Thoughts on phono stages; Audio Research PH 9 vs. the Ref 3?

The "Low Gain" / MM mode (6H30 stages) was absolutely stellar; still probably the best I’ve heard / owned. The "High Gain" mode was indeed very good sounding, but not without issues and probably not quite in line with this (very high) price point. Feels like some noise shielding and grounding optimization was missed. I fixed that by using Low Gain with a SUT. 

@cleeds hat means there will be dealer demos offered on the Ref3, and those come with warranty and a steep discount.

Thanks for the tip. Ref3 is a great phono

Thanks so much.  I'm working towards getting a REF 3 SE. What is an SUT in the low gain ?  Wonder if that's an issue with the 3 SE?

I asked a dealer if the PH 9 with be updated or replaced. 2016 released.He said he reached out to ARC and the answer is No, not for a few years. They think the PH9 sounds better than the Ref 3.
Good point on the Ref 3 SE being replaced since the Ref 6 SE was just replaced with the Ref 7 SE. Anyone have any issues with the Ref 3 SE, I wonder?
Thanks again

I have a REF 2 SE phono > REF 5SE >
REF 80S … both my main carts are .4 ish MV and sound better w the high gain settings… however I also have a SUT and noise isn’t an issue w either.

imo HRS Nimbus or better isolation, and a damper block is well rewarded.‘I’ve heard both the 6se and Phono 3’at length but not a PH9.. interesting they think it sounds better but isn’t deserving of REF designation…, 

Yes,  That's what the dealer conveyed. Spoke w/ARC and they didn't quite confirm that.