You will have far more options if you go with a fully manual table/arm and you won't be limited by the technology of the semi automatic arms. A fully manual table/arm is not all that much more work to handle. You just cue it up and be around when the records over. At the 1000 level your can get some fairly good table/arm combos.
Advice on semi-auto turntables?
You guys have convinced me to replace my 25 year old turntable, assuming I can hear a difference. I really would like a semi-auto that returns the tonearm, unless there are some serious drawbacks with this feature. Or if this feature is going to limit me to non-quality TT's. The only current manufacturers I have found that produce semi-autos are Thorens and Dual. I am looking at a Thorens TD 295 MkIII. Dual makes a CS 505-4, but my gut feel is that the Thorens would be the better of the two. They are in the $900-$1000 range. Anyone heard either of these or have any opinions that would help me out? Thanks in advance.