I had and sold the 156. Didn’t like it in my system. Running amp from it robs music off dynamics, soundstage collapses and the highs are pinched. Source components are more or less OK but I prefer direct connection to wall outlets.
I used classic and ultimate cords as well as audioquest hurricane. Not for me.
Puritan PSM156 recommendation
I'm finally looking to get a proper power unit for my equipment. In order to connect my power amp, pre amp, phono, streamer/dac and turntable. So far, I've been reading a lot of great reviews on the Puritan PSM156. I can potentially get a decent discount on a new one. I have a dedicated 15 Amp wall plug. One key thing I did like as well, it states that it protects from surges.
Without comparing to something more expensive, how does this compare to the Furutech ones, Audience forte V8 Power w/ forte f3 powerChord (probably out of the question since it doesnt surge protect) and the Synergistic Research PowerCell 8 UEF (which I think also doesn't surge protect). I think the Shunyata's are way more pricier as well. Just some examples from some local shop recommendations at the lower (ish) price points.
I could surge protect my panel, but wont be able to do it for awhile. It is something I do want to eventually do.
Let me know what the feedback is on the Puritan, given its price point.
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I have the PSM 156 and the Synergistic Research PowerCell 8 UEF. I didn't feel the PowerCell did anything one way or the other. I did like the PSM 156 but honestly it is simply very time consuming to swap 5 cords so any listening test is very susceptible to what I like to call pyscho-acoustic delusions, i.e. the belief that whatever you have just bought sounds better. Having said that, I felt the PSM 156 sounded better. All those tropes about a quieter, blacker background and more dimensional sound seemed to apply. I did not feel the PS Audio BHK 300 monoblocks were negatively affected by being plugged into the PSM 156. I did try several power cords into the PSM 156 and I did feel better cords made a difference and I settled on a Triode WIre Labs Obsession. The second best cord was a fairly cheap Cullen cord. When I was researching all this it seemed like most people were happy with the PSM 156, especially taking into account its price point. |
@audphile1 Strange how that works on some systems and amps. I have a Coda #8 amp that delivers up to 150 Amps peak current with a huge 3.0 KVA toroidal transformer and 40 output transistors and I noticed no difference in dynamics with a gigantic soundstage and felt the PSM 156 wasn’t limiting it in any way after my comparisons. With that being said I am using Magnepan speakers, and they aren’t that dynamic so who knows. |
There are some of us who don’t have the beautiful space that you are fortunate to have. For some of us, we are stuck in what is basically a closet. I, unfortunately, am doing double duty with home theater and stereo. So the thought of, no matter how hard I try to keep it neat, going through that rats nest of cables, and contorting at angles that were difficult even as a teenager. So the procrastinator in me keeps the idea of experimenting at bay. But I will confess that whenever I’m able to talk myself into doing something like as such, it always upsets me because it was way much easier than my mind had made it. Once again very nice system one that anyone would like to aspire to. |
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