Right. Its all analog. There is no digital at any point. The signal in the record groove is analog, but it is equalized with bass way down and treble way up in what is called RIAA equalization. Its also very low level (volume). You can play a record back without a phono stage but it will not be very loud and it will sound tinny with no bass. The phono stage amplifies this weak signal and equalizes it to sound right. Its one of the most essential and difficult things to do in all of audio because the signal is so weak and involves so much EQ.
The phono stage is all analog. But it can be all tube, part tube and part solid state, or all solid state. It can be a separate component or it can be a card or circuit built into a pre-amp or integrated amp. There's a lot of different ways to do it, and that may be where some of the confusion is coming from.
One amp or phono stage differs from another tremendously. Because of the tremendous gain and EQ its one of the widest ranges of sound you will find and makes a huge improvement when you get it right.
The phono stage is all analog. But it can be all tube, part tube and part solid state, or all solid state. It can be a separate component or it can be a card or circuit built into a pre-amp or integrated amp. There's a lot of different ways to do it, and that may be where some of the confusion is coming from.
One amp or phono stage differs from another tremendously. Because of the tremendous gain and EQ its one of the widest ranges of sound you will find and makes a huge improvement when you get it right.