I have used the following (in chronological order):
Sumiko MMT, Grado, Alphason, SME IV, Syrinx PU3, and for the last 20+ years, the mighty ET2 (with various upgrades)
In every case except two the improvement in SQ was significant. The Grado was a sideways move from the Sumiko overall. The ET2 was transformative in my experience; hugely better than the others in the ways that matter to me. My last tonearm.
Sumiko MMT, Grado, Alphason, SME IV, Syrinx PU3, and for the last 20+ years, the mighty ET2 (with various upgrades)
In every case except two the improvement in SQ was significant. The Grado was a sideways move from the Sumiko overall. The ET2 was transformative in my experience; hugely better than the others in the ways that matter to me. My last tonearm.