I know this is re-starting an old thread, but I can't stand reading about auto lift mechanisms that degrade the sound of a turntable. It is probably not available any more, but my second ever turntable (after i got rid of my horrible sounding Technics Direct Drive TT (circa. 1975)) was a Marantz TT (also circa. 1975) with auto lift that sounded fabulous! It was a belt drive unit that detected the end of an LP by breaking a light beam with an extremely light metal blade, and then lifted the arm with a mechanism that was totally detached from the playback components. It was totally isolated from the playback mechanisms (except for the extremely light blade), except when the record wasn't being played. I only wish I still had this TT - it was stolen years ago.
Best auto-lift/shutoff turntables?
I have a Thorens TD-320 that I bought about a year ago to start my re-entry into vinyl world. Couldn't be happier than listening to records again! Now, with spring in the air, I'm starting to think about upgrading the analog end. As a lazy and forgetful guy, I really want to have the auto-lift and/or auto-shutoff functions. Are there any turntables, new or used, with these functions that will out-perform my TD-320? Thanks.