Audio Research PH-3SE Special Edition Tube Phono Preamp, Complete Kit

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We can't seem to keep any phono preamps in stock, and I suspect this SE piece will go quick.

Factory configured with a 47K Cartridge loading and a resistor kit from Audio Research is included.

If you'd like the phono stage preconfigured for your cartridge before shipping, please contact us before making your purchase and we're happy to configure.

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The higher-cost PH3 Special Edition is identical in circuit design to the standard PH3 phono preamplifier, with the exception that more than 100 different parts upgrades have been made to the SE version, including costly Infinicaps in both audio circuits and power supply regulators, high-performance soft-recovery rectifiers, Holco resistors in key locations, gold tube sockets, proprietary Audio Research damping rings, extended chassis damping, and more.

The sonic improvements are significant in every respect, yielding better soundstage focus, more musical bloom and richness, greater dynamic expression and more impact and control at the frequency extremes. A factory upgrade program for standard PH3 owners is also available.

The PH3 is a phono preamplification stage intended for use with an active line-level stereo preamplifier. Fully single-ended from input to output, the PH3 uses a combination of J-FET input stage technology (for low inherent circuit noise) and class A operation vacuum-tube gain via three 6922 twin triodes. Total gain of the PH3 is 54 dB (non-adjustable). Used with typical line preamplifiers having 12 to 18 dB of gain, the PH3 is suitable for phono cartridges having .25 mV output or higher. Input impedance is factory-set at 47K ohms, and input capacitance at 90 pF.

For optimal matching to moving-coil and moving-magnet phono cartridges, both input impedance and input capacitance may be adjusted via simple resistor and capacitor changes.

A resistor kit (with solder) is supplied for proper loading values between 30 and 800 ohms. Additional resistor values and capacitors may be ordered from the factory.

On the rear panel, the PH3 provides one pair of gold-plated, audiophile-grade single-ended connectors for L & R inputs, and one pair for outputs.

High-quality single-ended interconnects such as Audio Research LitzLink 2 brand are strongly recommended for best sonic performance with the PH3.

Audio Research PH-3SE Special Edition Tube Phono Preamp - Manual

Specifications:

FREQUENCY RESPONSE

±.15dB of RIAA, 10Hz to 60kHz. 3dB points below 0.5Hz and above 400kHz

DISTORTION (THD)

Less than .005% at .50V RMS 1kHz output

NOISE & HUM

0.1µV equivalent input noise, IHF weighted, shorted input (80 dB below 1mV 1kHz input)

GAIN

54dB at 1kHz (MC & MM compatible)

INPUT IMPEDANCE

47K ohms and 90pF Unbalanced. (Provisions for any value below 47K ohms or added input capacitance for matching certain magnetic cartridges.)

OUTPUT IMPEDANCE

200 ohms Unbalanced. Recommended load 50K-100K ohms and 100pF. (10K ohms minimum and 2000pF maximum.)

MAXIMUM INPUTS

60mV RMS at 1kHz (240 mV RMS at 10kHz)

RATED OUTPUTS

.50V RMS 10Hz to 60kHz, 100K ohm load (output capability is 30V RMS output at 1/2% THD at 1kHz).

POWER SUPPLIES

Electronically-regulated low and high voltage supplies. Line regulation better than .01%

TUBE COMPLEMENT

(3) 6922/E88CC dual triodes with JFET input. Solid state power supply.

POWER REQUIREMENTS

100-135VAC 60Hz (200-270VAC 50/60Hz) 28 watts maximum. Line fuse 0.6A SLO BLO (0.3A SLO BLO 230V)

DIMENSIONS

19" (48 cm) W x 5 ¼" (13.4 cm) H (standard rack panel) x 10 ¼" (26 cm) D. Handles extend 1½" (3.8 cm) forward of front panel. Rear chassis fittings extend ¾" (2.2 cm)

WEIGHT

PH3: 10 lbs. (4.5 kg) Net; 19 lbs. (8.6 kg) Shipping. PH3 SE: 11 lbs. (5.0 kg) Net; 20 lbs. (9.1 kg) Shipping.

Please click here for detailed specifics regarding our specialized packing process that separates us from the rest.