To venture back into vinyl or not,...that is the question.

I picked up a JVC QL-Y66F with a Stanton 981 HZS cartridge for $545 a couple of years ago.  I stuffed a few pounds of Plasticlay inside and bought some new feet for it (about $125).  I love the way it looks and it sounds great.  I had to have some minor repairs (replacement of a couple of capacitors) done a couple of months ago, but it's still going strong.  And it's fully automatic.  There are deals out there to be had if you are patient and keep your eyes open.

   Lots of opinions and advice here. For what you're looking to achieve dancole probably has the best advice as to what you are looking to achieve. Vinyl recordings will sound better than their digital counterparts and digital will best vinyl as well. So many variables depending on the quality of the recording on each media.
   As far as budget goes, there is almost no end to dollars to be spent on vinyl equipment. Every component in the chain has an important function. But, you have a budget in mind. The best advice I could offer is to take what you consider a few of your best vinyls to an audio shop that deals in new and used turntables that may fit your budget. That's a pretty tall order because even if you find a table to audition that sounds good to you, it may not sound as well when you get it home on your system. Or maybe it will sound better?
   Best of luck in your search. I have extensive collections of vinyl and digital music. Both are satisfying. Vinyl will always be my favorite. Not as convenient as digital but some recordings sound better. Audition equipment as much as possible.

Also noticed an older Thorens TD146 listed here for $599, but accepting offers. No cart though. Still, a solid basic table.

I guess its what is your sound quality you like now ?  If its a lower end setup and you are all about listening without caring about having higher end components then go for it with a 2nd hand deck.   I will be jealous as for most of us its an addiction of pursing a near impossible dream of perfection.  

I brought a 2nd hand Linn LP12 just over a year ago as I still have all my original vinyl, 1500 albums, and I'm quite disappointed in the sound reproduction compared with what I am getting from digital nowadays (Tidal and Flacs).  I then brought a 2nd hand Rega RP8 with a decent cartridge on it and its better but still the digital is superior in my setup.  I need to do some cartridge and maybe phono amp upgrades to bring it into parity which alone will be $1000's  .. so at this point its not a priority. 

I say, if you have a decent system stay with digital, listen to your old albums on a streaming service. 

The U-turn Orbit Turntable is quite nice. It hits slightly under the $500 stated price limit. Is it the best unit available? Absolutely not. Is it fun reliable and provide great sound quality? Oh yes indeed it does. They also offer, as an option, the built in phono stage. Unbox and setup time is 20 minutes or less. Easy way to re-enter the world of vinyl with minimal financial risk.