Audio Research PH5 OR ?\\

JuanR
JuanR Posts: 718
in 2 Channel Audio
SOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO,

In my quest for the ultimate tube phono stage I have for years been eyeing a Manley Chinook and a Audio Research PH5 - any of you guys own either of these?
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  • JuanR
    JuanR Posts: 718
    My question was what are your thoughts on each? I know the rest of what you have attached to it matters and everyone's tastes are subjective but I'm looking for real owner testimonies... maybe even Parasound JC3 owners can chime in, also on my list...
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  • JuanR
    JuanR Posts: 718
    and yes I know the Parasound is Solid state..duh... :smiley:
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  • tratliff
    tratliff Posts: 1,701
    I have the Parasound in my system. I'm pretty new to vinyl but made a few hops along the way. The JC3 is very detailed and brought significant quality to my LP's. I am very happy with the purchase (trade).
    2 Channel Rosso Fiorentino Volterra II, 2 REL Carbon Limited, Norma Revo IPA-140B, Lumin U2 Mini, VPI Prime w/SoundSmith Zephyr MIMC, Modwright PH 150, Denon DP-59l w/Denon DL-301MKII, WAY Silver 3 Ana+ Speaker Cables, WAY Silver 4+ Interconnect Cables, AudioQuest Niagara 7000 w/Dragon and Hurricane Power Cables
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  • JuanR
    JuanR Posts: 718
    I have heard that the JC3 is a fantastic phono as well...have you tried a tube phono tratliff?
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  • tratliff
    tratliff Posts: 1,701
    I have not tried a tube phono...but do have a Cary slp-05 (tube pre/line stage) in front of the parasound. It's a great combination.
    2 Channel Rosso Fiorentino Volterra II, 2 REL Carbon Limited, Norma Revo IPA-140B, Lumin U2 Mini, VPI Prime w/SoundSmith Zephyr MIMC, Modwright PH 150, Denon DP-59l w/Denon DL-301MKII, WAY Silver 3 Ana+ Speaker Cables, WAY Silver 4+ Interconnect Cables, AudioQuest Niagara 7000 w/Dragon and Hurricane Power Cables
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  • SCompRacer
    SCompRacer Posts: 8,497
    edited March 2016
    I'd get the ARC PH5. Don't own but have heard it. If you have a LOMC cartridge (.25mV) and 57db gain isn't enough, add an SUT (Step Up Transformer) to add a few more dB of gain. I've had high output MC stages, but prefer the SUT with MM phono for noiseless gain.
    Salk SoundScape 8's * Audio Research Reference 3 * Bottlehead Eros Phono * Park's Audio Budgie SUT * Krell KSA-250 * Harmonic Technology Pro 9+ * Signature Series Sonore Music Server w/Deux PS * Roon * Gustard R26 DAC / Singxer SU-6 DDC * Heavy Plinth Lenco L75 Idler Drive * AA MG-1 Linear Air Bearing Arm * AT33PTG/II & Denon 103R * Richard Gray 600S * NHT B-12d subs * GIK Acoustic Treatments * Sennheiser HD650 *
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  • JuanR
    JuanR Posts: 718
    I'm leaning towards the ARC PH5, I mainly use a Denon DL160 and a Dynavector 10x5 with my turntables, although I have a couple other options. I am currently using a Rogue 66 and a Rogue 99 preamp with tube phono stages in each. I have them optimized with some wonderful tubes, but you know how this business is, always looking to see what's out there!!! it never seems to end :)

    Now if I can only score a good deal on one, Audiogon has one currently at $1500....waiting to score one closer to the $1k marker, wishful thinking, then again I am not in a giant rush either...

    If you guys see one come up please pm me...

    Thanks
    Juan
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