Audio Research PH 7 or PH 6

Jtimothya, I think we're probably on the same page about the PH-7, even as it compared to the Ref Phono 2 (not SE). Here's an excerpt from TAB review you kindly cited:

"Comparing the PH7 with the Reference Phono 2 confirmed what an excellent value the PH7 is, while acknowledging that, at twice its price, the Reference Phono 2 had the sonic chops to warrant it as no poster child for the high-end’s law of diminishing returns. I heard no order-of-magnitude difference for any single sonic attribute, yet in sum the Reference Phono 2 was clearly the more refined product on every level."

My read is that the reviewer clearly tipped his hat for the PH-7, while acknowledging the improvements in overall refinement of the Ref Phono 2. What's really nice about the Ref Phono is that it can match up with very low output MC cartridges and has flexibility that the PH-7/8 just doesn't have.

As I said above, and not to quibble here, wherever the PH-7 holds as compared to the Ref Phono 2, IMO, the PH-8 is not much better. Does the PH-8 really nip at the Ref Phono 2's sonic heels?? Not sure.

But the PH-7 is no schlepper, not by any measure. If I had it to do over again, I'm not sure I would have dropped the cash for the PH-8, but that's me. Btw, I've recently seen a Ref Phono 2 for sale at a very attractive price. If I kept my cash dry, I might have jumped from the PH-7 to the Ref Phono 2. Maybe another day -- not today.

Bifwynne - Yes I think we agree about the PH7. And yes flexible gain (and equalization curves) are nice additions in the RP2. I see you have a Ref 5SE, so you know what the Ref Phono 2SE sounds like!

Thanks Jtimothya. Well, can't exactly say I know what the RF 2 (SE) sounds like because I've never done a serious listen to the RF 2 (SE or non-SE versions). Having said that, I do know something about the Ref 3, Ref 5 and Ref 5 SE linestages, having owned all three at one time or another.

Frankly, I wasn't bowed-over when I switched out the Ref 3 for the Ref 5. However, I think the SE version of the Ref 5 was an improvement. I surmise the same would be the case between the Ref Phone 2 and the upgraded SE version.

The SE versions of the Ref 5 and Ref Phono 2 incorporate improved Teflon coupling caps, a doubling of the power supply and several other circuit and component changes. IMO, the Ref 5 SE is a better sounding pre as compared to the non-SE version. As stated, I suspect the RF 2 SE shares the same sonic improvements as its sibling.

Based on experiences with various ARC components, if I had to make a knee-jerk guess about the PH-6 and PH-7, I would take shot at the PH-7. IMO, it's a champ.

Thanks for all of the response.

It looks like I will be going with The PH 7.

Is there a reason why the Herron VTPH-2 isn't under consideration?