My front end pieces (EMM lab dcc2/cdsd, custom tube crossover) all have Elrod Statement 2s going to a Hydra 8 which has a Statement 1 to a dedicated circuit. IMS, I find that the Elrod signatures (the Statements even more so) give a refineness and add dynamics that I really enjoy. I have tried going straight into the circuit for the front end and heard a noticeable difference to the worse. OTOH, at various times I have used the original Hydra to my amps and the difference ( with or without the conditioner) is less than the front end.
Reg
Reg