it sounds so much better

Safe and I have not the slightest doubt but the change never convinced me, then it will also be reversible but I see the pins screwed on the side of the frame, once reported as originally and removed the pins remains the hole also the plexyglass......nine holes in total.
I preferred to give up Pedersen and apply the original spring kit with double pin and bearing.

roberjerman, 
didnt want to think your advice was ignored. I had a price cap in mind and maybe in the future you’re $7500 recommendation might have been the deal of a short lifetime. Wanted to say thanks and will keep my eyes open. Regards.