SME 3009 II w/ Linn Sondek

It is better then the Basic. In the same mag mentioned later the 707 and Ittok were rated very good and the Basic LVX good +. It is a lower mass than some , to quote Hi Fi Choice no.30 [1983] " Effective mass was low at 6 g. and suitable for medium to high compliance cartridges, and extra weight may be necessary for low mass, low compliance models (otherwise moderate bass lift in the 20-40 Hz region may occur." I would think that low compliance high mass cartridges would work as they increase the mass of the arm. The effective mass is the arm + cartridge + mounting screws. I think the Denon 103 would be one of these. In any case the Denon 304, which is probably the best Denon has made will work, I just bought one for $330 including shipping from Europe. The LVX mass is 12.5 grams so if you want to stay with very low compliance cartridges it will work well. You can add mass to the Grace, many Japanese cartridges use to come with a lead weight to add mass. If I was happy with the arm I might consider one of Linn's endless series of upgrades to the table itself.

Again, Stanwal is right on the money. The Basik is a good arm, the Grace is a sensational arm. Grace manufactured an additonal weight that could be placed on the arms counter weight for low compliance cartridges. One thing about the Grace arm that you will notice immediately, is the SUPER clean tight bass... I always used to think that you needed a large arm (Ittok, SME, Audio Technica, Ortofon, etc.,) to get the huge bottom end, but the Grace proved me wrong. It was wonderful on the LP12, and even better on the rim drive Dual 1229.
Honestly, the Basik, Grace or the Ittok are all fine perfomers. With your table I would avoid the SME, Audio Technicas, Ortofons, and the old Decca arms. Too soft sounding with this table. Now, a Grahm might be a nice match, and for less money the Rega RB-300 is excellent and well matched to the Linn.

My only fear with the Grace 707 is the headshell. I don't know if they are easily replaceable. Perhaps the 747 is better in this department?

One of the Rega variants seems like a good way to go and would most likely perform well on a number of TT's other than just the Linn.

I am also considering a unipivot-type although I have no experience with them.

Roblanger, The Grace headshell is standard. When buying a replacement, you have to make sure that the male end of the headshell that plugs into the tonearm is adjustable. Meaning that the keyway pin needs to be turned toward the bottom instead of the top as in most tonearms. I have found that the better headshells are all adjustable in this regard, usually with a small ALLEN head screw. The 707A has a removable headshell, the 707 does not. 727 and 747 are both removable.