Any experience with the Audio Research PH7?


Please describe other similiarly priced phono stages you've compared to the ARC PH7 and in what context. Thanks!
128x128rvlardon
03-01-07: Thomasheisig
"The best Audio Research is always the next model."

Why do you want to get the best ARC? As you said, it does not exist. Get one according to your taste now and be happy.
The best Audio Research is always the next model.
My experience indicates that this is often not the case.
I have just passed 500 hours on my PH-7. I moved up through the PH-3, PH-3SE and the PH-5. As great as the PH-5 was, the PH-7 makes all other before it sound broken.
What would be the minimum gain (MC Cartridges)that can be use on the PH7 with the REF3...i did have the PH5, but could not use anything below o.5mV...
IME, ARC PH7 has a bit lower than expected output gain for LOMC carts with 0.5-0.6mV output(5cm/sec @1kHz). However, it is still possible to use LOMCs if your pre amp can get the rest of the job done well(in other words, you may request more low noise amplification from your pre amp). Hopefully, it will not upset the existing tonal balance of your system.

For sure, it has its own sonic signature: a typical soft, tender, warm, tubey approach. It would be ideal for someone who look for more relaxed presentations, less fatigue for prolonged listening. Not for someone who look for more punch, fast solid tight bass, more body and weight, more dynamics from a phono stage.

The one I used also suffered from excessive background noise on left channel, which may be an individual incident.

In short, to choose PH7 or not very much depend on what you are looking for from a phono amp.

Good luck and VBR
Dan