OK...I'm getting ready to buy a new Phono pre amp.

Good points Zaik and cmo.....I like the idea of on the spot and easy loading and gain setting. Although with my LS 25 and PH 3se I have a good amount of gain....possibly driving my Helikon with a bit more would help? I also have my PH 3se set at 47(?)....I think the helikon like 100...not sure.
I also have a Benz m2....
Finally, the PH 3se is a few yrs old (not ancient) and the Rhea is brand new...possibly better design....????
Are you possibly suggestin upgrading elsewhere?

I'm not suggesting anything, I was just curious what made you want to make this move, whether for instance you were dissatisfied with anything about the ARC (I don't have experience with either unit). It doesn't seem as if you've actually heard the Rhea, which for me would be a prerequisite before I 'wanted' to spend the amount of money involved. BTW, my B-M Glider M2 sounds best to me loaded at a few hundred ohms, and I agree that having easily adjusted loading/gain options is an attractive prospect.

Zaik....I like the PH 3se very much. Although the features in the Rhea are quit intriguing. I'd also like to add just a pinch of warmth (the ARC's are a hair light). However, you are totally correct. I plan to hear the Rhea in the system first!!! Want to come by when I have it installed for a listen?
P.S. Others welcomed too!!

Really all I am thinking is that you have a pretty good phono stage now, but like a lot of us the urge for something more is always there. From my experiences having owned a PH3se and a Sonic Frontiers SFP sig, and now an ARC Ref. I saw incremental jumps between all of them with a significant jump when switching to the Ref. Then again I went from a $2000 pre to one costing $7000. I have not heard the Rhea it could be REALLY great but listen first, a simple tube swap in the ARC might just do it for you too.

Thanks Cmo....I hope to pick up a demo unit this weekend. I'll give it a listen and report back.