Hi Ed,
I think you're heading in the right direction. I have heard both of those cartridges on a TriPlanar and they are wonderful. To borrow a comment I once heard, the XV1s gets you close to the Universe for a lot less money. At the time I was plunking down for table, cart, phono and pre so I decided to get the Dynavector. I can always add the Universe latter. I would say that the Universe is more tonally neutral. Still, they are both great cartridges.
I do not have hands-on experience with the SME or Phantom arms, but here again I think you're going in the right direction by considering the TriPlanar and Phantom over the SME. I have owned a 2.2 for the last couple of years so I'm familiar with the ease of adjustment both of these arms provide. The TriPlanar does have the advantage with VTA adjustments as you listen. The 2.2 (and I assume the Phantom is similar) could do this if the set screw that locks vta was replaced with a thumb or knurled screw instead of having to get in there with a hex wrench. How much of an issue this is going to be on a suspended table? Do you think you will be able to adjust VTA with a record playing without loading the suspension? I know it was not possible on a Basis suspended table, but I don't know the SME 20/2.
