Sigh, the old gray mare ain't what she used to be....

Hi peeps, new to the site here and I can't wait to look around. Sadly, my reasons for visiting are based on the death of my turntable yesterday. Twenty years strong, through high school, college and law school and now to here. Oh, sure, she can probably be repaired, but, why not use the opportunity to make a new purchase?

Naturally, this breakdown occurs at the arrival of several much anticipated pieces of vinyl: Guided by Voices' Box set (6 classic records), Spoon's Series of Sneaks (500 copies! Red vinyl!) and a UK pressing of My Bloody Valentine's Loveless....

It's the craziest thing, I was listening to a record the other day and the damn thing started playing BACKWARDS. I stopped and restarted it and it then worked fine. About a week later though, there was no movement at all from the platter. The belt is fine, but the motor just won't spin.

Sorry for the rambling, but I would LOVE to hear your suggestions for a sub $500 turntable.

Currently, I have a Yamaha RX 350 Integrated amp (with phono stage), Denon DCD 595 and a pair of B&W 601's (not hooked up) and 602's.

Thanks!