I heard a basic Avid with the SME V and the vdh master signature Stradivarius. It so eclipsed his other table combinations including three carts on the Bergmann Galder and one Garrard. He mentioned the reason was the SME V and the vdh, and whenever he places it on a table it sounds that way. Since you already have hurt SME V on your Avid, you should try the VDH Stradivarius
Thanks for the feedback, I listened to the VDH Stadivarious (1.1 Mv pau wood version) I found it a bit strident and from research requires rather exacting set up that I fear are beyond my skills (in fact I’m sure!!)
I ended up with an Esturo Bordeaux which I like a lot...