Is a Built-In Phono Preamp Good Enough?

For anyone getting into vinyl—or getting back into it after years away—the question comes up fast: Is the built-in phono preamp in my turntable or amplifier actually good enough? Manufacturers often advertise “phono stage included” as a major convenience. Just plug the turntable in, select Phono, and you’re spinning records in minutes. But audiophiles have