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Audio Research PH6 Phono Stage - How is it?

I know most of Audio Research stuff is top end with little complaints about anything they make. I like tube gear and have more of a preference for the tube sound but looking for a phono stage with little noise. I know the PH8 reference phono stage is a true reference standard but way out of my price range. So that brings me to the PH6, which retails for around $3,500. Not too many reviews on this one and hasn't been compared to other phono stages at a similar price point. There are some good competition at this price, especially the Herron VTPH2, which is also a great phono stage. Does anyone have any information about the PH6?

My current system is Primaluna Dialogue HP Integrated Amp, VPI Prime turntable, Ortofon Quintet Black MC cartridge, Sonus Faber Olympica III speakers. Much appreciation!
djfst
zd542
5,339 posts
 
I've been reading some of your threads, and what you're attempting to do is very risky. I know that you are new to high end audio, but going by reviews and opinions is not good enough. Generally speaking, as you go up the ladder with high end components, they become more detailed and specialized. And that makes them much more difficult to match. If you want to be successful, this is something you have to do yourself. Components don't always sound like they say they do in the magazines.

I won't tell you what to do, but I would recommend that you take your time, and not rush into anything.
djfst OP
169 posts
 
Zd542, not sure what people in my position are to do. If you don't have any local audio shops to listen in person or demo, cannot bring stuff home on a loan, what else do you do but ask in forums, read reviews, talk to stores/reps over the phone who are familiar with your system, and then buy? I hear what you're saying though, but I don't' see how else to match. You could buy cheap stuff first, but I would still be in the same boat trying to match stuff I've never heard in my actual system. This is a major problem in high end audio without brook and mortar stores.
misternice's avatar
misternice
339 posts
 
Hi I haven't herd it.Guarrenteed to be a winner..
noromance's avatar
noromance
9,699 posts
 
One thing to keep in mind is ease of tube rolling. Very often, changing out generic new tubes with high quality old tubes can lift the performance of an amp and even change the way the amp sounds.
bpoletti
1,545 posts
 
Any phono stages under consideration need(s) to have a head-to-head with a Herron VTPH-2. In my experience, at that price point, the Herron beats every other phono stage. Also, IMO, the Herron competes favorably with any other phono stage regardless of price.

So my suggestion is to make that comparison. I'd call Keith Herron to investigate what arrangements he might be able to make to let you make that comparison in your system.
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