How to choose an upgraded tonearm.

You possibly could feel "set" for a good while until you feel comfortable making another considerable investment in a new table/arm. 

It will unquestionably be a big sonic upgrade on the stock arm.

The VPI long haulers have used Lyra's pre 3d/gimbal with no complaints.

You might want to shoot an email/call VPI about what the options are with doing an aftermarket arm for the Classic. Getting insight from them on what's involved will help you decide new arm  get a new rig.

Don't forget to fully exploit the capabilities of the Kleos, a "proper" outboard phono stage is something to consider.

"what are you referring to with "Lyra’s pre 3d/gimbal"? 

skyscraper,

I am referring to 8 or so years ago, BEFORE VPI developed the 3D and gimbal designs. VPI users mounting upper end Lyra's on their tables with standard arms.

You may have better luck with contact via Email info@vpiindustries.com

Maybe there is an arm board for aftermarket arms VPI offers? Another thing you can ask VPI about is if they have a gimbal blem/2nd's for discount.

I have had contact with Matt and he offered me a 3D.  I passed. Wasn't a big enough discount for me to jump. I probably could have negotiated a better deal for it, but wasn't that inspired at the moment. 

skyscraper,

 Below, is another UK company with a reasonably priced arm.

If an armboard is available it may be possible to get it to work with minimal hacking of the plinth? Captive IC's, so one less thing to be concerned with. Possible fit with the existing hole?

The Classic plinth may not be sophisticated, but new arm and addressing speed control will put it a notch higher up in performance. You have the record coupling(peripheral ring) thing covered-close enough to vacuum. 

You're fortunate to get the seasoned/qualified voices in here(I am NOT one of them) Just a VPI Classic fan who won't give up on his.

http://www.audiomods.co.uk/

"I’m wondering if that arm you suggest will fit on the VPI Classic 2’s tonearm platform."

skyscraper- I would confirm with the VPI staff what your options are outside of the gimbal.

Contact the audimods to see if they do have customers with  such transplants. 

VPI gimbal is the best way to go. Keeps the table's integrity should you later to decide to get rid of it. Aftermarket arms you do find will require some hacking of the base to a degree.  It's now compromising resale value. Once molested, no going back.

As mentioned by a few, you're still good to go with the stock arm. If you didn't get the bug regarding its "absolute" technical shortcomings, you would be enjoying that great cart, thinking it's the best thing since sliced bread.

VPI dual pivot seems to get approval overall from users. It does look very low tech/crude-a simple clamp with a divot sliding on plastic film? That is not a "pivot"

skyscraper-

Since your 2 threads are relatable, it's been an interesting read since there is wisdom/advice from all levels to sort from.

After giving both a thorough read, it reinforces my belief-one needs to accept what blend of technical fact vs personal subjective opinion/wallet tolerance that pleases your ears.

You can easily get by defying the "facts."

Audiophoolery is a fun pursuit if you're comfortable with  limitle$$ possibilities .