Best complete turntable set-up for 500

I am looking to re-visit analog and my small (but now growing) LP collection. I have a nice mid-fi stereo with a pre-amp that has a good switchable phono connection. (Yamaha CX-1000) I am looking for a good new and complete turntable/cartridge set-up and I don't want to spend over $500. Even $300 would be nice. First of all is it even worth it to spend any money at all to get to that level or should I just buy a new belt and cartridge/needle for my 15 year old Yamaha P-30 turntable? I really don't want to, but it is an option. The one turntable that has caught my eye is the SUMIKO. Either the Project 1.2 or 2. Are they worth the money? ($250 and $400 respectively) Also what are my other options. As far as looks go I like a minimalist approch, basic black with a cover. Probabaly nothing too fancy, but at a $300-$500 budget that should not be to much to worry about.