As I understood it, the PH-2 was built to be matched with their current (at that time) linestage, the LS-5. The LS-5, in hindsight can be considered a bit rich/lush compared ot other designs (although it is a personal flavour thing), but since the LS-5 gave such magnificent air, soundstage, etc, matching it up with a neutral, quiet and extended at both ends, phono stage made sense for system synergy. I have had mine for years, going into a Reference 1 (and now a Reference 5) preamp, and have always loved its revealing and dynamic sound. (I do use a single ended MCP-2 head amp in front of it, for my Shelter 901). As for the merits of being balanced, a phono cartridge, by design is balanced, you have a hot and a cold for left and right, and then your (common) ground, so in the end, which is better (rca or XLR), comes down to design execution, which includes carefully matching parts. Blah, blah, blah. :D
My take on the PH-2, was that it was revealing and dynamic, which is just what I wanted in a phono stage when I bought it.
Rdr4b has it right, study the prices of the usedd gear you want, play with it, and if it is not your thing, flip it. If you look at the quest for your perfect sound as a journey (to be enjoyed along the way), and not just a destination, flipping the odd piece of gear here and there is part of the fun.
Please let us know what you get and how it works.
My take on the PH-2, was that it was revealing and dynamic, which is just what I wanted in a phono stage when I bought it.
Rdr4b has it right, study the prices of the usedd gear you want, play with it, and if it is not your thing, flip it. If you look at the quest for your perfect sound as a journey (to be enjoyed along the way), and not just a destination, flipping the odd piece of gear here and there is part of the fun.
Please let us know what you get and how it works.