Puritan PSM156

@twinski66 if this unit is new —and if the power cord being used (Puritan Ultimate?) is also new— PLEASE give the unit or the pairing at least 10 days of on time before deciding… But I do agree with you, that this device may be system dependent, as it seems to show some tonal weakness in some, to one extent or another ‘lesser’ gear, that people then end up not preferring. Some noise and/or distortions we can be so used to (and perceived as warmth, musicality, etc.) that when they are gone the system is not preferred. I’ve seen the 156, in general, being favored in systems costing more than the ones where the unit is not favored.   

I’m going to finally get the Puritan 156 for my reference system. I’ll then move my current Puritan 136 into my office system.

@jriggy - Thanks for the recommendation on Ultimate cable. Eventually I’ll also pick up one for my reference system to go along with the 156. 

which would be the better upgrade, ultimate cable or groundmaster city?

@jriggy I have ‘til the 31st to return it.  I’ve plugged the unit into a 20 amp dedicated circuit socket & it sounds better to my ears (albeit subjectively so as with anyone).   I’ll continue to demo it and make a decision from there.  If I don’t keep it I don’t know if that’s reflective of the unit itself.  Likely just a personal preference based on what I’m hearing in my set up.

 I can say it appears to acclimate with continued use or my ears are adjusting to what it offers through continued use.  In that regard I may be premature in my early assessment of the device.

Update:  I’m keeping the unit.  I don’t ordinarily buy into component break in…but this unit has transformed and/or settled in since the initial week of using it.  All of the various low level noises that I heard are now gone.  The unit is also transparent.  It does what it’s supposed to do while leaving the dynamics in tact with a blacker background.