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.
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.