SME IV.Vi or V tonearm: different internal wiring

Actually, I would never think of tampering with the arm myself. If something has to be done, it will be taken care of by someone who's in the business of dealing with rewiring arms. I've also had both the V and IV.Vi, and like you, have preferred the sound of the IV.Vi, probably in part because of the Magnan Vi wire inside. The Vs have been factory wired typically with Van Den Hul, which, based on what I've gathered so far from comments of some of the others who have owned it, is not exactly the "cat's meow".

So that there is no misunderstanding, my comment above refers specifically to the Van Den Hul internal wiring and not the SME V arm itself.

To my ears, the Magnan Vi wire inside the SME IV.Vi offers more top end extension in contrast to the Van Den Hul wire found in the SME V. I also feel it helps provide a better balanced sound top to bottom. I'm ignorant, however, as to whether or not the V's damping mechanism contributes to any significant sound impovement relative to the IV.Vi in standard form without damping. You also advise a better phono or tonearm cable. I'm extremely pleased with my Purist Proteus Provectus tc. Regarding the idea that SME would best be suited to do a rewiring, I was told by someone at Sumiko(who imports the SME arms)that SME undertakes a thorough job with checking, refurbishing and replacing parts if necessary in addition to rewiring the arm, and that the total cost for this is...I won't mention the figure...what I feel,obscene. Besides, there are quite a few positive feedbacks here on Audiogon for at least two services that offer to rewire SME arms at a "slightly" better cost.

My arm is the standard V with a Purist Audio Venustas Rev C. I have used the damping function with a Koetsu Rosewood Signature and it helped a lot. I now use a ZYX 4D W/Gold coils, and I like it with out the damping. The damping is a good option to have because it can help the sound with the right cartridge. I have been toying with selling the SME V and purchasing a Vi. I think the Vi is a better arm because it does not have the spring for setting the weight and it does sound a little better balanced. I do not know if it is the wire or the lack of the spring weight set up?