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ARC ph1 compared to ph3

I have a Audio Research PH1 would like to know how the PH3 sounds in comparsion. Ph1 is an solid state unit, Ph3 is a tube unit which would suggest not as bright sounding, warmer,ect. How about detail, soundstage ect. My analog gear needs some updating. This is just somewhat of a MAY redo process, as I do not have alot of Analog {150-200 albums} and very few places besides mail order to buy them. My TT is a music hall mm5. I listen to rebook cd and sacd mostly because I have never been able to obtain the sound on my TT without spending big bucks. Just a modest upgrade.
brouch
salectric
755 posts
 
I owned a PH-1 for several years. The preamp had a consistent sound character----lean bass, no warmth or richness, and a bright treble with a slight edge and grain. I haven't heard a PH-3, but according to a review in Listener magazine it was less solid state sounding.
hi_hifi
120 posts
 
A PH2 and a EAR 834P would worthy considerations. If your budget permits, listen to the PH5 it is a big improvement over the PH3SE. The PH5 is very defined and musical and never fatiguing. Plus it has a very handy remote controllable method of switching cartridge impedances.
brouch OP
84 posts
 
Has the PH5 been released to the public yet. Last time I knew, ARC was about to release it. What is the tube configuriation in the ph5? What about Gain ?
Thanks,
Brian
gmorris
351 posts
 
I agree with JaFox.

The ARC PH2 is one of the best products from ARC but least known. I purchased one new circa 1995. I have auditioned several new "super" phono preamps in my system, however I have not felt compelled to replace my PH2. It posesses all of the attributes described by JaFox and some.

It is a steal on the used market in terms of performance. It is also very reliable. I have never experienced any problems in the 10 years that I have used it.

The PH2 is vastly superior to the PH1 and the PH3. I would prefer the PH3 to the PH1. the PH1 is lean and not very musical.
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