To reproduce the sound on an LP you must use either a built-in or stand alone phono preamp. Basically a phono pre-amp does two things. One, it converts the information embedded in the groove according to something called the RIAA (Recording Industry Association of America) curve. The curve is used during the cutting of LP's to compress the signal at its frequency extremes. Two, it amplifies the very low level signal produced by the phono cartridge. A cartridge's stylus riding in the groove generates a very faint signal. If you put your ear close to a record while it's playing you can hear it.
Back when turntables were the only game in town all stereo preamps, integrated amps and receivers had built-in phono pre-amps. When the popularity and availability of LP records waned manufacturers dropped the phono sections from their products. So nowadays systems with turntables use stand alone phono pre-amps.
Back when turntables were the only game in town all stereo preamps, integrated amps and receivers had built-in phono pre-amps. When the popularity and availability of LP records waned manufacturers dropped the phono sections from their products. So nowadays systems with turntables use stand alone phono pre-amps.