Thanks Fatboy.
A bit more info I just found on another HiFi forum
'A record player cannot be plugged directly into a standard aux/CD/tape/DVD etc.,... socket. As Dev points out an additional 'phono stage' or 'phono preamp is required'.
This preamp can come in 1 of 3 forms:
1. Built into the integrated amplifier of the hifi system (the Azur 640 can, I think, be fitted with an optional 'phono stage', but does not come with one as standard);
2. A separate stand alone box (usually the size of somewhere between a large match box and a small shoe box) or;
3. Occasionally in recent times built into the record deck itself. The Marantz TT42 does not have this, if Richer Sounds are doing this themselves, I'd be inetersted to know which phono-stage they are fitting.
The phono stage makes a considerable difference to the sound of the turntable (along with the cartridge, it is the most important part of the vinyl circuitry). This is why vinyl fans will want to progress eventually to option 2 (a separate stand alone box). This allows one to upgrade to an better sounding vinyl system.
However, in answer to your question: NO. If the turntable has a built in phono preamp you will not need another to play your records. However, you may wish one day to 'upgrade' your phono stage to achieve a better sound.
DF
P.S./footnote This need for a separate preamp is mainly because the signal from a record player is minute. Indeed it is likely to be the smallest votage in one's house. It is created simply by the movement of the magnet relative to the coil (or visa-versa in a moving coil cartridge) inside the cartridge of the record player as determined by the stylus needle passing over the vinyl groove of the record.
There is no other active circuity in the arm of a record player. In fact, if you disconnect your record player from the mains and turn the record on the platter by hand the record player's cartridge will generate the signal in exactly the same way.
The phono stage also adds some EQ to the equation in the form of standard RIAA.'
