Is Audio Research PH3 phono the best for today's price?

By the way, I've compared Black Cube with power supply upgrades($900) in the demo room with AR PH3 on couple of jazz and rock vinyls -- AR outperforms in both cases. Phonomena lays back even with battery power supply to both Black Cube and AR as well. The only one I know is Pass Ono which is rare and costly.

I've had good success with the Mod Squad Phono Drive, which you can pick up used for about $400. Amazingly open, detailed and smooth and very flexible (adjustable loading and an active gain stage which can be used or not (via jumpers). I've heard the External Power Supply version is even better, if you can find one.

I got a set of Amperex tubes from Upscale. I also have Amperex in my Ref phono stage which replaced the PH3.