It's not necessary to have a phono input, but it does help. If your going to go straight into one of your LINE or AUX inputs, you will need to route your turntable into a PHONO PRE-AMP. This is a small box that amplifies the signal on turntables, and is made specifically for receivers/amplifiers that do not have PHONO INPUTS (which are amplified inputs).
I found that www.1200s.com has 2 phono pre-amps under $30 which would work fine. You can also try your local Radio Shack, although don't expect the greatest quality. Found a couple on Amazon.com as well, ranging in price from 20-100.
Mark
May 2006