Hi John,
Yes, my e-mail should be working. I'm using AOL, so there might be an issue. I'll find one of your e-mails and reply. I haven't heard the PHI series, but I'm assuming that they are much better with upgraded parts, etc. The Musicblocs I have are discontined. I have the earlier single-ended only version. At the time, balanced inputs could be included for an additional $500.00, I think. The next generation of Musicblocs came stock with the balanced outputs.