Suggestions for my first turntable

Okay, many of you have read my previous post about how I finally got to hear a record player and was blown away by how much better it sounded. So I'm considering my first table (I'll definitely buy used).

I'm sort of torn as to what approach to take. Part of me wants to do what my friend's dad did, just go buy a $50 table at a swap meet and add a nice $200 cartridge to it. But that has its own risks, and also I'd like something reasonably low maintenance. I find myself drawn to tables that look nice, since it will have a prominent position on my top shelf. The Basis 1400 in particular looks sweet to me. I think I'll feel bad about spending so much for a table when I have no records, though. Can people comment on what quality level (including price point) they would recommend for someone breaking into analog. Knowing what you know, what would you buy for a friend getting into analog?

My system will consist of a Plinius 8200 mkII (integrated which includes MM and MC phono stages) and Joseph Audio RM22si signature speakers. Side-question, do I need to consider special interconnects for a turntable, or do all the same properties hold for, say, CD interconnects.

Thanks,
Matt.