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

I am thinking of obtaining the Shunyata Hydra. The Hydra takes an 20 amp iec vs the more common 15 amp iec variety. When I was in California recently, a Shunyata dealer stated to me that "the Hydra is pretty much a high end power bar/surge protector, and that it's the power cable that creates the magic...". I thought his statement was rather simplistic. Working on a tight budget, my plan originally was to buy a used high quality cable from Audiogon from either Audience or Cardas (with a 20 amp iec) to mate with the Hydra 4 instead of the rather expensive Shunyata power cords. I was wondering if there are any Hydra owners out there that have paired their Hydra's with other company's power cords....and what was the result? Is it the Shunyata power cords that create the magic? ....or can the magic be created with another power cord? Is the Hydra simply a glorified power bar/surge protector?

FYI...I currently own the PS Audio P300...and love it...but my room is rather small...and the fan noise is something that I want to get rid of....thus wanting to move to the Hydra.

Thank you!
Tony
calgarian5355

Showing 2 responses by rtn1

rtn1
535 posts
 
I am running all Elrod Statement power cords. Not cheap, but provides incredible speed, detail, and lower-end control. It literally energized my system to a much higher level. I have everything in the Hydra, including 600 watt monoblocks. They clearly sound better with the Hydra compared to dedicated high-end lines. I believe the powercord to the Hydra is important, and needs to be designed for high-power situations. I would advise you to get the Hydra, use it on a dedicated line with the best cord you can afford. I have each component plugged into it's own outlet, so the Hydra-8 is perfect for my 4 components. Also, try Walker SST Contact Enhancer. The cord does not have to be a Shunyata cord.

Rob
rtn1
535 posts
 
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
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