I bought a used PH-3(900ish) and I think it sounds wonderful. Just the right mix of accuracy and tube warmth. I also heard the Lehman Black Cube ($500used - $700 new). Heard it. It's excellent but doesn't have any tube euphony like the AR. Small enough to hide behind a component.
The built in phono stages in the CAT SL, Ayre, and Audible illusions preamps are supposed to be great.
The built in phono stages in the CAT SL, Ayre, and Audible illusions preamps are supposed to be great.