Audio Research PH-2 Phono Stage

PH-2 is by all means the worst sounding phono amp ever produced by anyone despite its original high price tag ($2450). It has only 48dB gain and you cannot adjust the load. It only supports XLR in/out. Worst of all, it sounds rather poorly. Edgy high and exaggerated bass and mid-bass. I unfortunately owned one for a brief moment and got rid off it after losing 40% of what I paid which is quite significant in the used market. For under $1K, PH3 is a far better choice choice although it also has relatively low gain.

Once again, Jafox's comment of PH2 proves one person's poison could be another's roses.

I do, however, agree with Jafox's impression on PH3's forwardness. PH3 is by no means a very spacious sounding phono-stage versus, say, the Reference Phono or Aesthetix Io. However, for small scale works, PH3 can truely bring intimacy to your system.

I owned PH2, tried PH3 and Reference Phono extensively but now stick with Nagra PL-P for its simplicity and overall tonal balance. Nonetheless, I do feel PH3 holds good value in sub-$1000 catagory.

My strategy is simple - buy used gear, try it, decide if I like it and sell it quickly if I don't. When it comes to sonic preference, no one can give you any advice.