I have the following experience with the Original Hydra. When I plug the power amplifier into the Hydra there is a very black and silent background. Music seems to emanate from this dead silent background, which gives a weird experience. I don't like it, it's weird. So I plug the power amplifier directly into the AC wall outlet. Then I get a more "natural" sound with some of the noise, some of the grunge you also can hear in real life.
Chris