[chgolatin2]

I don't consider myself an audiophile, however, I do enjoy some good vinyl.  Currently I am using a Technics SL1600MK2, I love the features of this TT, such as the option to have your records on repeat, auto stop, etc etc.  Many cool convenient features, however, this is a direct drive TT and I would like to jump into a separate type of TT that's not direct drive.  Curious to know if there's any offering out there that will give you the option to repeat your music if need be, and have some of the options that I've been known to become accustomed to? Most analog TT's are manual and even though these TT's maybe superior to direct drive they just don't give you the opportunity to play and forget, maybe even repeat your favorite album for a few times. 

Assistance will be greatly appreciated~   

[Letitroll98]

The direct drive motor you have is far superior to any belt drive you could buy for under $1k.  The difference in sound quality is the plastic plinth and cheaper grade of tonearm.   You could improve the plastic plinth by packing modeling clay underneath.  I know of no automatic turntables of any quality under $1k, Hanpin makes some DD tables for Pioneer and Audio Technica, but you likely have a better table with the Technics.

[chgolatin2]

The direct drive motor you have is far superior to any belt drive you could buy for under $1k.  The difference in sound quality is the plastic plinth and cheaper grade of tonearm.   You could improve the plastic plinth by packing modeling clay underneath.  I know of no automatic turntables of any quality under $1k, Hanpin makes some DD tables for Pioneer and Audio Technica, but you likely have a better table with the Technics.

Thanks that seems to be the issue, I can't find a good quality turntable with the features of the 1600MK2 I may end up buying another one on the used market...  They're just too good!

[Maceo23]

I agree that you are not going to be able to do better as far as features if everything on the table is working properly.  I would maybe contact KAB USA.  They specialize in SL-1200 mods.  There are probably some things that will also be applicable to your table.  Also, maybe look to upgrade the cartridge or phono stage.  There are huge gains to be made there depending on your current setup.

[WGH]

Thorens has a new line of automatic turntables if you are in need of a change, $1000 and less.
https://thorens.com/en/products/thorens%C2%AE-turntables.html

[mix4fix]

Most cheap turntables have automatic tone arms. Is having a automatic tone arm be an Achilles' heel?

[S Clark]

If you like the automatic features, there are a few that had pretty decent tonearms.  The JVC QL-F6 has a tonearm damped vertically as well as horizontally.  The motor structure is one of the most advanced that JVC made, and they made some good ones.  They are not expensive, but are getting hard to find.  The plinth sucks, but like Letitroll said, fill it with modeling clay. 

[toocool4]

Like some people have said, you will be surprised to how good some direct drive turn tables can be. If you are happy with the sound of what you have at the moment, I’d stick with it.

If you are after convenience / features you listed than you will not find it in any serious turntable, in fact I have never come across any of those features in any serious turntable.

[mix4fix]

Like some people have said, you will be surprised to how good some direct drive turn tables can be. If you are happy with the sound of what you have at the moment, I’d stick with it.

If you are after convenience / features you listed than you will not find it in any serious turntable, in fact I have never come across any of those features in any serious turntable.

Isn't pretty much most if not all automatic turntables will be in that sub $400 range?