Wonder product?

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.

I bought a second hand Puffin with COAX out due to a recent addition of a Hana MH which outputs 2mv. The controls allow you adjust the gain, which was instrumental to bringing the cart to life. It’s basically an adjustable SUT. Perfect solution to cart swapping.

Output to a Liberty DAC II it holds nothing back. Add the Magic feature to reduce minor pops on older records and it’s a multi-win product.

I’m sure the Waxwing works just as well if only more convenient.