Audio Research PH9 Phono Preamp

Yes, the PH9 is designed to accommodate both cartridge types. With 58 dB of gain, it provides sufficient amplification for most MM and high-output MC cartridges, as well as many low-output MC models.

You can easily cycle through the five selectable impedance settings (100, 200, 500, 1,000, and 47,000 ohms) using the included remote control. This allows you to fine-tune the loading for your cartridge while listening from your chair.

As a vacuum tube-based preamplifier, the PH9 will perform best once the tubes have reached their optimal operating temperature. While it will produce sound immediately, you will notice increased transparency and depth after the unit has been powered on for about 20 to 30 minutes.

The PH9 features a built-in tube hour monitoring system that tracks usage. This takes the guesswork out of maintenance, ensuring you can replace the tubes before they degrade and affect your audio quality.

No, the PH9 is designed with unbalanced RCA inputs and outputs. It is optimized for standard single-ended connections to maintain the integrity of the signal path.

The tube-regulated power supply provides a more stable and cleaner voltage to the audio circuitry compared to standard solid-state regulation. This contributes to the unit's exceptionally low noise floor and the natural, linear frequency response characteristic of the Foundation Series.