R12 000.00
The Audio Research PH3 is a highly regarded, all-tube phono preamplifier manufactured in the 1990s. It features a Class-A vacuum-tube gain stage (using three 6922 twin triode tubes) and a low-noise J-FET input stage. It delivers 54 dB of non-adjustable gain, making it ideal for moving magnet (MM) and high-output moving coil (MC) cartridges.
Key Specifications
- Circuitry: Fully single-ended from input to output (Class-A)
- Gain: 54 dB
- Inputs/Outputs: 1x pair RCA inputs, 1x pair RCA outputs
- Tube Complement: Three 6922 twin triode tubes
- Loading: Factory-set at 47k ohms and 90 pF, adjustable via internal solder-in resistors
- MSRP: $1,995 (Original release in the mid-1990s)
PH3 vs. PH3 SE (Special Edition)
Audio Research also produced the PH3 SE (Special Edition), which featured upgraded, higher-grade capacitors and refined internal components, providing a slightly wider soundstage, improved transparency, and a lower noise floor compared to the standard PH3.
Cartridge Matching
With 54 dB of gain, the PH3 is optimized for MM cartridges or higher-output MC cartridges (typically ≥ 0.25 mV). If you want to use a low-output MC cartridge, you may need an external step-up transformer (SUT) or to adjust the internal loading with the provided resistor kit.
Reviews and Legacy
Audiophiles praise the PH3 for delivering a rich, dynamic, and “tube-like” midrange and soundstage without sacrificing the speed, air, and precision expected from high-end analog gear. Because it is a vintage solid-state/tube hybrid design, it represents the classic “Audio Research” house sound—forgiving and musical, yet highly resolving.