Any Audio Research PH 8 Owners Out There?

[Still-One]

I was just wondering if there are any AR PH 8 owners out there? As many of you know I am not a big analog proponent but I do want to maintain that capability for the occasional spin. I have not been happy with either the phono stage in the 2300 or the Pro-Ject Phono Box RS so I started looking for a reasonably priced unit to fill my needs. I decided to bring home a PH 8 today and give it a try. So far the unit sounds pretty good. I do wish it had a smaller form factor like the ProJect Unit.

Any comments from owners out there.

[ChrisAZ]

I hate to be non responsive to your question, but have you checked out the Esoteric E-03 Phono Pre being offered by Ivan in the Marketplace new at a substantial discount? I bought one myself a few weeks ago and it is fabulous. Chris.

[NOLG4EVR]

Originally Posted by Still-One

I was just wondering if there are any AR PH 8 owners out there? As many of you know I am not a big analog proponent but I do want to maintain that capability for the occasional spin. I have not been happy with either the phono stage in the 2300 or the Pro-Ject Phono Box RS so I started looking for a reasonably priced unit to fill my needs. I decided to bring home a PH 8 today and give it a try. So far the unit sounds pretty good. I do wish it had a smaller form factor like the ProJect Unit. Any comments from owners out there.

I also was not happy with the phono stage in my 2300 and when I purchased a Ref5se I also bought the PH8. It was pretty good in my system but it has no gain adjustments and my lomc cartridge was not a great match. I think with the proper cartridge match my results would have better.
I have since sold it and moved on. At that price point there are many choices.

[Still-One]

Chris
I have considered that option for several years now. If this doesn't pan put I may take another look at that alternative.

[cmalak]

Jim...another option to consider is the Zesto Andros phono. Lots if flexibility. Great sound. A bit cheaper than PH-8 and just as accomplished. A bit smaller too. Many positive reviews as well as owner feedback. Many here on AA own it as well. Another option to consider.

[ChrisAZ]

Originally Posted by Still-One

Chris I have considered that option for several years now. If this doesn't pan put I may take another look at that alternative.

Jim: The reason I raised the E-03 is that although it is the width and depth of a standard component, it is not very tall, does not run hot, is easy to set up, and offers a lot of flexibility. Those features seemed to address some of your concerns with the PH8. The fact that it sounds great and has a great soundstage and imaging doesn't hurt either. I had been considering an ARC phono pre myself when I got the Esoteric. Chris

[Ritmo]

Originally Posted by cmalak

Jim...another option to consider is the Zesto Andros phono. Lots if flexibility. Great sound. A bit cheaper than PH-8 and just as accomplished. A bit smaller too. Many positive reviews as well as owner feedback. Many here on AA own it as well. Another option to consider.

the Zesto is a wonderfully sounding unit for a very reasonable price.

[dkrm]

I use PH8 before and I think it is a good unit just like many ARC products. However, I dont think it is any better than phonostage inside C1000T that I used as preamp esp when I use telefunken tube.

[Still-One]

Originally Posted by dkrm

I use PH8 before and I think it is a good unit just like many ARC products. However, I dont think it is any better than phonostage inside C1000T that I used as preamp esp when I use telefunken tube.

I have already had a C1000. I don't really want a two or three box pre-amp again.

[George Prentice]

I own a PH8. I really like the ARC sound. The PH8 is quiet and dynamic and fast. It is a great sounding phono stage. I have a couple thousand LPs, that I wanted to be able to play. I use a VPI Aries, with a Van de Hull Frog. I think it is a great sounding preamp for the money. I believe the turntable / cartridge have more to give, so the REF 2SE would be a better choice if I was more committed to my vinyl. I have always found the phone stage to be the weak link in the chain. If I get more committed to my vinyl I'll probably upgrade. But you sound like me, I want vinyl to sound good, but it isn't what I play most of the time.