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Shunyata Hydra Users....Your Opinion please...

I am thinking of obtaining the Shunyata Hydra. The Hydra takes an 20 amp iec vs the more common 15 amp iec variety. When I was in California recently, a Shunyata dealer stated to me that "the Hydra is pretty much a high end power bar/surge protector, and that it's the power cable that creates the magic...". I thought his statement was rather simplistic. Working on a tight budget, my plan originally was to buy a used high quality cable from Audiogon from either Audience or Cardas (with a 20 amp iec) to mate with the Hydra 4 instead of the rather expensive Shunyata power cords. I was wondering if there are any Hydra owners out there that have paired their Hydra's with other company's power cords....and what was the result? Is it the Shunyata power cords that create the magic? ....or can the magic be created with another power cord? Is the Hydra simply a glorified power bar/surge protector?

FYI...I currently own the PS Audio P300...and love it...but my room is rather small...and the fan noise is something that I want to get rid of....thus wanting to move to the Hydra.

Thank you!
Tony
calgarian5355
rtn1
535 posts
 
John (Ikkyu2),

Thanks for posting your experience. I think this is the type of clarification people seek on audiogon and dont get from the 'professional' reviewers that heap praise on whatever they put into their system.

It also is a good example of the 'weakest link' principle of audio. We don't like to admit it, but our system is held back by certain components or elements. Improving already strong components will improve the system, but will also 'reveal' the weak links even more. I've learned this over-and-over, most recently with shelving. That's why I keep my system as minimal and clean as possible.

I also fail to see why anyone would buy Electraglide. There are too many excellent power cords made by first-class people.

Rob
Post removed 
don_s
271 posts
 
I think you can find 20/15 amp adapters here. This is where I purchase item 1422($3). It is an adapter that allows me to plug standard electrical devices into a audio-type power cord for burn in. I think you will find the same device is $16 or more from an audiofool source.

Legal disclaimer: I make no recommendation for or against using an 20/15amp adapter for other than PC comparison purposes. (My lawyer makes me say stuff like that.)

http://www.buypowergear.com/SearchResult.aspx?CategoryID=683

My Hydra-8 came with a Diamondback 20 amp PC. I was not impressed with the Hydra performance. Shunyata reps advised me to upgrade to a Python Alpha 20 amp. I upgraded to the Python but did not notice much difference--at first.

After burning in the Python Alpha I did a comparison with the Diamondback which was already burned in. A friend was with me when I did the comparison. We turned to each other and made kaka faces with the Diamondback. I could not get it out of the system fast enough.

I still have the Hydra-8 and have no desire to replace it. I now have 5 Python Alpha power cords. One on the Hydra and 4-15amp versions on critical gear.

I thought the power cord to the Hydra would not be critical. Shunyata reps told me the opposite and I proved it to myself. I should add that I have a dedicated 20-amp power source.

Good listening.
mwalsdor
94 posts
 
I've used the original Hydra for four+ years. It came with the Sidewinder which I'm still using. I sold my Shunyata Viper's for BMI Whales because I felt the Hydra did much of the work regardless of the pcs I sampled. I auditioned Virtual Dynamic and Elrod cords and I'm happy with the current setup. http://cgi.audioasylum.com/systems/436.html
mdconnelly
133 posts
 
When I bought my orig Hydra a number of years back I did compare it with the PS Audio conditioner at that time. The Hydra greatly outperformed the PS Audio (in my system). A far more relaxed musical presentation yet more transparent and dynamic.

Since then I've replaced the stock Sidewinder PC to the Hydra with a VH Audio Airsine which opened things up further lifting yet another veil (albeit not to the same extent as the Hydra itself).

Has anyone compared the orig Hydra with the newer Hydra 8?
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