The Audio Research PH2 is a solid-state phono stage that diverges from Audio Research’s usual tube-based designs while maintaining the brand’s core commitment to high-end performance and musical transparency. Released in the 1990s, the PH2 is notable for its fully balanced, all-solid-state circuitry, making it one of the few phono preamps from Audio Research to abandon tubes in favor of a more precise, cleaner sound. If you’re looking for neutrality, clarity, and quiet operation, the PH2 is a top-tier option that excels in delivering accuracy over romantic tube warmth.
- Production
- 1992
- Condition
- 9.5/10
- Serial No.
- 52358001
- Orig. MSRP
- $2,495
- Restoration
- Verified inputs and outputs
- Verified muting operation
- Unit is configured for moving magnet cartridges
- Factory Specs
Frequency response
±.15dB of RIAA, 10Hz to 60kHz. 3dB points below 0.5Hz and above 150kHz
Distortion (THD)
Less than .005% at .25V RMS 1kHz output
Noise & hum
0.15µV equivalent balanced input noise, IHF weighted, shorted input (77dB below 1mV input)
Gain
48dB at 1kHz (balanced differential) at 1kHz (MC and MM compatible)
Input impedance
(Balanced): 47K ohms (Provisions for balanced loads any value below 47K ohms or added input capacitance for matching certain magnetic cartridges)
Output impedance
(Balanced): 700 ohms. Recommended load 50K-100K ohms and 100pF. (20K ohms minimum and 2000pF maximum)
Maximum inputs
300mV RMS at 1kHz (1500mV RMS, 10kHz)
Rated outputs
.25V RMS Balanced 10Hz to 60kHz (output capability is 100V RMS output at ½% THD at 1kHz)
Power supplies
Electronically-regulated low and high voltage supplies and electronic decoupling. Shielded toroid transformer. Line level regulation better than .01%
Power requirements
100-135VAC 60Hz (200-270VAC 50/60Hz) 65 Watts
Other
Switches (2): Power, Mute
Dimensions
19" (48 cm) W x 5¼" (13.4 cm) H (standard rack panel) x 11 ¾" (29.8 cm) D. Handles extend 1 ⅝" (4.1 cm) forward of front panel. Rear chassis fittings extend ⅞" (2.3 cm)
Weight
13 lbs. (5.9 kg) Net; 23 lbs. (10.5 kg) Shipping
- The History of Audio Research
- Audio Research Corporation, affectionately known to fans as ARC, was founded by William Z. Johnson, who began designing custom audio electronics in the early 1950’s and who also operated a specialty audio retail store until the mid-1960’s. Johnson’s efforts almost single-handedly revived vacuum-tube designs at a time...
[ Read More ]
- Stock No.
- 8963460104413
The Audio Research PH2 is a solid-state phono stage that diverges from Audio Research’s usual tube-based designs while maintaining the brand’s core commitment to high-end performance and musical transparency. Released in the 1990s, the PH2 is notable for its fully balanced, all-solid-state circuitry, making it one of the few phono preamps from Audio Research to abandon tubes in favor of a more precise, cleaner sound. If you’re looking for neutrality, clarity, and quiet operation, the PH2 is a top-tier option that excels in delivering accuracy over romantic tube warmth.
Production
1992
Condition
9.5/10
Serial No.
52358001
Orig. MSRP
$2,495
Restoration
- Verified inputs and outputs
- Verified muting operation
- Unit is configured for moving magnet cartridges
Factory Specs
Frequency response
±.15dB of RIAA, 10Hz to 60kHz. 3dB points below 0.5Hz and above 150kHz
Distortion (THD)
Less than .005% at .25V RMS 1kHz output
Noise & hum
0.15µV equivalent balanced input noise, IHF weighted, shorted input (77dB below 1mV input)
Gain
48dB at 1kHz (balanced differential) at 1kHz (MC and MM compatible)
Input impedance
(Balanced): 47K ohms (Provisions for balanced loads any value below 47K ohms or added input capacitance for matching certain magnetic cartridges)
Output impedance
(Balanced): 700 ohms. Recommended load 50K-100K ohms and 100pF. (20K ohms minimum and 2000pF maximum)
Maximum inputs
300mV RMS at 1kHz (1500mV RMS, 10kHz)
Rated outputs
.25V RMS Balanced 10Hz to 60kHz (output capability is 100V RMS output at ½% THD at 1kHz)
Power supplies
Electronically-regulated low and high voltage supplies and electronic decoupling. Shielded toroid transformer. Line level regulation better than .01%
Power requirements
100-135VAC 60Hz (200-270VAC 50/60Hz) 65 Watts
Other
Switches (2): Power, Mute
Dimensions
19" (48 cm) W x 5¼" (13.4 cm) H (standard rack panel) x 11 ¾" (29.8 cm) D. Handles extend 1 ⅝" (4.1 cm) forward of front panel. Rear chassis fittings extend ⅞" (2.3 cm)
Weight
13 lbs. (5.9 kg) Net; 23 lbs. (10.5 kg) Shipping
The History of Audio Research
Audio Research Corporation, affectionately known to fans as ARC, was founded by William Z. Johnson, who began designing custom audio electronics in the early 1950’s and who also operated a specialty audio retail store until the mid-1960’s. Johnson’s efforts almost single-handedly revived vacuum-tube designs at a time...
[ Read More ]
Stock No.
8963460104413
