Line Condition /Pwr Protection on Mono Block amps?

BTW - I used an original Hydra & an Elrod Signature3 powercord to drive BOTH my Pass X-250/X-3 amps, which both had Shunyata PC's themselves. Most of my front-end equipment was on the Hydra as well.

I used it that way to keep the sonic advantages of the Hydra in the entire chain, and because I never personally noticed any reduction of dynamics, even during full HT impacts. But remember that this is MY particular system in MY room with MY power conditions and MY hearing, so YMMV.

In a more general view however, the ORIGINAL Hydra does not offer ANY surge suppression at all - just a fuse (which I even replaced with a Copper Slug). It is a fully-passive design, so it shouldn't get in the way of the dynamics. That is the biggest difference between Hydra and Hydra-8, as the latter HAS surge protection which, in my mind, COULD cause a dulling of dynamics when the Hydra is shared with a bunch of other equipment, just as Grant describes.

I would ditch the Hydra. You don't need it , because I was in the same situation with my mono Krell FPB 600 amps. It's a waste of money and put more into the cables which would be a better choice.

Bhouser is correct about leaving the Pass Labs amps on all the time, the sonics do really change when you turn them off. I had an X-250 and left it on at all times even when I went on vacation. I haven't tried a hydra yet but use the Elord Sig 3 power cord on it and it works great with dedicated lines.

You may want to contact Peter at Pass Labs and ask him his advice as it is always free and good advice.

Happy Listening.

Another idea that works well for high current amps, use a PASSIVE not active line conditioner. Richard Gray equipment is excellent. Audio Research Corp uses these conditioners exclusively,because they don't limit the power that high current amps need. Most active conditioners like ps1200's still cannot handle the bigger amps. The fact that you have sound degradation is based on two likely limitations of the device you are using, lack of adequate capacity to handle your amp's power needs, and it's circuitry is adding color to your signal line. Look at the Power Substation that Richard Gray makes,20amp as well as it can come in 240 volt option that you run a dedicated 240 volt line, which completely isolates your system. From a protection standpoint it can take a direct hit and will be able to protect your amps. Best of luck.
Olenorge

I use a pair of PS Audio Ultimate Outlets on my ARC Classic 120's. There is a noticeable improvement of clarity compared to the wall current.

Randy