Shunyata Hydra

I bought the BP-3.5 Signature several weeks ago. Mine sounded great (to my ears)right out of the box, and has slowly gotten better.

I use both the older Hydra (orange outlets) and the Hydra 8 in my system. Side by side comparison gives a slight edge to the newer 8. The newer Hydra sounds less dark and a tad quieter. I really don't need two hydras in my system, however; the older model is stunning and I refuse to give it away, as youv'e seen on Audiogon lately. It's a classic and extra outlets are always needed. I actually plug the old Hydra into the new, so both are protected. I do not feel there is a sonic difference in plugging the old into the new, rather than straight into the wall receptacle.

I have perhaps a dumb question as to the connections for the Hydra. Do you guys run all your gear (amp(s)/pre-amp/sources) through a single hydra which is obviously connected to a single wall outlet?

Dave

I run all my front-end gear through the Hydra 8, plus the subwoofer sections of my loudspeakers. The Hydra 8 has its own dedicated 20A circuit. My power amp plugs directly into the wall, no conditioner. It also has its own dedicated 20A circuit.

Not a dumb question, I asked the same when I purchased mine.
I plug all my gear into it and it works great for my system, it's a non-current limiting (passive) device.
Other sytems and preferences may vary.