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

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.

The number one ARC dealer most years in USA is the VERY analog focused Randy Cooley at Optimal Enchantment in Santa Monica… I trust him vs someone trying to sell a PH-9 but hey I would love to be wrong…..