IIRC, RIAA equalization had to do with the fact that ancient crystal (or ceramic) piezzoelectric pickups had output proportional to needle deflection, while modern dynamic (coil in magnetic field) pickups generate (much weaker) signal proportional to needle's speed. I don't remember whether vinyl record production process compensates for former or later.

Any self-respecting audiophile has separate external phono preamp
_________________________
Dragi "Bonzi" Raos Q#5196 MkII #080000376, 18GB green MkIIa #040103247, 60GB blue