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

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. 

The Gold Note PH-10 phono stage has received a good deal of favorable commentary here, although I have no experience with it.  And it would provide you with LOMC capability as well as MM capability, should you eventually decide to go to an LOMC cartridge.  I believe it lists for about $1700 in the USA. 

I'm not familiar with turntable/tonearm/cartridge combinations that would fit within your budget in combination with a phono stage in that price range, and that would do justice to your excellent preamp.  Perhaps others will provide such suggestions.

Good luck.  Regards,
-- Al
  

Thanks Al. I totally understand. Ive read too many threads where "experts" believe digital audio is the way to go (where im at). Somehow a part of me is just really really curious!!