Since the mass of both arms is in the medium range very low compliance cartridges are not ideal for either. I never meant to imply that they are identical in sound, only that they are of comparable quality. Which is best with a particular cartridge would be a case by case question, both work well with the medium compliance MCs [Denon 304, AT OC9, AT 33EV] that I use. I find the Graham alignment system easier for my old eyes than the SME but the SME system is also extremely accurate if used properly. I have found all arms that use damping to be a little finicky, I ended up not using it at all on the SME IV and VPI 12.7 as the cartridges I use do not require it. I use about the minimum amount in the 2.2. I will probably do the same with my Jelco 750, which I haven't yet set up, haven't got all the parts for my Linn upgrade project yet.