Best thing about a turntable is that the technology is mature and you can stretch to buy better the first time with some pretty good assurance that you won't get creamed by a new model. Save your money and buy the best you can afford, and you may find it is your last turntable. I bought a Rega Planar 3 in 1981 and always regretted I did not get the LP 12 for a third ($300 or so, then) more money. I kept the Rega for 20 years, added an RB300 arm and a better cartridge or two over time and it still beat my CD player for a fraction of the cost when I upgraded it. And it was still inferior to the LP 12. And there are lots of Rega Planar 3s out there, new and used. Don't know about the Technics, but I have my doubts.
Lots of local resources in Chicago: Music Direct, Pro Musica, Quintessence, Audio Consultants. Or you can find something on Audiogon and buy a cartridge locally and have the dealer set it up, if you can find somebody who is good. Bet Todd can fix you up by mail, and you might be better off than dealing locally;I bought all my stuff by mail from a dealer I trusted who set the Rega up and shipped it to me. Set up is a big, big part of vinyl, and because it is analog, the physical set up makes as much or more difference than the equipment.
Vinyl is a beautiful thing, but it requires a different level of attention to detail and commitment than digital. It is the opposite of "plug and play". And you have to ask yourself whether you are enough of an music lover to appreciate the difference and then whether you care. It is worth the trouble if you have the right frame of mind. But digital today is pretty darned good, so you really have to do some soul searching. Over the years I care less and less, and my vinyl setup is pretty good. Have fun.
BTW, take care with that Sinatra on vinyl. Some of the original stuff is truly outstanding, but certain vinyl reissues sound worse than some of the CD's. PM me if you want to discuss after you get your rig set up. Or ask Todd or Music Direct.
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