Audio Research PH 9 Phono Preamplifier
Audio Research PH 9 Phono Preamplifier
Audio Research PH 9 Phono Preamplifier
MY TAKE: Probably no other name in high-end audio enjoys the reputation, recognition, and respect of Audio Research. Since the beginning, Audio Research has maintained a fanatical devotion to quality and sonic performance, ensuring their position at the very top echelon of audio manufacturers. Their offerings earn my highest recommendations. – Galen Carol
The PH9 phono preamplifier is a great pairing with most cartridge and turntable combinations. A trio of 6H30 vacuum tubes are at the core of a simple and clear signal path to provide the most transparent preamplification possible. Five different impedance settings allow for cartridge loading, which can be changed on the fly with the included metal remote. Cartridge impedance, tube hours, auto shutdown, and other features are included in the menu system.
Since 1970, High Definition has been more than our trademark; it has been our guiding principle for all products. The Foundation Series continues this passion and philosophy, offering the listener stunning playback, great value, and unparalleled long-term support.
REVIEWS:
ELECTRICAL SPECIFICATIONS -
FREQUENCY RESPONSE: ±.2 dB of RIAA, 5 Hz to 20kHz; 1 dB points below 0.3Hz and above 80 kHz.
DISTORTION: Less than .015% at 3V RMS 1kHz output.
GAIN: 55 dB at 1 kHz
INPUT IMPEDANCE: Selectable loads: 47k, 1000, 500, 200, 100 Ohms.
OUTPUT IMPEDANCE: 200 ohms. Recommended load 50k-100k Ohms and 100 pF. (10k Ohms minimum and 2000 pF maximum).
OUTPUT POLARITY: Non-inverting.
MAXIMUM INPUT: 80 mV RMS at 1kHz.
RATED OUTPUTS: 0.5V RMS 10 Hz to 60 kHz, into 100K ohm load (maximum balanced output capability is 0.46V RMS at less than 0.5% THD at 1kHz).
CONTROLS: 6 Push Buttons: Power, Menu, Option, Enter, Input, Mute.
POWER SUPPLIES: Electronically regulated low and high voltage supplies. Automatic 2 minute warm-up/brown-out mute. Line regulation better than .01%.
NOISE: 77 dB, shorted inputs.
TUBE COMPLEMENT: (3)-6H30P dual triodes, plus (1 each) 6550WE and 6H30P in the power supply.
POWER REQUIREMENTS: 100-125VAC 60Hz (200-250VAC 50/60Hz) 120 watts maximum. Standby: 2 watts.
DIMENSIONS: Width: 19” (48 cm), Height: 6.5” (13.7 cm), Depth: 13.7” (34.8 cm), Handles extend 1.6” (4 cm) forward of the front panel.
WEIGHT: 15.4 lbs. (7 kg) Net; 23.5 lbs. (10.7 kg) Shipping.
Audio Research PH 9 Phono Preamplifier
MY TAKE: Probably no other name in high-end audio enjoys the reputation, recognition, and respect of Audio Research. Since the beginning, Audio Research has maintained a fanatical devotion to quality and sonic performance, ensuring their position at the very top echelon of audio manufacturers. Their offerings earn my highest recommendations. – Galen Carol
The PH9 phono preamplifier is a great pairing with most cartridge and turntable combinations. A trio of 6H30 vacuum tubes are at the core of a simple and clear signal path to provide the most transparent preamplification possible. Five different impedance settings allow for cartridge loading, which can be changed on the fly with the included metal remote. Cartridge impedance, tube hours, auto shutdown, and other features are included in the menu system.
Since 1970, High Definition has been more than our trademark; it has been our guiding principle for all products. The Foundation Series continues this passion and philosophy, offering the listener stunning playback, great value, and unparalleled long-term support.
REVIEWS:
ELECTRICAL SPECIFICATIONS -
FREQUENCY RESPONSE: ±.2 dB of RIAA, 5 Hz to 20kHz; 1 dB points below 0.3Hz and above 80 kHz.
DISTORTION: Less than .015% at 3V RMS 1kHz output.
GAIN: 55 dB at 1 kHz
INPUT IMPEDANCE: Selectable loads: 47k, 1000, 500, 200, 100 Ohms.
OUTPUT IMPEDANCE: 200 ohms. Recommended load 50k-100k Ohms and 100 pF. (10k Ohms minimum and 2000 pF maximum).
OUTPUT POLARITY: Non-inverting.
MAXIMUM INPUT: 80 mV RMS at 1kHz.
RATED OUTPUTS: 0.5V RMS 10 Hz to 60 kHz, into 100K ohm load (maximum balanced output capability is 0.46V RMS at less than 0.5% THD at 1kHz).
CONTROLS: 6 Push Buttons: Power, Menu, Option, Enter, Input, Mute.
POWER SUPPLIES: Electronically regulated low and high voltage supplies. Automatic 2 minute warm-up/brown-out mute. Line regulation better than .01%.
NOISE: 77 dB, shorted inputs.
TUBE COMPLEMENT: (3)-6H30P dual triodes, plus (1 each) 6550WE and 6H30P in the power supply.
POWER REQUIREMENTS: 100-125VAC 60Hz (200-250VAC 50/60Hz) 120 watts maximum. Standby: 2 watts.
DIMENSIONS: Width: 19” (48 cm), Height: 6.5” (13.7 cm), Depth: 13.7” (34.8 cm), Handles extend 1.6” (4 cm) forward of the front panel.
WEIGHT: 15.4 lbs. (7 kg) Net; 23.5 lbs. (10.7 kg) Shipping.