ARC Ref phono stage.

That question comes with its own bulls-eye target. The answer to your question of "whether I would experience all of the sound of the phono stage," is: "beauty is in the eye of the beholder." Or in "audiophile-speak," let your own ears be the judge.

Assuming that your turntable, arm, and cartridge are close to the level of the AR system, my answer will be absolutely. But remember that the dealer's system is possibly not like yours, so there will be differences at home. However, AR reference phone is very nice indeed. I heard it with AR REF 250 amps, REF 5SE pre-amp and Wilson $200,000 Speakers and they were wonderful. TT was SME's top of the line. Wow!

Assuming you'd be willing to buy from your dealer if you like it, see if you can get your dealer to lend it to you for a few days, then you'll be able to hear what it sounds like in your home. I see a few dealers selling their demos right now, maybe your dealer would sell his to you.

The dealer doesn't let the reference products go out for demo. I've always enjoyed it there, and my TT, arm, and cartridge were purchased as a demo from the reference room, so my set up does do well with it. Anyway, market tanked last two days, so I'll have to wait

At this price level it's ridiculous for the dealer not to allow an in home trial of at least a couple of days.