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EAR 834P vs. Audio Research PH-3

I am currently using a EAR 834P as my phono stage and have thought about trying the Audio Research PH3 but don't know whether it would be worth it. Any thoughts?

I would be running it with an AES AE-3 (or a Melos 110b if I can't sell it) and an AES SE 1 sig. using the 300B. Also, I am using a Benz Micro Glider HO on a VPI Jr. and the rewired Rega RB300 arm.

Thanks for all your help!
jeffrey
128x128pluto_4
pluto_4's avatar
pluto_4 OP
1 posts
 
Thanks to everyone for the input.

I wish I lived in the NY region so that I could compare, but I do not. I'm horrible at making decisions, but I think for the time being I will stick with the EAR and keep my eye out for a more affordable PH3

jeffrey
rwd
695 posts
 
Jeffrey....FYI.....the SE version is better then the regular PH....but not by a great deal. If you can find a regular 3 at a good price, snap it up. If, however, you see an SE at a resonable price...do the same!
cpdunn99's avatar
cpdunn99
639 posts
 
pluto,

have you tried rolling the tubes in the EAR? (hmmm....that could be taken as a rather kinky question!).
marakanetz's avatar
marakanetz
5,473 posts
 
Cpdunn,

The main thought that if the tubes are not changed PH is much higher above.

If you change the tubes for NOS or some other equivalents you might come a-bit higher but I bet wouldn't rich half-way.

It's true that PH is less affected if tubes are changed since the output stage is MOSFET.
cpdunn99's avatar
cpdunn99
639 posts
 
Thanks for those opinions, Marakanetz!

I have an EAR coming in the post soon, and the tubes were traded out for telefunkens. I'm not sure what it is going to sound like, but there are as many opinions about tubes as about the equipment itself!
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