Thanks to both of you for your reply. The unit was purchased used, but mint and has been burned in.
I've been slammed at work and working late and so far have only listened to 1 track - first w/o the 156 and then with it - which was my amp (about 50w/ch) and phono stage. My very initial findings are:
-no change in tonality except took a slight edginess off the top end with no loss of detail. I didn't even realize it was there until the 156 went in
-the imaging was most improved - every instrument had its only well defined area in the soundstage
-vocals were improved greatly - I could hear the inflections, etc. better.
The biggest improvement actually was me being pulled into the music that much more - a lot more. For this 1 track, I started with in an inquisitive state of mind and finished with pure enjoyment.
I really only have 1 source component which is my phonostage. My TT is belt-driven so the quality of power doesn't matter. This means if I can't plug my amp into it, I don't think it is worth having a power conditioner for just 1 component, although I did plug my TT into it -because, why not. I will add that I have a CD player but I almost never listen to it. I'm 99.5% vinyl.
I didn't notice any diminishment in dynamics but again, only 1 song. I was and am amazed by what I've heard so far. I'll listen more over the weekend.
From my million and a half posts I've read about the 156, it seems that most who have an issue with loss of dynamics or other issues by plugging in their amp own a higher powered amp. Mine is fairly low at 50 per channel and I only have the phono stage and TT plugged into it. Time will tell though and if I feel that the 156 is constraining my amp, I'll save up for a high current power condtioner.

