Turntables

+1 on the Technics 1200GR. It's built like a tank and is far less fiddly for a newbie than some of the others suggested, especially the belt drives. Some discount Technics as not being an audiophile-approved brand, but with a bit of research you will quickly see that the 1200 series and the SP10 series are serious, proven and frequently beloved.

You can save some money with a used phono stage though. On a budget at half retail, you will be getting a far superior product. With recent vintage solid state, not much risk. A few overachievers that quickly come to mind: Lehman Black Cube, Graham Slee(a number of models), Coph Nia(one here for $429), PS Audio GCPH. Cheers,
Spencer

@luvrockin 
Here's a more affordable option that's close to the 1200G/GR. Until those came out, many in your shoes bought used 1200 or 1210(gray color) and did some relatively affordable mods to greatly improve the sound. These can be done in steps according to your budget. 
Two excellent sources to explore this idea are the "Techiepedia" section of the theartofsound forum in UK and KAB USA, which is probably the top 1200 modder/provider. You could spend a day reading on what people have done with their 1200s to get them out-performing many table far more expensive and not as well built.
The 1200 was not designed to be a DJ table, but because of it's durability and reliability it's popularity with DJs SOARED! There are millions out there. When they were discontinued, prices went up. Now that the 1200G/GR is out, some of the demand is down, and that can help you. Caution, you don't want to buy one used as a DJ table, ask many questions. I see them often for ~$300 on craigslist at local shops, etc., but these are more likely to have been abused. The ones on audio sites or ebay are more likely to state details about history of use and ownership. Those will sell at a premium ~$400-600. Add cart and phono stage, and then use what's left for upgrades like the KAB fluid damper, Isonode feet and/or tonearm rewiring. Upgrade as time/budget allows. Even some of these tweaks pop up used occasionally. Cheers,
Spencer 

@luvrockin 
Here's a modded 1200 that is a great step towards 1200g performance well fitting your budget. Read theartofsound Techiepedia for many enthusiastic comments about why this would make lots of sense for you both now and as you can invest a bit more later.
https://www.audiogon.com/listings/lis9a00b-technics-sl-1200mkii-turntable-with-kab-upgrades-turntabl...
Cheers,
Spencer 

@sns Start a thread about your new setup when you get it. I had great success w/ SP10mkII. One concern, is the compliance match a good fit between the 103R and the Jelco? I've heard widely varying results for the cart depending on the arm. 
One suggestion, play around with different clamps and mats if you get a chance. I found that you can clearly hear impactful differences with every change and finding a sympatico match will be well worth the trouble! Cheers,
Spencer

@luvrockin , Your new cartridge is certainly going to new some break-in time, probably about 50 hours before it's at its best. After 10-20 hours it should start to improve. Remember it's got a moving suspension and needs to loosen up. So don't panic just yet. 
That Norah LP was reissued a number of times. Some versions are demo quality, a fine recording. Perhaps you've got a dud? One other thing that may be contributing to clicks/pops is static. If you have forced air heat running most rooms get very dry inducing static. Humidifier and anti-static gun are worth consideration. 
Sorry to say, but I agree with @paulcreed; a phono stage without adjustable gain is a real pity. If you ever want to try a moving coil cartridge, one with easily adjustable loading is far smarter choice too. Cheers,
Spencer

Here's a thread about someone with the same problem including a link to a PS Audio link that might help.
https://theartofsound.net/forum/showthread.php?60274-Rega-P6-getting-hum

Just because the Exact hums is no reason to abandon the table. You can buy a  cheap used cartridge with better shielding simply to confirm that the table is fine. That would be cheaper than what you will probably lose selling the table. If it works then look for a better cartridge. Cheers,
Spencer 

@luvrockin That's awesome to hear.You are lucky that  @gshepardbuster is one of the good guys! Cheers,
Spencer 

@luvrockin What's 34% RH and how do you clean your records?
I bet this is a big reason for your clicks and pops. Cheers,
Spencer