Keep your eye out for an Audio Technica Safety Raiser AT-6006. They work perfectly with any pivot arm. I've found two in the last few years and wish that they were back in production. This device lifts your tonearm at the end of play. There are other similar devices and maybe someone will tell of their experinces with these and list the model numbers so that you can try and find one. This way you can have a superior table with an add on feature to take care of your needs.
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.