I don't imagine the Classic will be sent back, but I think I'll likely keep the Thorens anyway and eventually it will get the Jelco arm, and end up in my second system. The Thorens paired well with my Epos Epics and Yamaha amp.
My Pioneer will likely be sold, because even though its performance is great for the price, it doesn't have that belt drive "soul."
So now I'll hijack my own thread and ask for cart recommendations for the Classic.
I am leaning toward a Dynavector 10x5 since it's HOMC.
I really do like the Phono stage in my Sphinx. Though I don't hold Stereophile reviews in real high esteem, they did describe the Sphinx's phono stage as "excellent." I'm weary about spending a huge sum (1k for my means) on a new phono stage for only a slight improvement. So for now, I'd like to stick with HOMC or MM carts.
I can confidently claim that my M97xe with SAS was definitely not the weak link in my Thorens set up. I wouldn't be surprised if anything in the $500 range would be a lateral move.
I also have a Clearaudio V2 MM, modded with a shibata stylus. I find it sounds too similar to digital, somewhat clinical.
This hobby kills the wallet, my girlfriend thinks I'm insane.