Audio Research PH2 solid-state phonostage

Audio Research PH2 solid-state phonostage, XLR inputs and outputs, Furutech IEC receptacle


This is a rare jem from the brilliant Audio Research Corporation (ARC).

It is a fully solid-state phonostage, no tubes to wear out. It is fully balanced from input to output, and only accepts XLR inputs and outputs. You can use adapters if you are using RCA's if you like, such as from Cardas Audio and others.

The PH2 phonostages came from the factory with a captive fixed power cord. I have removed this fixed power cord, and have installed a top-of-the-line Furutech IEC receptacle/inlet. The Furutech is made from copper, not the inferior brass or bronze, then it is plated with rhodium for durability and superior conductivity.

The gain of the phonostage is 48 dB, which is compatible with all but the low voltage moving-coil cartridges, and just about all of the moving-magnet cartridges. If one wanted more gain, one can easily add a moving-coil step-up transformer to the PH2. I have tried this in the past, and it worked great.

This is a truly excellent sounding phonostage. For a solid-state phonostage, it sounds smooth, organic and dynamic as well, and is very easy to listen to. And, because it is solid-state, it is very quiet.

Resistive loading for moving-coil cartridges is accomodated easily by soldering resistors, inside the unit. The same is for capacitive loading, if you are using moving-magnet cartridges.

The phonostage is in very good condition, I rated it at an 8 out of 10, because I am not the first owner, and just to be a little conservative. It is in very good shape. And, works flawlessly.

For your assurance and peace of mind, my technician recently has done a thorough quality-check of the PH2 phonostage, and everything is in great shape and working perfectly. His receipt is included in the sale.

Just for your information, the original power transformer failed in 2010, the phonostage was sent to Audio Research and they "replaced the shorted original power transformer with an updated, more reliable part, and installed a new line fuse." The ARC invoice showing the work performed, as well as a new ARC "Quality Assurance Certificate" is included in the sale.

The unit has been lovingly cared for, and it comes from a smoke-free, pet-free, and child-free home.

Thank you for looking at my ad.



From the Audio Research Data Base:

Frequency response
±.15dB of RIAA, 10Hz to 60kHz. 3dB points below 0.5Hz and above 150kHz

Distortion (THD)
Less than .005% at .25V RMS 1kHz output

Noise & hum
0.15µV equivalent balanced input noise, IHF weighted, shorted input (77dB below 1mV input)

Gain
48dB at 1kHz (balanced differential) at 1kHz (MC and MM compatible)

Input impedance
(Balanced): 47K ohms (Provisions for balanced loads any value below 47K ohms or added
input capacitance for matching certain magnetic cartridges)

Output impedance
(Balanced): 700 ohms. Recommended load 50K-100K ohms and 100pF. (20K ohms minimum and 2000pF maximum)

Output polarity
-

Maximum inputs
300mV RMS at 1kHz (1500mV RMS, 10kHz)

Rated outputs
.25V RMS Balanced 10Hz to 60kHz (output capability is 100V RMS output at ½% THD at 1kHz)

Power supplies
Electronically-regulated low and high voltage supplies and electronic decoupling. Shielded toroid transformer. Line level regulation better than .01%

Power requirements
100-135VAC 60Hz (200-270VAC 50/60Hz) 65 Watts

Other
Switches (2): Power, Mute

Dimensions
19" (48 cm) W x 5¼" (13.4 cm) H (standard rack panel) x 11 ¾" (29.8 cm) D. Handles extend 1 ⅝" (4.1 cm) forward of front panel. Rear chassis fittings extend ⅞" (2.3 cm)

Weight
13 lbs. (5.9 kg) Net; 23 lbs. (10.5 kg) Shipping