Maximum VISUAL bang for the buck?

Hi all--

I am enjoying my records just fine with a technics 1200 turntable and a decent sumiko cartridge. I really don't dwell on what might be behind curtain #2 - or if I do feel there is something missing, I just go out and buy more records.

However I am becoming interested in a potential VISUALLY upgrade, to some turntable that is visually striking. The improved visuals should of course not come at the expense of convenience (no desire to remove the platter to change from 33 to 45!). In fact, it would be nice to get semi-automatic operation as well (technics is full manual).

The Micro-Seiki micro seiki ddx-1000 and dcx-500 certainly qualify as stunning in my book. Some of the Luxman stuff is beautiful if a little staid. But of course, I have champagne taste and a beer budget.

SO, are there turntables that come out UNDER $1000 on the used market (inclusive of the tonearm etc etc but not including the cartridge) that have a huge OOOH factor?

Also, I am a fairly competent DIY'er and would consider a project hot-rodding a cheap turntable.