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Line Condition /Pwr Protection on Mono Block amps?

Have a pair of PASS XA-160 amps.

I have a couple Shunyata Hydra 8 line conditioners /Surge protectors in my system. Have my preamp and a couple source plugged into line condition. And then a seperate one for my TT and CD player, tuner which is on a seperate line also.

Question ? I plugged PASS amps into two seperate line conditioners (2)- Shunyata Hydra 8 but sound was diminished in dynamics and detail. Almost a very muffled sound with increase distortion when listening.

When I plug PASS amps back directly back into wall , the sound was so much more open and clearer with great dyanmisc. But now I have no protection on PASS amps.
I usually don't get bad surges. Other an occasional black out during summer or storm.

Do I need protection on my PASS XA-160 amps ?
Would you leave plug into directly wall ?
I 've been told power amps are more hardy with standing surges .

Any help is most gracious.
syot2c08

Showing 1 response by rtn1

rtn1
535 posts
 
I'd be interested to hear other's opinion on amps with the Hydra. I have my Pass Labs x600s plugged into a Hydra-8 with Elrod Statement cords all around. I found the dynamics and detail to be improved overall, so I kept them that way. The sound was maybe 1 db lower through the Hydra, but the soundstage was more accurate, detailed, and realistic. I can do some more comparisons in the future, but I'm wondering if the type of cord on the Hydra makes a difference. I've never had another 20 amp cord to try on the Hydra, so the Statement is all I know.

Rob
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