Yet another turntable recommendation question

+1 for VPI HW-19. I have a MKIII which I bought used. The dealer installed a new Jelco TS-550S and Hana EL. I am very happy. With your budget, you may not be able to get a new tonearm and cartridge. My point is, look out for one which comes with an arm (and you're lucky if there's a cartridge) and in good condition. You may need to shell out a bit more than what you're planning to, but you'll have a very nice 'table. The HW-19 is simple, solid and a very accomplished performer.

If you want direct drive, I suggest you get a Technics SL-150MK2. It is just a couple steps down from the level of the SP-10, is better that the SL-1200 spec- and sound-wise, and sells less (a sleeper). It usually comes with an SME 3009 Series III (at least based on what I've seen around and mine did come with that arm and a V-15 Type IV). That arm is happy with high compliance carts like the Shure V-15 and Stanton 681.

I hope that helps. 

Get a used Technics or Technics-like direct drive turntable from a dealer or online store you trust that offers a warranty, if you're serious about staying at $600.  The Technics have the removable SME-like head shell (if you're really going to be changing/adjusting cartridges all that frequently?), have great pitch stability and speed accuracy, are easy to match up with a suitable cartridge in your price range, have some of the bells and whistles you asked for (even though you said you didn't want any - I would forgo the auto return/auto shutoff myself), and are more sturdily built than a lot of the new paper-mache-plinth and fishing-line offerings out there.  I would also forgo the idea of upgrading a $600 (or less) turntable unless you really love tinkering, because after it all 1.) you will have spent more money than if you would've bought a more expensive table, and 2.) no one will want to buy your Frankentable for anywhere near the amount of money you've invested in it, unless you've really done some stellar upgrades.  Bottom line:  I would go with a used SL-1200mk2 with an AT/Ortofon cartridge from a dealer you trust (with a limited warranty), and go on with your life.  If you want to go crazy later on an expensive tt you can unload the Technics for what you paid for it or a little less.

Thanks again, everyone! I was hoping for some good ideas and you didn’t let me down. Cheers!

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.

OP,

primary to any tt success is acquired skills in all aspects of cartridge alignment and the matching of downward and anti-skate forces.

how are your skills?