emmlabs into wall outlet or into shunyata hydra?


Wanted to get input on using the emmlabs dcc2 se edition preamp/dacd and cdsd se edition transport into the wall outlet directly or through a shunyata hydra power conditioner.

I am using the emmlabs with a dartzeel amp and wp7 speakers.

I previously had the lamm 2.2 and some noise issues so I got the hydra. I am using a shunyata hydra power cable with the hydra. Previously, I liked the sound better with the emmlabs equipment going through the hydra and the lamm directly into the wall. Now I am tentatively finding that directly having the emm labs into the wall as well as the dartzeel into the wall works works better. If this holds up, I might end up selling the hydra and its power cable.

I was wondering what experiences are like for other emm labs owners who have used power conditioners.
128x128karmapolice

Showing 3 responses by talon4

Hello Karmapolice, I have an original Shunyata Hydra line conditioner with a Shunyata Anaconda Alpha Helix powercord going to the wall. I also have an Electraglide Epiphany powercord on my EMM Labs cd/sacd player, which is plugged into the Hydra. I use the Hydra for sources only. I just tried my Electraglide directly plugged into the wall for about 30 minutes. No contest... The EMM Labs plugged into the Hydra was a clear winner. Without the Hydra, the EMM Labs lost low level detail, clarity, bass definition, etc. and became a bit hazey. I've always found that preamps and amps are better plugged directly into the wall, while sources have always needed the Hydra. Since you're using your EMM Labs as a preamp, I don't know if this helps much though. Stan
Hi Michael, I'm using the EMM Labs CDSA CD-SACD player, which is their new one box player. Also, it's still breaking in at 600 hours playing time. I'm using an Electraglide Epiphany on the EMM Labs player right now, so my results might change with a different powercord in the equation. I've been told that the Jena Labs Power One powercord is a good match for EMM Labs, but I haven't had a chance to try one yet. Best Regards, Stan
Hi Michael, I recently borrowed a Siltech G6 Ruby Hill powercord to use on my EMM Labs player. It gave a better performance plugged directly into the wall than the Electraglide did, but the soundstage diminished noticeably compared to being plugged into the Hydra. Instruments and performers became much smaller and there was a lot less exact placement of instrumental space. I'm looking into buying a Ruby Hill. It's a pretty good match for the EMM Labs player, as is my Hydra. Stan