SME 20/2 SME V or Triplanar VII?

Cipherjuris, it's all about how the table/arm/cart work together. These are all excellent components and the challenge is to select the combination that gives you the sonic presentation that best suits your preference.

I have considered all of the components you are considering and my observations are:

The SME V does sound stodgy in the bass when mounted on turntables of other makes (especially non-suspended designs). The stock wiring/cable are not the best and restrict the tonal palette somewhat.

So if the SME V has a tendency to emphasize bass somewhat then the SME table is compensating by sinking that energy away because the arm/table are not tonally imbalanced.

The impression I get when listening with the SME is that it's a bit like looking at a finished jigsaw - the whole picture is there but I'm more aware of the individual pieces. Somehow all the detail doesn't quite add up to a convincing illusion of a musical performance. Ymmv.

The XV-1s is more dynamic than the Zyx (I chose to build my rig around the XV-1s) and seems to work particularly well in the Triplanar. My hypothesis is that the SME V and Universe would be a good match because the emphasized bass of the arm would compensate for the somewhat less dynamic Zyx in that area. Likewise the Triplanar/Dynavector ought to be really good on the SME table. SME V/XV-1s might be a bit overblown and Triplanar/Universe a little leaner in comparison. Of course if you like emphasized bass, etc. then select alternate options!

And Doug, before you flame me, my observations on the Tri/Universe relate exclusively to how they might work in tandem with the SME20 - I acknowledge that they are a match made in heaven on your Teres! :)

Any Way you go, it is a good one. The Tonearms you think about, are all very good. I think, one advantage from the Triplar is, you don't need a drill hole for the Arm (like Graham,SME), it is screwed on top of the Armboard.
Cartridges is a special chapter. No matter what you will do, the following Phono Stage will do the Result, average Phono Stage, average Sound, even with an expensive Cartridge (but you need some time to find out, because you normally believe in the Cartridge).
Well, the pricing of a cartridge is good for dreaming of, but in the end, it says nothing. these guys, who build them, do it cheap. Believe me. The following is Marketing.
When I will give you a piece of paper and will tell you, that his one is worth 4 Million dollars, because of whatever ( more white than white=ultra white), and you believe in it (or better, you WANT to believe it), then you will tell everybody, that this piece of paper is "whiter than white" and based on that, you love it.
I bet, the most expensive piece from the Coral is the looking for that stone and drill it. Well, who cares....
Let's start dreaming .....

I prefer to listen.
I use the UNIverse.
But the XV-1s looks so coooool.

Touche' Tim! :)

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Cipherjuris,
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I have not heard the SME V / UNIverse combination, but I have heard the Tri-Planar / UNIverse on my Teres table and it is a wonderful match and not lacking anything in dynamics, leading edge attack, detail, as well as tuneful,/focused bass.
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I don't see how you could go wrong with either the Dynavector/Tri-Planar or Dynavector/ UNIverse (copper version with SB weight), but again, I would clearly prefer the UNIverse.
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Rgds,
Larry
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Guys, what can I say? I truly am learning from each post!

Like any good story, some twists near the end elevate the story.

I have lusted after the SME 20/2 for the past 2 years, but had despaired of ever getting one since the price of a new one was not acceptable in my budget range. Recently, I was nearing a decision to order a Galibier Gavia when an almost new 20/2 became available at an acceptable price and I bought it.

I am scheduled to audition a Galibier Gavia with a Triplanar/Zyx Universe/Dynavector XV1S later this month. My reasoning is that if I get the Triplanar or the Phantom and the Universe or XV1S, I will have a reference to help me decide whether to keep the 20/2 or sell it and order the Galibier. If I told this part of the story to anyone other than other audiophiles, they might want to have me committed.

Does this twist change things for any of you?

Thanks for your patience.

Ed