something 'better', or 'nicer', not too much money, hard but possible.
features:
detatchable headshell, yes
direct drive: yes.
dead accurate speed control. many have pitch control, but that is a feature, for intentional speed change. I have never needed to 'fix' the speed/pitch of any direct drive tt I have owned.
belt drive, no, especially if sensitive to pitch.
auto lift: no.
that feature adds an unwanted mechanism to the arm, It also limits your choices a great deal. I advise against it.
there are separate after market auto-lift devices, if you can get one to work I think it is a great idea,
however, if the arm is close to the platter, or if the arm has a large base, typically sloped, then there is no flat place to put it.
here's the budget model auto lifter I bought. It may not fit on my new to me tt that is coming next week.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B008OAMD26?psc=1&ref=ppx_pop_dt_b_product_details
this one is nicer, may fit where the other one doesn't
https://www.amazon.com/Audio-Technica-AT6006R-Safety-Raiser/dp/B07HKX6WL7/ref=sr_1_2?keywords=tonearm+lifter&qid=1578922193&s=electronics&sr=1-2
my plastic tt is this one. I have had 'better' but this tt is hard to beat within your budget. I would use it as a base for comparison when shopping.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07N3S4X3P?ref=dacx_dp_9501550660801_5391562380701&me=ATVPDKIKX0DER&aaxitk=HZng2H0rXknipWOBtwiJMQ
they, and others, have more expensive plastic 'dj' versions.
https://www.amazon.com/Audio-Technica-AT-LP140XP-SV-Direct-Drive-Professional-Turntable/dp/B07N3VYTSF/ref=sr_1_44_sspa?keywords=turntable&qid=1578921671&sr=8-44-spons&spLa=ZW5jcnlwdGVkUXVhbGlmaWVyPUEzUFJVSEZNSlpKUVhXJmVuY3J5cHRlZElkPUEwOTQxMzg2N0lHN1FBMElNOElCJmVuY3J5cHRlZEFkSWQ9QTA4OTkzNzAxWEZOQjNJNjg5WTNJJndpZGdldE5hbWU9c3BfbXRmJmFjdGlvbj1jbGlja1JlZGlyZWN0JmRvTm90TG9nQ2xpY2s9dHJ1ZQ&th=1
for home use, I don't think the heavy duty motor's start/stop feature needed in a dj tt is needed, thus the extra money of a Technics 1200 is wasted at home.
..........................
nicer
Part of the goal is wood, not plastic, a different look. Hard to do in your budget unless buying used.
Part of you want's a warranty. Hard to do in your budget. Conflicts with used.
My recent project buying used tt and used tonearms (2) has led to problems, many would be upset, I just patiently deal with it.
If you are buying used, I strongly advise finding something local, craigs list, facebook marketplace, local ebay, local pick up, see it work, 30 day handshake with seller.
Patience, actively look until you get lucky locally.
features:
detatchable headshell, yes
direct drive: yes.
dead accurate speed control. many have pitch control, but that is a feature, for intentional speed change. I have never needed to 'fix' the speed/pitch of any direct drive tt I have owned.
belt drive, no, especially if sensitive to pitch.
auto lift: no.
that feature adds an unwanted mechanism to the arm, It also limits your choices a great deal. I advise against it.
there are separate after market auto-lift devices, if you can get one to work I think it is a great idea,
however, if the arm is close to the platter, or if the arm has a large base, typically sloped, then there is no flat place to put it.
here's the budget model auto lifter I bought. It may not fit on my new to me tt that is coming next week.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B008OAMD26?psc=1&ref=ppx_pop_dt_b_product_details
this one is nicer, may fit where the other one doesn't
https://www.amazon.com/Audio-Technica-AT6006R-Safety-Raiser/dp/B07HKX6WL7/ref=sr_1_2?keywords=tonearm+lifter&qid=1578922193&s=electronics&sr=1-2
my plastic tt is this one. I have had 'better' but this tt is hard to beat within your budget. I would use it as a base for comparison when shopping.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07N3S4X3P?ref=dacx_dp_9501550660801_5391562380701&me=ATVPDKIKX0DER&aaxitk=HZng2H0rXknipWOBtwiJMQ
they, and others, have more expensive plastic 'dj' versions.
https://www.amazon.com/Audio-Technica-AT-LP140XP-SV-Direct-Drive-Professional-Turntable/dp/B07N3VYTSF/ref=sr_1_44_sspa?keywords=turntable&qid=1578921671&sr=8-44-spons&spLa=ZW5jcnlwdGVkUXVhbGlmaWVyPUEzUFJVSEZNSlpKUVhXJmVuY3J5cHRlZElkPUEwOTQxMzg2N0lHN1FBMElNOElCJmVuY3J5cHRlZEFkSWQ9QTA4OTkzNzAxWEZOQjNJNjg5WTNJJndpZGdldE5hbWU9c3BfbXRmJmFjdGlvbj1jbGlja1JlZGlyZWN0JmRvTm90TG9nQ2xpY2s9dHJ1ZQ&th=1
for home use, I don't think the heavy duty motor's start/stop feature needed in a dj tt is needed, thus the extra money of a Technics 1200 is wasted at home.
..........................
nicer
Part of the goal is wood, not plastic, a different look. Hard to do in your budget unless buying used.
Part of you want's a warranty. Hard to do in your budget. Conflicts with used.
My recent project buying used tt and used tonearms (2) has led to problems, many would be upset, I just patiently deal with it.
If you are buying used, I strongly advise finding something local, craigs list, facebook marketplace, local ebay, local pick up, see it work, 30 day handshake with seller.
Patience, actively look until you get lucky locally.