There is some missing but relevant context in your question that may explain your results, and help eliminate the issues you are describing.
Were you running the Pass amps on their own dedicated line- by themselves- before switching them to running through Hydras that were also providing current for other electronics such as your TT/ CD player? If so, then your results will never be positive because you are adding current load for additional electronics comparing to single electronics current load when running direct. The direct vs. conditioner comparison should only be made running the amps direct vs. running through the Hydra-- with no other electronics plugged into the Hydra that the amps are on. Adding other electronics onto the same line will always skew/degrade results--not because of the Hydras, but because of the total current load on the circuit at your panel and the line that runs from it.
Do you have the same gauge and quality of power cable running from the Hydra to your wall as you do on the amps? There is no point to having heavy-gauge high quality power cables on your amps if you are then summing that current through a lesser quality, or small gauge power cable running to the wall. Keep in mind also, that you are going from two separate power cables to the wall for each mono, to a single power cable to the wall(with Hydra). The power cable you choose to feed power distributors-conditioners should be at least the equal of power cables upstream.
The previous poster made a good alternate suggestion, however, the Hydras do not impede current, and engineers from Pass have tested and approved of Hydras feeding Pass amps, so the problem is likely the result of system or electrical context. I would be happy to make a few suggestions if you would like to e-mail.
Regards,
Grant
Shunyata Research
Were you running the Pass amps on their own dedicated line- by themselves- before switching them to running through Hydras that were also providing current for other electronics such as your TT/ CD player? If so, then your results will never be positive because you are adding current load for additional electronics comparing to single electronics current load when running direct. The direct vs. conditioner comparison should only be made running the amps direct vs. running through the Hydra-- with no other electronics plugged into the Hydra that the amps are on. Adding other electronics onto the same line will always skew/degrade results--not because of the Hydras, but because of the total current load on the circuit at your panel and the line that runs from it.
Do you have the same gauge and quality of power cable running from the Hydra to your wall as you do on the amps? There is no point to having heavy-gauge high quality power cables on your amps if you are then summing that current through a lesser quality, or small gauge power cable running to the wall. Keep in mind also, that you are going from two separate power cables to the wall for each mono, to a single power cable to the wall(with Hydra). The power cable you choose to feed power distributors-conditioners should be at least the equal of power cables upstream.
The previous poster made a good alternate suggestion, however, the Hydras do not impede current, and engineers from Pass have tested and approved of Hydras feeding Pass amps, so the problem is likely the result of system or electrical context. I would be happy to make a few suggestions if you would like to e-mail.
Regards,
Grant
Shunyata Research