I suppose that's what burns my butt about having to add a better cord, or even 'a' cord is simply that . . .spending $500 to $1000, for conditioning devices and right away having to get into the pocket even deeper, yet again... and not by choice... by need. One would think makers of these items would supply at least something with the item.
I understand your point. However, if you look at it from another perspective, one might argue that it's highly unlikely that a Hydra owner keeps the starter cord on the Hydra, and quickly moves up the product chain. For the consumer, the cost of the starter cord was a poor value from the start.
From Shunyata's perspective, I suppose they could package the Hydra conditioners with a basic Diamondback cord, but many Hydra buyers don't want that cord, and they would find it an unecessary additional cost to the conditioner for a cord they won't use. Allowing the customer to purchase any one of several potential power cords avoids wasted dollars. If it makes you more comfortable, consider the starter price of a Hydra 2 to include not only the conditioner but a Diamondback power cord.
How would you say the Hydra 2, or 4, differs from the upc 200 given a like cord is on each of the units...??
As I wrote in your earlier thread asking about PS Audio and Shunyata conditioners, you really have to try them in your own system. I once owned a PS Audio Ultimate Outlet HC at the same time I owned a Hydra 2. I used the Ultimate Outlet HC on my amp and preamp, and I used the Hydra 2 on my digital source. This combo sounded pretty good. When I swapped the two conditioners, the sound became strangled and closed-in. When I left the Ultimate Outlet HC on the digital and plugged the amp and preamp into the wall, the sound still was constricted. I concluded in my system, the Ultimate Outlet HC on my digital front end was no bueno, yet it worked fine on my amp and preamp. This is an example of why it's best to experiment with these things in your system.
I did swap about some cords in place of the OEM cord... and Yep! It's better with better cords...
You've already experienced my point!
It's also doubtful I'll be spending more for a cord than the unit it attaches to is worth. Doesn't make sense.
Well, you've just admitted hearing the benefits of better cords. I understand your reluctance to spend more on the cord than on the conditioner, but if it results in an improvement, wasn't it worth the price, regardless of the price ratio between the conditioner and the cord?
that'd kind of like putting 3000 bucks worth of rims and tires on a 1000 dollar car... to me anyway.
I would propose that adding $3000 rims to a $1000 car does not improve the performance of the car, which at $1000 is already a piece of junk, whereas adding a more expensive Shunyata power cord can markedly improve the performance of a Shunyata Hydra conditioner.
You will never know if a Hydra and a good Shunyata cord will benfit your system until you try them for yourself. All the questions and answers in these discussion threads won't answer your question.
Considering you can purchase used Hydra conditioners and used Shunyata cords on Audiogon and re-sell them for a zero sum game, what's holding you back? Believe me, if you buy them and try them and they work for you, their cost will be forgotten in a week while your enjoyment of them will last months, or years, or...until you get the next itch to upgrade. :)
