Good Semi-automatic Turntables ?

You might be interested in this:

http://www.soundscapehifi.com/expressimo.htm#LIFT

It takes a bit of tweaking but it does work well. It can't turn off the motor, though! Good luck in your search.

I went looking for one in the mid-90s, and the only ones I came across were Dual (which had just simply terrible speed regulation) and Thorens, which didn't always shut off, though that might have been fixed with a simple adjustment. I figured I might as well get used to getting up at the end of the side. Take a look at what Thorens offers today.

Technics makes the best mass-market table around. It's the only thing a non-audiophile should consider, but as it costs about a tenth of your budget, I suspect you won't be satisfied with it.

Denon DP-47

didn't Harmon Karmen have one that lifted the tonearm some fancy way, that didn't effect the play? Never heard or remember the serial number but I bet you can find it searching ebay. Most sellers mention this feature for that table, somewhat a long shot. Thought you might like some more options.