Note that this is a discontinued product. You may want to visit the brand's page here to browse their newer products.
What reviewers think
Bloggers and YouTubers have tried this product—so we've summarized their strongest opinions below. Links to full reviews follow.
Product Strengths
- Removes noise from the mains, improving clarity and reducing harshness in the audio presentation
- Enhances the air and space around vocals and instruments, improving three-dimensionality
- Improves timing and detail resolution by reducing background noise/grunge
- Offers better separation of instruments and voices within the music
- Improves tonal accuracy and focus of instruments
Product Considerations
- May slightly restrict bass extension and resolution when used with some power amplifiers
- Socket covers are a little fiddly when inserting plugs
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs Standard black power cable, the PSM136 eliminates harshness and aggressiveness, providing smoother vocals and improved instrument separation
- Vs Nordost Quantum power block with star earthing, the PSM136 provides active noise reduction not found in the Nordost
Takeaway: The Puritan PSM136 is a well-made and sensibly priced mains purifier that can significantly improve the sound quality of an audio system by removing noise and enhancing clarity. It is a great value upgrade for any revealing system, helping one get the most out of their music.
All
PSM136
reviews
Manufacturer details
- Massive 9,000 Amps Repetitive Rating, three dimensional, non-sacrificial voltage surge protection.
- Internal wiring silver plated OFC copper PTFE insulation
- Rated Voltage 220-240 (Other voltages available)
- IEC type C20 Input
- Electrically and magnetically shielded casing
- Dimensions in mm: W 430, D 230, H 110
Brand highlights
Taking a step back to look at reviewers' thoughts of the brand's entire lineup—not just this product—what stands out most is the following:
- Puritan products focus on removing noise and DC components from the mains supply in a multi-stage, cumulative fashion, while also emphasizing the preservation of dynamic range.
- Their conditioners implement individual filtering at each output socket to minimize cross-contamination between connected components.
- They provide solutions for external grounding, including the GroundMaster, to further lower noise levels by connecting the audio system to a dedicated grounding rod or, for apartment dwellers, a grounding device that connects to a wall socket.
Select products
Ground Master
- Positioning: A cost-effective solution for eliminating ground noise in audio systems.
- Description: Eliminates ground-line noise by providing a stable and silent earth connection. Unlike the PSM series, which focuses on power purification, this targets noise from the ground line, making it effective for users who experience interference from multiple electrical devices. It is a budget-friendly option for those looking to improve sound quality without investing in a full power purifier.
Route Master
- Positioning: A versatile system for managing and optimizing audio signal paths.
- Description: Optimizes audio signal paths, offering a different approach compared to the power purification focus of the PSM series. It provides a flexible solution for users who need to manage complex audio setups, ensuring signal integrity and reducing noise.
PSM136
- Positioning: An entry-level studio master mains purifier with essential features.
- Description: Offers a solid foundation with precision symmetrically balanced circuitry and 39 filter elements, providing a noticeable improvement in sound clarity and dynamics. It is a more affordable option compared to the PSM156 and PSM1512, making it suitable for users with smaller budgets who still want to enhance their audio experience. This model is ideal for those with moderate functionality needs and a focus on improving sound quality in smaller setups.
PSM156
- Positioning: A mid-range studio master mains purifier with enhanced performance.
- Description: Building on the PSM136, increases the number of filter elements to 52, offering greater delicacy and detail in sound reproduction. It provides a significant upgrade in performance, making it a better choice for users who desire more dynamic and punchy audio.
PSM1512
- Positioning: A high-end studio master mains purifier with maximum output capacity.
- Description: Doubles the output capacity of the PSM156, featuring 94 filter elements for superior sound quality and system performance. It is the top choice for users who require the highest level of purification and the ability to connect multiple components without compromising on sound quality.
Our take on the brand
Look inside the brand
Our interview with the brand
What are two key technological innovations or strong opinions that differ you from other brands?
We do not see merit in claiming technical innovations when the science has been known and understood for the two centuries since Faraday, Ohm, Maxwell, Hertz, Henry, et al. defined the behavioral patterns of electricity and magnetism and their interactions. Even exotic-sounding "modern" dielectric materials advancements and conductor voltage treatments, etc., can be traced back well over half a century ago.
Our approach to product design is to apply clear logic, establishing the broad spectrum of aims for the product, then evaluating and evolving practices that achieve these aims.
This is accomplished firstly within the fundamental design as evolved by measured performance, but from there on, the product is shaped and evolved through massive sequences of listening tests over a very wide selection of HiFi setups of different technologies and ambition. Listening to how each design decision actually sounds as affected by the enclosure dimensions and materials, the board layout, component values and their technology, materials, etc. Establishing how every individual aspect influences the final sound of the overall design. It is a long and painstaking process from which there is no escaping if you wish to present a world-class product.
What's your approach to customer support?
We only distribute through specialist outlets with the required skills to guide and assist customers with their purchase and answer normal technical questions relating to usage of our products. In the event that the questions are more uniquely complex, we are always on hand to take over the conversation. Our products are inherently robust and designed for many decades of use. We always stand by our products, with happy users our topmost priority.
What are your favorite tracks for showcasing the strength of your products?
This is ever-changing, but to note is that for older material in a digital medium, the earliest versions before the compression of the loudness wars took hold are almost invariably the best. For 60s, 70s, and 80s music on vinyl, seek out older pressings produced with an all-analogue master tape to cutting head sequence with no digital process stages in between. If there is a digital stage employed, as with virtually all vinyl of recent decades, including "audiophile" pressings, you are better off listening to the digital version directly.
Today's choice of three would probably be:
- Joan Armatrading – Me Myself I – AMLH64809 – Dynamics, vocal positioning in the soundstage, and overall imaging
- Tchaikovsky Violin Concerto – Kyung-Wha Chung, LSO – Previn Decca SXL 6493 – Handling of a large orchestra at full belt and the tonal realism in the solo violin passages
- Fleetwood Mac – Tusk K66088 – "Beautiful Child" – Vocals, soundstage, imaging, clarity, realism, and separation of the individual contributions
What other products pair best with yours?
We need to ensure that our products interface well across the broadest spectrum of components, and we have, for example, in our development room over 20 different amplifiers from Pass Labs Monoblocs, through Krell, Naim, Meridian, Cyrus, Quad, Leak, Sugden, World Audio, Enleum, as well as many speakers and source components.
Used
Puritan
What if you spend more?
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The PowerCell 8 SX introduces significant advancements, including a reformulated Ultra Low-Frequency RF bias and the same power supply technology found in the latest Galileo SX PowerCell line conditioner, engineered to ensure the cleanest power delivery and the lowest possible noise floor for your audio system. With the addition of a redesigned Ground Plane Technology, the PowerCell 8 SX achieves one of the blackest backgrounds of any PowerCell to date, allowing the essence of your music to come through.
A highlight of the PowerCell 8 SX is its comprehensive redesign of our patented electromagnetic cell, which, in turn, was taken directly from our work on the upcoming flagship 20-outlet SRX power conditioner, which will retail for over $50,000 when launched. The PowerCell 8 SX gets the first major EM Cell redesign in over a decade, where the patented Electromagnetic Cell is enhanced to have twice the surface area for greater conditioning power compared to previous folded EM Cells. This upgrade is complemented by significant improvements in the internal materials and assembly processes, setting the standard for efficiency and performance.
The PowerCell 8 SX stands out as a testament to our commitment to pushing the boundaries of performance, packing our latest technology into a compact form factor, and is ideal for audiophiles seeking the best possible power conditioner without compromising space or design.
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Our summary
Product Strengths
- Noticeably reduces background noise and provides dead silence when nothing is playing
- Offers tunable RF biasing with red and purple settings to optimize sound to your system and personal tastes
- Provides full current to all 8 outlets, allowing for no compromise when running multiple amplifiers
- Increases detail and resolution, expands the soundstage, and adds clarity to vocals
Product Considerations
- One reviewer found it so light that they needed to affix pads to keep it in place when adding or removing power cords
- The red setting is not optimal for electronic music, as it can become too light
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Compared to the Furman IT-Reference 15i, the PowerCell 8 SX provides immediately apparent improvements in detail, resolution, and soundstage, whereas the Furman IT-Reference 15i did not have any discernible difference in sound
- Compared to the original PowerCell8 SE, the PowerCell 8 SX has greater transparency, dynamics, inner detail, and resolution—which creates an actively engaging listening experience
Takeaway: The PowerCell 8 SX unlocks a system's potential by cleaning power and reducing noise. It offers tunable settings to optimize the sound for different music types.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Our summary
Product Strengths
- The V5 models (Titan and Sigma) have a much nicer visual design and styling compared to previous EVO3 models, with a better match between the Titan and Sigma aesthetics
- The V5 Sigmas boasts an improved DCR design that brings it closer to the ideal of zero Ohms resistance, which ensures cleaner power delivery and more transparent/accurate audio reproduction
- The V5 Sigmas has seven independent outlets, each with its own dedicated clean power network
- The V5 Sigmas offers versatile outlet configuration with three high current, low impedance outlets (16A) and four medium current outputs (10A)
- The V5 Sigmas has a remarkable 35% improvement in amperage and a 40% increase in current handling capability due to decreased circuit resistance
Product Considerations
- The V5 Sigmas has a premium pricing which may not suit all budgets
- The V5 Titan bass may be a little bit tighter, which may be a problem for the EVO3 Titan because it was a little bit looser—it kind of adds a little bit more bloom and fat to the sound
- The V5 models are hard products to review, because reviewers have to keep powering down and breaking down the whole system to unplug everything, and then have to let it warm up again rinse and repeat multiple times
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- V5 Titan bass was a little bit tighter than the EVO3 Titan, but the Evo III's bass, because it was a little bit looser, kind of adds a little bit more bloom and fat to the sound
- Unless it's used with an amp beyond the Sigmas scope, the V5 is arguably closer in performance to the EVO3 Titan
Takeaway: The Isotek V5 Titan and Sigmas improve a hifi system's sound, opening up the soundstage and giving a better listening experience. With cleaner power and stylish design, these products can make a system sound its best.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Our summary
Product Strengths
- Significant audible difference to the hifi system
- The most affordable component in the reviewer's setup
- Well-made CNC machined case shields against wireless interference
- More stable mains voltage at late night
Product Considerations
- Priced at $2300 in the US and €2400 locally
Takeaway: The KECES IQRP-1500 power conditioner makes a noticeable and positive difference in the audio experience and makes the system more enjoyable. This is a worthwhile investment for those seeking cleaner power.
Video review
Our take on the brand
What competes at this price?
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- The IsoTek V5 Elektra does not restrain the dynamic range of music
- The V5 Elektra lowers RFI (common mode) noise by as much as 55 decibels and also lowers differential noise
- Offers surge protection up to 67,500A
- Each outlet is independently wired and isolated from others, and uses four independent, six-stage 'delta filter' power cleaning networks
- The V5 Elektra improves the stability of AC power and protects equipment from dangerous voltage spikes
- The IsoTek V5 Elektra enhances the sound, allowing more fine details and dynamics to come through
Product Considerations
- The feet feel 'chintzy' for a power conditioner
- Outlets are a little close together, making it difficult to plug in bulky power cords
- One reviewer received the product with no instruction manual included
- Considerable physical size and weight might require sturdy shelf
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs Clarus Sextet: The Clarus Sextet is a competitor, but is a bit more neutral-sounding than the V5 Elektra
- Vs Transparent Powerwave: The Transparent Powerwave includes protection for coax, gigabit, and ethernet connections, while the V5 Elektra does not
- Vs PS Audio Stellar PowerPlant 3: The PS Audio Stellar PowerPlant 3 is a power regenerator and has limitations in terms of power delivery to connected equipment, but sends fully-corrected AC to the equipment
Takeaway: The IsoTek V5 Elektra is suitable for audiophiles seeking clean and stable power for their hifi systems, and improves audio quality by reducing noise and enhancing dynamics. Its advanced protection features also safeguard equipment.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Brings calmness and focus to the sound
- Features both High Current outputs for power amplifiers and Low Current outputs for sources, with different filtering for each
- Measurably drops the noise floor, which is reproducible
- New enclosure has a sleek design
- Delivers greater power with unrestricted current delivery within the limits of the power supply
Product Considerations
- Impossible to predict which model fits best among power conditioners
- It is necessary to have components of the very highest quality, designed specifically for purpose with the correct architecture
- Some might consider these 'exotic', they represent a critical and important part of the function and appropriate to use
- Building a better EVO3 Aquarius was enough of a daunting prospect that it took IsoTek more than a dozen years to make a viable replacement—that is claimed to improve on the EVO3
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs IsoTek EVO3 Aquarius: The V5 makes the EVO3 sound like it's on strong antipsychotics, providing a peppy, immediate, and upbeat rhythm, leaving the EVO3 behind
Takeaway: The Isotek Aquarius V5 looks great and helps bring out the best sound from equipment by lowering the noise floor. It could be a worthwhile addition to a hifi setup.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Flexible and configurable, with ten Schuko-Steckplätzen allowing optimal adaptation to almost any system setup
- Improves the clarity of the sound image, and enhances spatial representation
- Increases the richness of sound colors
- Does not create dynamic limitations
Product Considerations
- Under-dimensioned filters and isolation transformers can be more detrimental to dynamics
- The optional features were not used in the test
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- It helps the Tsakiridis Theseus provide a sound that is less flat, more colorful, and cleaner than the Linn Majik DSM as a full amplifier
Takeaway: The Tsakiridis Super Athena is a versatile device with configurable settings that allows the user to fine-tune it for their system, bringing improvements to clarity and sound quality. It offers a cleaner listening experience without limiting the dynamics.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- The BPC-3 brings the instruments closer and energizes them strongly, creating a close perspective and high energy
- The BPC-3 increases the emotional temperature of tracks
- The BPC-3 produces long reverberations, resulting in a bigger sound with powerful scale, supported by strong, low, soft bass
Product Considerations
- The presentation is focused on a slightly narrower stage
- With file players, the BPC-3 turned to softness and relaxation, calming down the upper midrange and emphasizing the midbass
- Selectivity and resolution seem a bit lower than with the reference strip
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Acoustic Revive RTP-4eu Absolute produced a softer and darker sound, whereas the BPC-3 increased the emotional temperature of the track, and while the BPC-3 focuses on a narrower stage, reverberations are longer and more unambiguous
Takeaway: The BPC-3 is an interesting device that provides energizing sound and low bass, making the sound bigger and giving it power. It is worth trying because it brings something that passive power strips and conditioners do not have.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Attenuates high-frequency noise up to 50 dB
- Can remove most of the interference that can occur when connected components send noise back via the power cable
- Significant improvement of the sound throughout the felt
- Improves dynamic contrast
- Improves resolution in sound
Product Considerations
- Requires additional expensive power cables to maximize benefits
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Shunyata made more dramatic improvements than the IsoTek EVO3 Corvus
Takeaway: The Shunyata Hydra Delta D6 improves the sound quality of a stereo system and can help the music grow in scale. It is a high-end power filter that can do wonders for a system if one wants to lift the sound quality.
Video review
Our take on the brand
How to buy
Power Conditioners
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