How much difference does a phono stage make?

The PH-3 is a very good phono preamp. It is an older model(not the lowest end model) It was at one point ARC's top of the line model.(model years 1995-1998) You will notice a significant difference in performance from what you have now!
For those who don't know, the line of progression of ARC phono preamps: PH-1 and the Reference models: Reference 1
PH-2 Reference model 2
PH-3
PH-3Se
PH-5
PH-7

Totally agree w all posters above.

Look for the PH3SE, it is worth the $150 more difference. I had the PH3 and then the PH3SE. Plenty of difference. Great value. The 5 and 7 are also good but not good values.

the difference will be night and day, entirely worthwhile. However, it may reveal the limitations of other parts of the chain that you were not aware of.

Thanks guys for your feedback. Would I have to change a resistor inside to give me the correct gain for my Micro 2.5mv? What gain would I need, or is this something you have to just try out and experiment with?