Nrchy,I have a COSMOS Series III,that I have run a Triplanar,SME-V,and Graham 2.2 on.I have also used,on the Sotas,numerous Koetsus and the Transfiguration Temper and Transfig-V on.
I know you are an experienced hobbyist,so my first response,in keeping with your sensibilities,is for you to use the "FORCE",in helping you make a decision.You're own intuition will help,as you are no beginner,and nobody can "really" fill that educated void!
Now,down to business.I LOVE the Graham,as you may already know.Very versatile arm.I like it ALOT better than my Triplanar,or my SME-V,but that is only my taste.Others will have their own set of emotions,and voice a differing,and valid opinion,as well.Don't listen to them,just listen to ME.JUST KIDDING!!!Hey,you said you liked humor!
The Triplanar,that I had was not a good match for me at the time.Not the problem of the arm,but my fercrucchena(ATTN moderators-a yiddish expression,not slang) dealer!Even that being the case the 2.2 is a highly evolved cartridge carrier.To me,and my sensibilities,it is MUCH MORE "dial in" friendly,and precise than the Triplanar.Not close,really,and I know I'll get bombed for that one!Remember it's just my opinion!!!The fluid etc,is really no big deal.
The SME was a nice arm,but too many hobbyists feel it is a bit bass heavy,and besides,SME is a HUGE company,so give you're money to someone who can probably appreciate it.Just kidding,again!Also,the SME unlike the Triplanar,and especially the 2.2 cannot have it's VTA adjusted during play,in a repeated fashion.The SME,can be lowered in VTA,once before bringing the arm back up.I don't feel that offers the "precise" fine tuning(which is really important,BTW)of having it available,"on the fly"!
Now for the FLY in the ointment!!Believe me if I were you,and had not made a buying decision yet(and although I prefer the 2.2 over the other 2 arms),remember this is just my opinion,I would HAVE TO look at the Schroeder line of arms.
I'll tell you why,and think about this!The Schroeder's have NO bearing,other than magnetic repulsion.This obliviates any potential resonance characteristic,and would have to create a very open and relaxed sound.Not as relaxed as you look like on your motorcycle(in the picture,shown)but close.Add to that a one piece cable network,choice of armwand material,to match cartridge characteristics,and,on paper,looks like a no brainer,for careful consideration.
My weakness here,is the fact that I have never heard a Schroeder,but it has a very loyal fan base(sort of like Harly,get it?).
In all seriousness,you will be happy with any of these great arms.I love my 2.2,and can argue it's superiority over the Triplanar,or SME,but it is still my opinion only!
As for the Schroeder,well it is here that you need to look to the "Light Side of the Force",you're own common sense.It has the potential to match the incredible relaxed and open sound of a great Air Bearing design(of which I'm intimately familiar,on a friend's set-up),but without the pumps and hoses,due to it's unique design.
You are in a great position,and will love your sound,ultimately!!Make the choice that best serves you,and do some homework.Forget all us experts.We really cannot tell you a thing about what "YOU" should like.Best of luck!!
