Shunyata Hydra

I purchased an original Hydra after speaking with Caelin Gabriel himself about these supposed different 'versions'. He basically told me that there is only ONE version, but that they changed colors from orange hospital-grade outlets to biege (off-white) somewhere along the line. This was done only for aesthetic reasons, and probably because of a product-sourcing change.

Caelin indicated that there is no sonic difference, and no model-name change was warranted by this update. But he is known to make running changes to his products - without changing names or model designations.

The Hydra-8 is the brand-new unit, and is a totally different beast then the original Hydra. It is supposedly better-sounding, has 3 layers of surge suppression that don't affect the sound quality, 8 outlets instead of 6 AND it costs $500 less at MSRP then the original. It also looks more like traditional audio gear, with a machined metal front panel and painted metal enclosure instead of the Granite/Corian/Purple Heart Wood chassis of the original. Finally, the -8 uses a standard 20-amp IEC cord instead of the NEMA twistlock connection of the original, making it easier to experiment with different cords.

Keep in mind that the original has nothing other then a 15 or 20 amp fuse acting as lightning protection. And Caelin may be persuaded to send you a copper slug to replace the fuse, as that even makes a sonic difference. USE AT YOUR OWN RISK is the moto here, but I use it and actually CAN tell a difference in my Pass amp's explosiveness on big transients. I look at it this way - I could be plugging the amp directly into the wall, which provides NO protection at all, and gives no sonic benefits like the Hydra seems to IMS.

I have seen no industry or owner comparisons of Old Hydra vs New Hydra-8, or Hydra-8 vs Stealth, but I am sure that is coming.

Thanks, I'm currently deliberating if I should go with a well established (used) Hydra at about $1600 or the newer Hydra 8 at $2000+. I'll have to pay slight more as I'm in 230v land.

Caelin has ceased supplying the Hydra 8 with a decent power cable as of January, 2004. It now comes with a generic PC, not the Diamondback as before. He gives you a $100. credit toward purchase of his mega buck optional cables.
My new Hydra 8 has performed nicely. I will be comparing it to a new Balanced Power Technology 3.5 Signature I just ordered.

Everything Bhouser said above is correct. I own the original version with the (off-white) outlets and a friend of mine has the Hydra 8. We are going to put the two side by side in the near future to see what sonic differences exist. I've heard from some sources there are a few, but not enough to make me want to throw mine on the Gon. It works beautifully in my system, that's for sure.

Rx8man, I'll be interested to know what's the outcome of the side by side comparison. Like yourself I've got the original Hydra in my setup (bought used of course) and its excellent. I'm currently using the "stock" Sidewinder and considering an upgrade to the Taipan or something equivalent.