Easy tonearm replacement for Empire 598?

Apparently some audio enthusiasts feel the stock 990 tonearm is too heavy and destructive to vinyl.

I am restoring my 598 and will be getting around to rewiring the tonearm soon but if there is a better alternative that does not require new drilling or machining (or if its minor)I'm open.

Somebody suggested an SME tonearm to me- but didn't give me a model number or anything.

Any experience out there?