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EAR 834P vs. Audio Research PH-3

I am currently using a EAR 834P as my phono stage and have thought about trying the Audio Research PH3 but don't know whether it would be worth it. Any thoughts?

I would be running it with an AES AE-3 (or a Melos 110b if I can't sell it) and an AES SE 1 sig. using the 300B. Also, I am using a Benz Micro Glider HO on a VPI Jr. and the rewired Rega RB300 arm.

Thanks for all your help!
jeffrey
pluto_4
marakanetz's avatar
marakanetz
5,473 posts
 
Cpdunn,

The main thought that if the tubes are not changed PH is much higher above.

If you change the tubes for NOS or some other equivalents you might come a-bit higher but I bet wouldn't rich half-way.

It's true that PH is less affected if tubes are changed since the output stage is MOSFET.
cpdunn99's avatar
cpdunn99
639 posts
 
Thanks for those opinions, Marakanetz!

I have an EAR coming in the post soon, and the tubes were traded out for telefunkens. I'm not sure what it is going to sound like, but there are as many opinions about tubes as about the equipment itself!
marakanetz's avatar
marakanetz
5,473 posts
 
I tend to say that upkeep with NOS tubes for EAR is more expencive than in PH3.
rwd
695 posts
 
Marakanetz....I've heard from a friend that changing the tubes in the ARC PH3 to NOS makes a BIG difference!!! He changed to Seimens......!!!!
marakanetz's avatar
marakanetz
5,473 posts
 
tubes in these phonos work in different regime of operations in EAR case tubes are output and in PH3 case tubes are only driving.
IN PH3 there are only three tubes and in EAR probably 4 or more.
That's why I pointed out that upkeep is more expencive for EAR.
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