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Is Audio Research PH3 phono the best for today's price?

It is know that for the analogue setup we can get Audio Research PH3 phono preamp for bellow $1k. Is there any better phono in this price range on the audio market?
I am currently auditioning one in my solid-state setup and I think that I should try something else to compare?
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Showing 3 responses by marakanetz

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marakanetz OP
5,473 posts
 
It seems to me that PH3 needs a freequent retubing like a baby needs its diaper changed. You change the tubes every 1.5 years -- it feels better and sounds more open and faster.
Any thoughts?
marakanetz's avatar
marakanetz OP
5,473 posts
 
Bingo! What is the best way to get high quality tubes? Their retail price is usually $100 each. I can see that some of them go off ebay for $25-30 a piece. Are these tubes fake? In fact I do not know how to distinguish real ones.
marakanetz's avatar
marakanetz OP
5,473 posts
 
By the way, I've compared Black Cube with power supply upgrades($900) in the demo room with AR PH3 on couple of jazz and rock vinyls -- AR outperforms in both cases. Phonomena lays back even with battery power supply to both Black Cube and AR as well. The only one I know is Pass Ono which is rare and costly.
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