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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
drhst20
71 posts
 
Tha valhalla is not a bass thief, but like anything it requires some system matching. The valhalla is very airy and detailed, but is certainly not the king when it comes to dynamics. You may want to try harmonix interconnects. They are monsterouly dynaamic, very detailed, but you will most likely loose a little air. Buy them used, and if you don't like them you can alwasy resell them. I have also owned a Hydra. It will not provide you with better dynamics. It will perhaps drop the noise floor of your system and provide a slight liquidity and ease when can be quite present. For dynamics, I prefer to not use power conditioning and use good power cords.
jkuc
181 posts
 
First of all sell Krell and buy Plinius 9200. You won't need any further upgrades.

Rgds
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