SME 3009 II w/ Linn Sondek

No. The Linn likes arms that are a little bright in character. The classic arm for them was the Grace 707, which I have on mine. It was supplanted years ago by the Ittok and its descendants. The old SME, which tended to sound soft, would aggravate the Linn's deficiencies. The newer SMEs are too heavy for the Linns suspension, a point to be aware of when looking at arms. The Rega arms should match fairly well sonically but I am not sure about the weight. I have used them but before I had a Linn. I have 5 of the older SMEs sitting around but never considered putting one on the Linn. I think if you query Linn they will agree as most of what I have stated was derived from their statements over the years.

I agree with Stanwal. I currently use a Grace 747 on my Dual 1229. When I was using an LP12, I had an Ittok and a Basic Plus on it. It sounded best with the Grace 747. The Grace 707,727,747 family of tonearms are among the best sounding you will find. I wish they were still in production. The SME II is a great arm for an older, rim drive table. It would work great with my Dual, or an old Thorens, Garrard etc.
Enjoy.

I had my hands on a 707 recently, but sent it back as it was missing a part. Would a 707 be an upgrade to a Basik
LV-X? If Im not mistaken, I think that the Grace requires a fairly high compliance cart?

I'll avoid the SME - thanks for the info! - but am considering an Ittok, Rega variant or a Hadcock.