Shunyata Hydra Users....Your Opinion please...

I bought the Hydra 2 and plug my mono block amps into it. As an experiment I put a Hubell 20 amp IEC on the end of a 20 amp dedicated line and bypassed the Shunyata power cord. In theory it should have sounded better- less connectors and all one cable.But the Hydra with the Diamond back sounded better than straight in with the dedicated line. So I then upgraded to the Taipan and haven't regretted it. In my experience there is something that the Shunyata power cords do to enhance the Hydra.

John (Ikkyu2),

Thanks for posting your experience. I think this is the type of clarification people seek on audiogon and dont get from the 'professional' reviewers that heap praise on whatever they put into their system.

It also is a good example of the 'weakest link' principle of audio. We don't like to admit it, but our system is held back by certain components or elements. Improving already strong components will improve the system, but will also 'reveal' the weak links even more. I've learned this over-and-over, most recently with shelving. That's why I keep my system as minimal and clean as possible.

I also fail to see why anyone would buy Electraglide. There are too many excellent power cords made by first-class people.

Rob

I also fail to see why anyone would buy Electraglide. There are too many excellent power cords made by first-class people.

Amen to that. January 2006, and Scott Hall has still not sent my Epiphany cord that I shipped to him in June 2005 for a retrofit.

I am presently using an Elrod EPS3 Signature and DCCA Extreme Reference power cords with my Hydra 2 conditioners, but I cannot say they are better in this application than Shunyata Python Alpha cords I once owned. Makes me wonder why I ever changed...Audiophilia Nervosa, I suppose.

I think you can find 20/15 amp adapters here. This is where I purchase item 1422($3). It is an adapter that allows me to plug standard electrical devices into a audio-type power cord for burn in. I think you will find the same device is $16 or more from an audiofool source.

Legal disclaimer: I make no recommendation for or against using an 20/15amp adapter for other than PC comparison purposes. (My lawyer makes me say stuff like that.)

http://www.buypowergear.com/SearchResult.aspx?CategoryID=683

My Hydra-8 came with a Diamondback 20 amp PC. I was not impressed with the Hydra performance. Shunyata reps advised me to upgrade to a Python Alpha 20 amp. I upgraded to the Python but did not notice much difference--at first.

After burning in the Python Alpha I did a comparison with the Diamondback which was already burned in. A friend was with me when I did the comparison. We turned to each other and made kaka faces with the Diamondback. I could not get it out of the system fast enough.

I still have the Hydra-8 and have no desire to replace it. I now have 5 Python Alpha power cords. One on the Hydra and 4-15amp versions on critical gear.

I thought the power cord to the Hydra would not be critical. Shunyata reps told me the opposite and I proved it to myself. I should add that I have a dedicated 20-amp power source.

Good listening.

I've used the original Hydra for four+ years. It came with the Sidewinder which I'm still using. I sold my Shunyata Viper's for BMI Whales because I felt the Hydra did much of the work regardless of the pcs I sampled. I auditioned Virtual Dynamic and Elrod cords and I'm happy with the current setup. http://cgi.audioasylum.com/systems/436.html