Receiver with no phono input: Solutions?

The inputs; tape, aux1, aux2, etc. or however they are labeled on the back should be all the same as far as impedence. A phono preamp does only two things differently than these imputs-

RIAA curve correction which means it corrects for a very non flat frequency response that a cartridge produces from vinyl.
The phono preamp will also ampliflies the ever so tiny signal that the cartridge produces.

The end game is that an external phono amplifier may with RCA plugs go into your input of choice and work fine.

Any corrections to this by other members would be welcomed.

It is no more complicated than placing this phono stage "preamp" a device between your TT out put RCAs and the input into an aux on your reciever. That's all there is to it.
Again buy a phono preamp connect you tt output to the phono preamp's input the connect it's out put with a second set of interconnect RCAs to your reciever's aux input. When you want to play your TT switch your reciever to the aux input you chose play and enjoy.
As for improvements thats another matter.
You could decide to go with an entry level "High End" TT like a used Rega or Music Hall. Hopefully with a decent cartridge included probably a MM. Then use a well regarded phono stage (preamp) like a Graham Slee for instance, amongst many other choices. Use your reciever set up for now and see if that improvement satisifies you.
Unfortunately you are going to have to immerse yourself in basic modern day analaog to guide yourself more accurately. It is some work but you will get it after a while don't fret.

Make it easy on yourself! Here are some low-cost, decent sounding options: (http://www.audioadvisor.com/prodinfo.asp?number=THTD170) (http://www.audioadvisor.com/prodinfo.asp?number=MFVLPS) Those will be a no-travel, no-risk deal as well: (http://www.audioadvisor.com/testimonials.asp) I'd recommend these(excellent for the cost) interconnects: (http://www.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/cls.pl?cablintr&1296541165&/Kimber-Hero-1-Meter-Pair-WBT-0) OR, at least these: (http://www.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/cls.pl?cablintr&1296535601&/Kimber-Kable-PBJ-1-meter-rca-m) Used turntables and cartridges are some of the higher-risk items, as far as audio is concerned(fragile/easily abused).

Thanks everyone for your responses...thats so much easier to understand than what I was reading and trying to figure out.

Thanks for the recommendations Rodman99999. Now I've got a great starting point within my budget.

It's so nice being able to share my frustrations and to get simple and easily understandable solutions.

Thanks again everyone!

all great advice. if you have worn records due to a sub par turntable get ready to spend some money on new lps because you might be annoyed by surface wear noise. i find lots of great lps for 25 cents at flea markets but every once in a while i get one that is not playeable. if you don,t have a good record cleaning strategy read up on this too. for good sound i am looking at a rega or project with the music fidelity phono preamp and their ortofon installed cartridge. this would run around 550 dollars new. good luck