Steve, I've had the PL3/5 combo for about 20 months. I listen mostly to small jazz groups, jazz vocalists, and classical, both orchestral, chamber and especially solo piano. I didn't go for the phono card in the PL3. I have an MC cartridge and I doubted that it would be a good fit. If I set up my phono again I'll get an outboard unit like the EAR 834P. I've set the PL3/5 combo up with a Raysonic 128 CDP and the combo has excellent synergy (with my speakers). Meets most audiophile requirements IME. Not too expensive. Errs a tad on the warm side of neutral.
However, as I indicated above, from my experience with the PL3 and 4 other amps, 1 ss and 3 tubed, I would not buy it (the PL3) w/o a PL amp unless I had an audition in my home with my stuff. The warning in the Stereophile review about impedence matching is right on. And, unless I was driving speakers with restricted bass I would not buy the PL5 with out the PL3. I tried 3 other preamps and the PL5 had 'no' bottom end. I still have not heard the PL6 or 7 and I find nothing in the reviews that make me want to buy them w/out hearing them first.
Don't misunderstand me, I really like the PL stuff (I also have a PL1) but I have some misgivings about buying the seperates on their individual merits.
Hope that helps a bit.
