Audio Research PH3 Phono Preamp With Siemens NOS Tubes, Owner
Item History & Price
| Reference Number: Avaluer:7029883 | Model: PH3 Phono Preamp |
| Brand: Audio Research | UPC: Does not apply |
Original ownerAudio Research PH3 phono preamp with Siemens NOS (new old stock) E88CC (6922equivalent) tubes. This was an awesome preamp when I purchased it about 20years ago and it has never given me any problems. It’s a workhorse that willprobably go another 20 years. When I replaced the three Sovtek 6922 tubes with the Siemens NOS tubes from the early sixties, the preamp became dead quiet and the sound improved remarkably.I purchased these tubes for $100 each about a year ago and h...ave put perhaps 800to 1, 000 hours on them. They are rated for 5, 000 hours, but this preamp isreally easy on tubes. I have changed them very few times since I purchased the PH3. One advantage of the PH3 over later model ARC phono stages (PH5, 7, 9) is that newer models use standard Sovtek 6H30 tubes that cannot be "rolled" for higher sound quality NOS tubes. The PH3 was listed as a class A phono preamp when reviewed in Stereophile.I am includingthe original manual with the parts necessary to change the load impedance tomatch various moving magnet and moving coil cartridges. I have used it as originally configured at 47K ohmsfor a standard moving magnet cartridge. I do not have the original box, butwill have it packed carefully by professionals. If you’re lookingfor a clear and present and immediate sound with any kind of music, you can’t beat this ARCPH3 with anything else until you approach $2, 000, and there are some $2, 000phono stages that sound absolutely restrained compared to the PH3.
