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

You need Phono Eq to modify the phono signal (boost lows/cut highs)

and the needed signal boost of MM cartridge signal up to line level signal strength.

Some TT's have an option to use it's built in phono preamp, including the AT120 I linked above.

It's good enough to get back into vinyl. I liked it better than my McIntosh SS C28's phono preamp, and like my McIntosh mx110z's Tube Preamp better.

So if you don't have a phono stage now, a TT choice could include that, then try for a better sounding Phono stage later.

With a little patience you should be able to pick up a very nice Thorens td145 or td160.
One of my vinyl setups,
Mcintosh
MC2505
MX110z
Thorens
TD160
Speakers
KLH 5’s, Dynaco 25a, Klipsch KG4

Vintage vinyl heaven

I go for direct drive, quartz lock. turn it on, instant accurate speed, stays there warm or cold.

If not quartz lock, you typically need to wait for it to warm up, then refine speed, then check it again later, as I needed to do with my Thorens TD124, currently do with my Mitsubishi LT5V. My JVC quartz TT81, on, play, off.

here's hifishark.com, used quartz direct drive sorted high to low

https://www.hifishark.com/search?q=direct+drive+quartz+turntable

Good questions and thoughts.  My reason for considering a turntable is a decent collection of records.  MoFi, DG. and "special" pressings from other companies.  Even though I handled and keep my records very well, I cannot say I miss the surface noise or clicks and pops that existed with even new records. 

Perhaps I am just getting more senile.  Would love the have the Turbo Esprit, 944S2, .....hell, even the mint P-1800 back,  and perhaps some companions I shared those with?  Odd, cars did not do much for mates I had,...the only one that seemed to have a + response was an early Lexus SC-400.

I also get a few new LP’s, even 180gm ’special’ that have some noise.

Like my old ones with baby food, cat hair, smoke residue, I clean them, batches of 10, bingo, dead quiet

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07GSSQ1MN/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1

I scrub em aggressively with these

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B005EJ7YH4/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1

I make a more aggressive mix, some provided cleaner, a few drops of dishwasher rinsing agent, mostly alcohol, protect the paper label with plastic lid, scrub, rinse in distilled water.