Wonder product?

Thanks for the replies.

I called it a wonder product not second-guessing the audio quality but because both units seem so versatile.  I'm truing to imagine how it adjusts azimuth for example.  It can't be a matter of gain between channels since a simple balance control does that.  As you can see, I'm not great with electronics knowledge.

And even extreme azimuth angles off 90 degrees does not have much effect on channel balance. (I’ve measured this.) More likely the Puffin can be set to operate like a Fozgometer. But I agree with Mijostyn, after years of trying to adjust azimuth electronically for best crosstalk numbers, I now just set the cartridge so the stylus fits symmetrically in the grooves, which is usually 90 degrees of azimuth or darn close to it. Anything other than 90 degrees with respect to the stylus tip causes aberrant stylus and LP wear and probably forms of distortion that have nothing to do with crosstalk. IOW, the cure for unequal crosstalk is worse than the disease, in my opinion.

I think the Puffin/Waxwing is probably better than the equipment of a lot of purists who have mid-end and even upper-mid-level equipment. I've never owned one and never will because I have a Millennia LOCi and a very sophisticated digital processing rig, but from what I've read it's very competitve with everything under a couple grand, especially if you have any contact with older recordings such as 78s. I regularly recommend it to 78 collectors. It's a godsend for 78s especially because most of the preamps out there are total crap in various ways, e.g. not allowing for stereo, colored electronics, incorrect EQ curves. The Puffin allows for the adjustments necessary to get the most out of old recordings and has a few 'bonus features' like Super Mono and Magic. In most cirumstances, I'd take this over any 78-oriented preamp under $3k, mostly because the other options are terrible.

The new Waxwing requires you to control it with a mobile device, but I wouldn't think it would be difficult to find an old Android tablet for a few bucks to use as a dedicated remote control. 

I'm also curious to know how it stacks up specs-wise with higher-end stuff. I've looked around for that information but haven't found the greatest answers.

Darn this discussion. I just bought the Waxwing to replace my Puffin. This was the last piece of the puzzle I couldn't control via remote. Just had to be done.

I use the Puffin with my Rega Planar 8 turntable and APHETA 3 MC cartridge. I don't feel that the Puffin is holding back the sound of the turntable at all, although I would like to try inserting a SUT better the P8 and Puffin.

I've not tried using the analog outputs on the Puffin. Mine has the optical digital output, which I run into an external DAC (Gustard X18). Super happy with the sound and features. But I may upgrade to the Waxwing at some point for the convenience.