I owned a PH-1 for several years. The preamp had a consistent sound character----lean bass, no warmth or richness, and a bright treble with a slight edge and grain. I haven't heard a PH-3, but according to a review in Listener magazine it was less solid state sounding.
ARC ph1 compared to ph3
I have a Audio Research PH1 would like to know how the PH3 sounds in comparsion. Ph1 is an solid state unit, Ph3 is a tube unit which would suggest not as bright sounding, warmer,ect. How about detail, soundstage ect. My analog gear needs some updating. This is just somewhat of a MAY redo process, as I do not have alot of Analog {150-200 albums} and very few places besides mail order to buy them. My TT is a music hall mm5. I listen to rebook cd and sacd mostly because I have never been able to obtain the sound on my TT without spending big bucks. Just a modest upgrade.