If this is going to be your first TT the U-Turn isn't a bad choice.
http://www.klipsch.com/blog/u-turn-audio-orbit-basic-turntable-review/Did you know the U-Turn was a Kickstarter project ?
Its simple and does the job. Also when you get the TT its completely setup.....no need for adjustments).
The U-Turn Orbit Plus Turntable also has a very nice Cartridge (Grado Black 1). But you can always upgrade later if needed.
(http://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0339/2397/products/Red_uTurn9553_Acrylic_Grado_no_Arm_1_F_8e4c6fa5-7271-444a-9f1a-ab1df497d96d_1024x1024.jpg?v=1431463408)
The U-Turn ,Pro-ject and such TT's are also excellent for a beginner as their prices start low and have good quality for money.
Also if you want better sound you can always go for a better sounding cartridge (as that is the part that actually produces the audio).
I own several vintage TT's and they sound fantastic. The only thing is that you need a bit of how a TT works and how to setup one.
Especially when you are going to change the cartridge or need to make repairs.
So in my opinion start with an entry level one and while listening to some great albums check out one of the many forums that deal with the wonderful world of TT's and vinyl.
Playing vinyl is so much fun
I haven't bought CD's in a long time now since I started to play my vinyl collection again.
The good thing is that a lot of artists still bring out their albums on vinyl and there are loads of repressings of old albums. Not to mention the the secondhand market is really booming (at least here in the Netherlands but it mmust be the same in the US).
One thing though.....you can't hookup the TT to any amplifier. You will need a phono pre-amp ....unless you have an amplifier that does have a phono input.
Phono pre-amps can be bought cheap and very expensive.......or you can build one yourself with a Bottlehead kit
Whatever you're choise is going to be I'm sure you will enjoy listening to your albums !
Have fun