Hi,
I'm looking for an entry-level turntable, for now just for listening to
records, but I do hope to learn to mix eventually. I've been looking
at a Stanton STR8-100 and a Technics SL-1200. I've heard that this
Technics is supposedly the industry standard for basic turntables, but
that's pretty much all I know.

Could you tell me why I would want to buy one or the other (or if I'm
barking up the wrong tree and should be looking at something completely
different), and what I should look for in a turntable in general?

Thanks