Starting a Classical Vinyl Music Collection

No difference.
 

Throft stores are your best friend. The record dr is a great machine. 

In my experience, clicks and pops are just in some albums and you cannot get rid of them. I have a Klaudio record cleaner. It does a great job but cannot get every click or pop out of an album. I use it on every album I buy whether new or used. FWIW. You might try Telarc used albums. They are digital put to vinyl and some are just fabulous in my opinion. I especially like the 1812 Overture which uses really cannons firing. 

Used, a lot is available in great condition. 

Slide the LP part way out, angle it into the light, holy moly looks un-played.

OFTEN, I find a 2 or 3 lp box that has been played once, perhaps not even all the way thru

because it was a gift to someone who really did not like/want classical/jazz/ etc.

"I tried the Hummingguru  with the same problem.  Same static and pops"

Do you have ANY albums that are quiet to eliminate the cartridge/stylus or phonostage being part of the problem?

If you do have quiet LP's,  then it's back to groove damage. That or there's something else going on not  being discussed. 

I can't be the only one finding quiet used Classical and NOT owning a proper RCM.