Note that the VPI tonearms are surface mount with the phono cable exiting on top of the plinth. SME and many others are through plinth mount with the phono cable exiting below the plinth. The VPI Classic is not setup for through the plinth tonearms.
There are not many tonearms that are surface mount, but Tri-Planar Precision Tonearm is an example of surface mount tonearm that is well regarded. Tri-Planar sometimes is available for sale 2nd-hand. But keep in mind the VPI Classic has limits for tonearm length with the length of the current VPI 3D-10JMW-10-3D-UniPivot – VPI Industries about as long as you can fit. Also, a new tonearm like the Tri-Planar may need a new tonearm base to make sure the tonearm is at the correct level. Your basic VPI Classic probably does not have the tonearm base that a VPI Classic Signature has.