Sounds just like my old Monkey Wards Airline mono portable (with handle and speaker) NOT.
I think that when you reach a certain level of quality, that a more expensive product is just flash & show, without any sonic improvements and no "bang for the buck". The Thorens is at the level where more money spend wud yield no further audio joy and with the substitution of a better cart shud last me a long time.
YES
I am trying to buy quality gear that wont need to be upgraded or replaced in the foreseeable future . I think this fits the bill. The cart is fine, tho I mite substitute in the V-15t3 that is surplus from my electronically challenged Dual 701. It does work well with the BGW 203.