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Against the recent comparable US$7,148 median and US$6,840 to US$7,305 spread, this ask at US$7,300 lands at the very top of the market but still within the normal range. That makes it a fair, slightly firm price rather than a bargain, and not a stretch if the unit is clean and comes from a careful owner.
The PH9 is well regarded for its quiet background, strong dynamics, and very convincing sense of scale and flow, which is why good examples hold value. At this price, the upside is in provenance and completeness: original packaging, remote, tubes with healthy life, and clear service history all matter. If those boxes are ticked, it’s an easy buy for someone chasing a top-tier tube phono stage.
Independent perspective — not a price guarantee. Always verify condition, accessories and provenance before purchase.
Audio Research Corporation, founded in 1970 in Minneapolis, Minnesota, by William Z. Johnson, traces its roots to his pioneering work in custom audio electronics during the 1950s and his operation of a specialty retail store through the mid-1960s. After a brief stint selling his designs to a larger firm, Johnson regained independence to establish ARC with a singular mission: advancing the state-of-the-art in music reproduction. From modest beginnings in the back of his shop, the company evolved into one of America's oldest continuously operating high-end audio manufacturers, now housed in a state-of-the-art 48,000-square-foot facility in Maple Grove, Minnesota.
ARC specializes in performance-driven electronics, renowned for vacuum-tube amplifiers, preamplifiers, and electronic crossovers that emphasize sonic purity over flashy features or aesthetics. Drawing on circuit designs rooted in the 1950s, the brand integrates tubes into modern contexts, delivering what it calls "high definition" sound through genuine technological advances. While not venturing into speakers, turntables, DACs, headphones, or cables, ARC's focused lineup prioritizes amplifiers and preamps that set benchmarks for musical realism.
Positioned at the pinnacle of high-end audio, Audio Research is hailed as a true originator of the genre, commanding respect among audiophiles for its unwavering commitment to excellence and innovation. Enduring the 1970s tube revival against solid-state dominance, ARC thrives via elite specialist retailers worldwide, standing alongside peers like Conrad-Johnson as a vintage-inspired yet forward-thinking force in the niche boutique market.
See all Audio Research listings on RADAR.
audio-markt.de
Good
audio-markt.de
Good
eBay US
Paragon Sight & Sound
Dealer
Hifitörget
SE
eBay UK
GB
