Does Intel iMac need imic to transfer vinyl LPs?

I'm a new Intel iMac owner seeking to transfer vinyl LP collection onto CDs. Can't figure out if I need the Griffin imic device, or if the newer Intel iMac can receive phonograph audio just by plugging my stereo receiver into the computer's audio-in port. (Obviously haven't tried yet, don't have the proper cord.)
The Intel iMac has an 'audio in/optical audio in' port. Does that mean I don't need any other hardware to do the job? And if I don't need imic and its related software (Final Vinyl) can GarageBand digitize my LPs and create tracks etc.?
Cheers,
TIA

*****Life is short; judgment is difficult*****

You don't need the iMic; all it does is give you the port you already have. It was made for older Macs (like my PMG4) that don't have audio-in jacks.

GarageBand will do the job too (I used it to capture some audio from my iPod's headphone jack when I'd forgotten to bring in a track for a friend's radio project... luckily the radio studio had the right cable).

Levi said:

You don't need the iMic; all it does is give you the port you already have. It was made for older Macs (like my PMG4) that don't have audio-in jacks.

GarageBand will do the job too (I used it to capture some audio from my iPod's headphone jack when I'd forgotten to bring in a track for a friend's radio project... luckily the radio studio had the right cable).

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Great help. And I too love Koalas. Imagine if humans also lived such harmless lives, and just ate and slept, and kept silent. Eden!

what type of table? I believe that phono out requires some sory of signal amplification and a ground. Not sure about that though.

I have the basic Sony turntable you can pick up at Best Buy for $100. I had the amp switch in on mode and use an adapter I picked up at Radio Shack for $5 that converts the audio RCA connections (red and white) and converts them to the mini phone connection the iMac uses. I used the app that comes with Toast. It's really easy to use.
Bryan