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.
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.