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How to improve my system : Shunyata Hydra ?

Hello,
I hope someone can give me a few hints or things to consider !
My system consists of Krell KAV-300iL, cd player Cary 306/200, speakers Avalon Opus Ceramique and the cabling is entirely from NBS Omega I (interconnect and speaker cable) except for powerchords, which are NBS Monitor IV with Furutech rhodium plugs.
The speaker cable is new and replaces the Nordost Valhalla I had previously. The Valhalla was nice, but I had the impression that it was - to borrow a comment from someone else - a "bass thief". So I decided to buy the NBS without having the chance to audition it. It has got now roughly 150-200 hours, but it is nowhere near compared to the detail and imaging provided by the Valhalla. And the Valhalla were louder, perhaps due to the low impedance. I spoke with NBS and they were surprised. Is the mating with the Krell so bad ? My question is how long should I wait for the NBS to open up or what is causing the problems ?
I'm wondering if getting a power conditioner such as Hydra-6 + Python Alpha or Hydra-8 + Python is going to help me. Should I take the plunge and buy Shunyata's Hydra or not ?If yes, what model (Hydra-6 or 8) would work best with my set-up (I don't need more than 6 outlets) ? Unfortunately I cannot audition the Shunyata... Any recommendation or ideas ?
cheers and thank you for any comments which might help me to overcome a bit my frustration.
Mike
mikefi
metralla
945 posts
 
I don't think you should do anything without being in a position to trial the item. I don't believe that the Shunyata Hydra would help open up the sound or restore missing dynamics - as much as I admire the company and their technology. You could try changing the power outlets as a fairly cheap mod - some Pass and Seymour, Acme or Porter Ports.

Regards,
Post removed 
valleyplastic
149 posts
 
Mike,
Not sure if I am following all you are saying. However if you have 150 to 200 hours on your cables I would think they are at least 90 percent open to what you will be hearing.
Adding a L.C. is NOT going to change what you described.
Anyway, I would consider dedicated lines before a L.C. You will be impressed more so with this then a L.C. to start.
I am not saying a L.C. is not beneficial but we all have a tendency to do this the opposite way it should be done. I do not own the NBS cables but I have heard them and I also am a little surprised on what you are saying.
Hope someone else has a direct answer for you.
Dave
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