Turntable upgrade recommendations: SME vs AMG vs Technics vs other

@dover 

Thanks for the reminder not to get wrapped up in the analog / digital debate.  They both can be excellent media, and appreciated for their differences!  (I just demonstrated this to myself by listening to the same performance of Gilels playing Beethoven's Piano Concertos on both CD and LP today, and with two different cartridges on the LP.)  

I have The Thorens 124 MK2 with SME (12’) :is great !!!

I remember a few years back Mr Swissonor came home for a listen with his rebuilt 124 equipped with his own tonearm. I was about to buy it but with my SME 3012-R. He didn’t want because he said the 12’’ would unbalance the 124 (you need a larger than normal  armboard) and wouldn’t sound as good as it should. 
Finally I kept my Raven AC 3. I have installed a second tonearm for my mono records and very happy.

My 2 cents

PS  : very important to listen to 220V and not 230V for a much better sound for Europe.  If you are in the US I don’t know . This is very important if you want to hear your 124 at the max of its immense potential.

I doubt very much that SME have decided to change the construction of the Series V arm due to escalating metals prices. The amount of metal in the arm is infinitesmal relative to the volume of metal in the turntables!