Audio Research PH-8 Phono Preamp Black Finish

Audio Video Logic, Since 1991!  

3025 100th St. Urbandale, IA 50322  
1-515-727-2279 
email to: [email protected] 

This PH-8 is very lightly used from a non smoking home without Kids or pets. It is a one owner unit with only 700 hrs on the original tube set. It is complete with the original box and accessories. 

We are selling this unit on consignment for a local customer.  With 58 DB of gain it was not a good match for his low output cartridge.  It is in pristine condition and sounds fantastic.

The PH8 benefits from a number of circuit and parts improvements derived from the award-winning REF Phono 2. Rather than using the four 6922s of its predecessor, the PH8 uses two 6H30 tubes along with special low-noise FETs; vacuum tube regulation incorporates a 6550 and a 6H30, as featured in the REF Phono 2 and REF5. Capacitors are all the same types as those used in the REF Phono 2, including the same coupling caps, and Teflon® caps used in both the RIAA stage and as bypass caps. There is also a new R-core transformer. Circuit board material is the same as in our Reference products.

Bandwidth is extraordinary, with -3dB points below 0.3dB and above 400kHz. Distortion is vanishingly low, and gain is a very healthy 58 dB, allowing the PH8 to be used with low output moving coil cartridges and an appropriate line stage.

The PH8 incorporates the same cosmetic changes seen on our other recent products, with silver handles and small aluminum buttons under the display; black front panels and black handles are also available. On the rear panel there is one set of single-ended inputs and one set of single-ended outputs, a ground post, plus a removable 15A IEC cord.

Operationally, the PH8 maintains the flexibility and ease of operation of its predecessor, with Power, Loading (47K, 1K, 500, 200, 100 ohms), Stereo/Mono, and Mute buttons under a vacuum-fluorescent display that has eight selectable brightness levels. The display can also be turned off, with nine small pixels remaining dimly lit to remind one that the PH8 is still powered-up. These controls, plus a tube hour meter, are accessible via the supplied remote control, so changes can be made from the comfort of your favorite chair.

The PH8 offers startling performance in every meaningful musical way. Attributes include remarkable air, transparency, speed, focus, retrieval of low level detail, micro dynamics, and great tonal purity. Musically this translates into an organic rightness that is incredibly involving, allowing the intent and art of the performance and performers to shine through. For all of those music lovers who fervently desire the performance of the REF Phono 2 but simply cannot stretch to that exalted level, the PH8 is the answer to their dreams. They maintain a very similar perspective and are cut from the same sonic cloth.

If you appreciate analog then you will fall in love with the PH8; at its price it elevates LP playback to a new level of performance and musical involvement that must be heard to be appreciated.

Regarding payment: 

We accept Visa, Master Card, AmEx, and Discover credit cards, unless otherwise specified. We also take PayPal, wire transfers, US Postal money orders, and bank cashiers checks that are verifiable. 
   
Regarding shipping: 
We ship via UPS, using ground service unless otherwise agreed upon. Sorry, we do not ship via FedEx or USPS. With payment by credit card, WE SHIP ONLY TO THE BILLING ADDRESS ON THE CREDIT CARD. Items large enough requiring shipment by truck we will provide an advance quote for.

Visit our website at www.audiovideologic.com for a complete list of specials on used, demo and new equipment, brands carried and general information.