Equitech 1.5Q or Shunyata Hydra 8?


Has anyone compared these two power conditioners? Both seem highly recommended. Is the balanced power approach of the Equitech audibly superior to the noise reduction approach of the Hydra?
nighthawk
After quite a bit of analysis last year, I'd go with balanced power over most any other option. The only other option I would consider is the somewhat similar Richard Gray Subtstation, which is a big step-down transformer that uses a 240 volt line.

Now, as for Equitech versus BPT, I chose BPT for several reasons. The easiest reason was price. When the BPT 3.5 first came out, it was only about $1400, which was a steal considering the huge transformer alone from Plitron probably cost them a good chunk of that $1400. They finally wised up and bumped up the price (now $2500) by adding a few items/tweaks and calling it a Signature model. Frankly, it's still a bargain considering its performance and the cost of internal parts compared to some of the passive devices and filters on the market.

Quality-wise, I never was able to do a direct comparison bewteen the BPT and Equitech. However, I did unearth somewhat of a soap opera story between Equitech, Plitron, and BPT. There's no reason to go into details because I believe both companies make great balanced power products (along with Furman) that kill other power conditioners. However, in my opinion, BPT is now utilizing the best transformer made by Plitron and represents the greatest overall value.

(BTW, check out sixmoons.com. They've reviewed the BPT and a bunch of other power conditioners too.)
What do you guys think about the 2Q (2KVA) vs. the 1.5Q (1.5KVA)? I only have about a 900W max load, including my power amp, but I don't want the power conditioner to limit dynamics. Do you think the 2KVA unit is worth the extra $500 for this reason alone?
Labtec, Hope this isn't off subject but you mentioned furman. Have you compaired the IT Signature to the BPT 3.5?
I'm interested in both. Enjoy the music gave the furman product of the year award.
I have an Equitech 2Q. It's the best I have owned. As a point of reference I previously own the Audio Power Wedge 116, PS Audio P300, Sound Application XE-12S, and Richard Gray Power Company.