🟦 Audio Research PH9

Foundation Series Phono Preamplifier

⭐ PH9 Highlights

• Tube phono preamplifier offering rich and natural musicality.

• Optimized gain for MM cells, with adjustable load.

• Analog stages inspired by the Reference series preamps.

• Silent operation thanks to a carefully filtered power supply.

• A highly regarded product at Son Ultime for unlocking the full potential of vinyl.

📝 Product presentation

The Audio Research PH9 is a phono preamplifier designed for vinyl enthusiasts who desire refined, vibrant, and faithful sound reproduction. Inheriting Audio Research's analog approach, it offers a warm, detailed, and highly natural sonic signature, while delivering the transparency worthy of the Reference series.

The PH9 uses two 6H30 tubes selected for their stability and musical accuracy. Thanks to a carefully designed internal topology and an extremely quiet power supply, it delivers a deep black background, organic nuances, and a smooth dynamic range, ideal for reproducing the true texture of analog recordings.

At Son Ultime, the PH9 is used to demonstrate the quality of vinyl setups paired with Bowers & Wilkins speakers, particularly the 702 S3, 804 D4, and 805 D4. Nicolas appreciates it for its ability to render the rich and articulate midrange of Bowers & Wilkins while adding an irresistible analog dimension to the listening experience. The result is an immersive, fluid, and exceptionally musical vinyl experience.

✔️ Conclusion: His Ultimate Sound

For Nicolas and the Son Ultime team, the PH9 is an exceptional choice for vinyl enthusiasts looking to add a high-performance, musical tube phono preamp to their Bowers & Wilkins system. Its ability to reproduce the textures, timbres, and depth of analog recordings makes it a centerpiece in the Foundation series, perfectly suited to high-resolution systems.

📦 Specifications

🔷 Architecture and tubes

• 2 tubes 6H30

• Gain: 58 dB

• RIAA standards respected with high precision

• Extended bandwidth

🔷 Connectivity

• MM phono input

• RCA outputs

• Adjustable cell load

• 12V Trigger

🔷 Performance

• High signal-to-noise ratio

• Very low harmonic distortion

• Silent power supply

• Stable output level

🔷 Food

• Filtered linear power supply

• High-speed straightening

• Internal thermal optimization

🔷 Dimensions & Weight

• Dimensions: 48.3 × 13.4 × 33 cm

• Weight: 7.7 kg