I am quite aware that every gain stage changes the polarity. However, I wasn't sure how many gain stages the PH-3SE has. And most preamps do state whether they invert phase or not.
As for 6550C complaining about the ARC PH-3, many phono sections require the insertion of resistors to change loading. Others require you to remove the top cover and flip a bunch of switches. ARC just requires you to solder them in place as obviously they feel any other means is a comprimise in sound quality.
Having owned a McIntosh C2300 preamp, I am a little leary of the swiss army knife approach to preamps. Yes, it was cool to switch cartridge loading from your seat with the remote, but I was not fond of the C2300 in general and the phono section in particular. I got rid of this preamp because I just didn't think it sounded very good. I can tell you the ARC PH-3SE is a way better phono preamp than the C2300. I am using it with an ARC LS-17 and I find the combination to be outstanding so far.
And lastly, I don't know of many stand alone phono stages that allow you to flip phase. 6550 stated that he would look for a phono stage that has a lot more to offer. That is fine and I understand that comment. However, I am fine with the trade-offs that the ARC PH-3SE has. I will gladly make those trade-offs as long as it sounds great and it does. I paid $1100 from the original owner and it came with everything it did the day it was shipped from ARC and it is in great shape. Plus it has 3 Amperex 7308 gold pin tubes. I feel it offers outstanding value and sound quality for the money I paid.
