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ARC PH3

I am thinking of purchasing the PH3 phono pre-amp from ARC. I currently have an SP-9 and I was informed that I could use the 9 as a line stage and the PH3 as the phone. Has anyone done this? How does this work? I only use vinyl and thefore do not need a line stage pre-amp.
rdaversae43c
ralphwallace8191
1 posts
 
Is yours an earlier generation SP-9? If so, you might alternately pursue updating to the MK-III version which improves both the line and phono stages. I recently updated my MK-II by ARC and notice quite a difference. Definition and dynamics are improved throughout, especially at the low end. Bass is more detailed revealing greater "texture".
timo's avatar
timo
610 posts
 
I would recommend trying 3 Tophat tube dampers from Rightway Audio on the three 6922s in this piece. Not a particularly cheap tweek (about $150), but you'll smile when you hear this unit after installation. MusicDirect of Chicago, IL sells these.
captain
81 posts
 
I agree, the SP9 MK111 WAS AUDIO RESEARCH'S BEST hybrid preamp with a phono stage.I never had a shootout between the MK111 and the SP9 with the ph3.Upgrade from sp9 to sp9mk111 is $995.00 including new tubes. the same price give or take for a used PH3 PLUS the extra set of quality inter connects.personally I would buy a used all tube design SP6 preamp. regards,RICH
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