That particular Thorens is junk, avoid it. If you absolutely need automatic shutoff, the Thorens TD-190 is pretty good but it's around $600. The Dual CS-455 is around the same price, I believe, and has the same basic tonearm and drive system. However, if you can sacrifice convenience, just about any manual turntable in that price range will offer superior sonics.
The Rega P1 is a nice unit but you'd be smarter to stretch your budget to the P2, which is noticeably better and also has a much greater upgrade path.
A Technics SL-1200Mk2 can be had for around $500 at discount and is still an excellent unit that is built like a tank and will last forever.
The entry-level Music Hall and Pro-Ject units are decent as well. And yes, any of these units, save the Thorens TD-158, is a nice upgrade.
The Rega P1 is a nice unit but you'd be smarter to stretch your budget to the P2, which is noticeably better and also has a much greater upgrade path.
A Technics SL-1200Mk2 can be had for around $500 at discount and is still an excellent unit that is built like a tank and will last forever.
The entry-level Music Hall and Pro-Ject units are decent as well. And yes, any of these units, save the Thorens TD-158, is a nice upgrade.