Can i plug Turntable into AR ref 5se phono input?


Im thinking of getting into vinyl. Do i really need to go out and buy a Ref Phono pre amp or is there a way to experience decent quality vinyl playback utililizing my Audio Research 5SE. Id like to know what components you guys are using if you have done this. Ive been looking at the Clear Audio line of turntables  to experiment with. 
chenglo1
You don't necessarily need a Ref Phono preamp. But you'll need some kind of phono preamplifier to connect to your Ref 5 line stage, unless your turntable itself has a built-in phono stage.
I agree with Cleeds.  The Ref 5SE does not incorporate a phono stage, and its "phono" input differs from its other inputs in name only, and is intended to receive the line-level output of an external phono stage.

Regards,
-- Al

Any decent phono stages you all could recommend? My budget for phone stage, turn table, and MM cartridge is about $4K.  Second hand on Audiogon is fine by me. Your expertise is greatly appreciated.