CES & THE Show 2011 • Hot Product

The Audio Research PH8 phono stage ($6995) replaces the PH7 and incorporates the 6H30 tubes that Audio Research uses across its product line, along with new coupling capacitors. The PH8 also features tube regulation and a larger power supply. Although it doesn't have a pair of inputs and alternate EQ curves, the PH8 is "much closer to the Reference Phono 2" than its predecessor, the PH7, according to Audio Research. Maximum gain is the same for both units: 58dB.