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I would use the PSM 156 for the equipment that is used for two-channel audio and move everything related to video and home theatre to some other power conditioner or power strip.I am not entirely clear on why you are looking to overload the PSM 156, but it seems like a bad idea.
Thanks for the feedback but everything I listed is used for 2 channel audio...I go from my PC to TV to AVR preout to monoblocks sometimes to power my 2 channel speakers.
I think what newzooreview is saying is "keep it simple." He's a nice guy, so I'll be more blunt: powering your 2-channel speakers through a TV and AVR are unnecessary and convoluted steps. Plus, you're screwing up the sound by doing that, especially since you've already identified the HDMI cable as a noise problem. No power conditioner will fix a system that isn't set up correctly. Start by configuring your system the right way. Discussing an AVR for 2-channel use with audiophiles is like kryptonite to Superman -- it makes us nauseous just thinking about it.
I had counted the devices and the outlets and reasoned that you would be using something like a splitter cord to get everything plugged in at once:If you are going to manually plug and unplug devices as needed to keep just one plugged into each outlet then it should be ok. The Puritan is designed to minimize noise from one device getting into another device.Often the source components benefit most from the cleaner power since their signals are weaker and get amplified upstream. Having said that, I found that my power amps benefitted significantly from the Puritan.A diagram of the setup could help, since I am not following the role of each piece of equipment. There is an Anthem integrated amp as well as two monoblocks, for example.
Can you clarify, is the PC the source of video to the TV and dedicated two-channel audio as well?A PC directly feeding two-channel audio to a preamp is typically a source of insurmountable noise that the Puritan won't fix, and running it through HDMI then TV then AVR is further degrading things.I do wonder whether the Puritan would be addressing the biggest issues effecting sound quality in the setup described.I would look to spend the money, perhaps, on an Apple TV box to feed my TV with video from Plex (locally stored files), Netflix, Youtube TV, and whatever else). You can run the HDMI out from the Apple TV into a $15 HDMI audio breakout box to get Toslink into a modest DAC (Schiit Modius, for example): https://www.schiit.com/products/modiusHDMI breakout box: https://www.amazon.com/LinkS-Extractor-Splitter-Converter-Chromecast/dp/B00XJITK7E?crid=3FEOXTEMTMS7O&sprefix=hdmi+to+tosln,aps,303Then you can move the music onto a NAS and get a streaming box (Bluesound Node X, Volumio Primio, Eversolo DMP-A6, as examples) and use their software to send files to the DAC for playback).The noisy PC, the TV, and the Anthem are no longer in the playback chain, Toslink breaks any groundloops into the DAC, and your digital playback and streaming (Qobuz, Tidal, whatever) are coming from a good quality streamer directly into the preamp.Would cost less than the Puritan as well.My hunch is that refining things with the Puritan is only audible once the PC, HDMI, TV, AVR clutter is cleaned up from the signal path.
My hunch is that refining things with the Puritan is only audible once the PC, HDMI, TV, AVR clutter is cleaned up from the signal path.
Agreed. Keep it simple: a new source>DAC>Freya>monos.
Quite a testimonial comparing Niagara equipment to the PSM156: I've read enough, bought one. https://pinkfishmedia.net/forum/threads/power-conditioners-niagara-and-psm.263519/#post-4577307Hi all,Just thought I would post my experience with these as a data point or two for the community. I have been steadily adding bits and pieces to my system over the last few years, and at some point, I had read about power conditioning. I had a few chats with people and the message I was getting was it made a positive difference.I decided to have a go and took the plunge with a secondhand Audioquest Niagara 1000. My thinking was if I didnt like it, I could fairly easily sell it on without too much of a hit. One Ebay transaction later a good condition 1000 turns up on my doorstep and I duly plug it in. The one other advantage of secondhand kit is generally it has already been run in and you are hearing it as it will continue to sound.So what was the result of the experiment? I liked it! I felt I could hear more detail, and the sound overall had improved.(OPTIONAL READING PART: At this point, an important administrative note. This is what happened in my system in my house. Changing power stuff could well be different in your set up because the quality of the power in your house is probably different to that in mine and also different to other people who have opinions on the subject. If you have brilliant power quality supply and recently installed ring mains, chances are you will have a different experience to someone in a Victorian house at the furthest point from the substation. People need to remember these other variables! Secondly, I reject around 50% of new hifi kit I try out. Didnt like the Audioquest Coffee USB, didnt like the Innuos Zenith Mk2 etc etc. I post this because people often claim confirmation bias, personally I just ask myself do I like this more? If its the same, maybe slightly different, I dont bother, if its better, I buy it.)With that out the way, back to the hifi! I was very happy with the 1000 and ran it for a good 6 months or so. Until the upgrade bug attacked me! I happened to see a Niagara 3000 come up second hand. Reading reviews it seemed it was a better product. There were technical differences, a power reservoir type system that supposedly can deliver high current almost instantaneously to help deliver powerful punchy transients that the 1000 lacked. What to do? Silly question, I bought it!Was it better than the 1000? Yes it was! Better clarity and detail most noticeable to me, maybe slightly better bass, but not really stand out. Anyway, it was a step up, and happy once again as my system matured with better power. Fast forward about another 9 months. Whats this itchy scratchy nagging feeling I have? Oh, its upgraditis again!The trouble was, I still noticed differences in sound quality from day time to evening, and from week day to weekend, in my mind, this is a classic symptom of power quality variation still getting through my system. Others might disagree but that was my thought process any way. I saw a Niagara 5000 secondhand, but now we are talking £3600+ even used. This is getting serious, Im not going to take a punt on that without a demo first!Except its hard to find one to get a demo of. Reading around how other people had tackled the problem, I starting reading about another product, the PSM 136/156 family from Puritan audio. Didn't know much about them, although seeing lots great reviews on their cheap but effective power cables (whole other story right there - staying on topic!). Anyway, I saw a 156 second hand one again for £1000 which was actually less than what I paid for the Niagara 3000. One reviewer rated the 156 as better than the 5000. Well if it was equivalent, it still would have been a step up and at a £2.5K saving.So today I picked it up and and have just plugged it in (A job in itself with all the cable dressing!). Although second hand, it had not really been used at all, and hence still is burning in. However, I can tell straight away the difference compared to the 3000. ITS A BIG LEAP FORWARD!!!!! This thing is brilliant! A true hifi bargain. The music is just popping out of the speakers and jumping around the room, there is so much life. Bass is punchier and taughter. Detail and clarity are improved without harshness or loss of tonal balance. This thing is GREAT!!! Cant believe it. Only downside is it has 6 sockets rather than 7, but stuff it, I'll get another one and plug in the TV to it as well.Do yourself a favour and audition one. You may not like it, but I bet you will. (I have no affiliation with any manufacturer or retailer - its just a great product) The Stereo Times rated it a most wanted product of the decade, I can see why.
Has anyone compared the 156 to a PI Audio Uberbuss? I have a pretty tricked out custom uberbuss complete with GTX receptacles and the 156 has my interest. Am looking at a groundmaster city and routemaster as well. Coming from a Granite Audio Ground Zero.
