PH7 or PH3 phonostage ?
 

I didn't find a mention about the PH-7 or PH-3. I'm considering switching up from an Audio Alchemy PPA-1 using a Soundsmith Zephyr MK III cartridge. Aside from being a difference of SS to tube, would these be a significant upgrade? Hopefully someone will have some experience with either phono stage.

I had a PH-8 and thought it was extremely detailed and provided a really large sound stage ... I upgraded from a less expensive Heed phono preamp which was very decent for the money. That said I also used a Soundsmith Zephyr with the PH-8 and it was a great match. I'd imagine the PH-7 would also be a great match. I'd say go for it!

George

Thank you for the reply. How was the lower end?

I had a ARC PH-8 and moved onto to the Esoteric E-03 and was happy with that decision.

The E-03 is definitely a pre that I can work up to if one surfaces. The E-03x is a little out of my price range right now.

Is there a E-03x? I thought the step up was the E-02 with balanced outputs.

I'm not 100% familiar with the model number progression of the brand, but there's one for sale here:https://www.audioaficionado.org/showthread.php?t=44882

and I thought I saw a post somewhere saying it was the next model.. but I've looked at so many phono stages online this afternoon, I can't find where I read it.

I think that is the C03x pre-amp. :D

Yep your right.. I've really been at this too long today. What was it about the ARC that made you trade it out?

I felt the PH8 sounded a bit muddy and didn’t give me sufficient gain unless I raised the volume on my pre-amp.