Line Condition /Pwr Protection on Mono Block amps?

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

BTW - I used an original Hydra & an Elrod Signature3 powercord to drive BOTH my Pass X-250/X-3 amps, which both had Shunyata PC's themselves. Most of my front-end equipment was on the Hydra as well.

I used it that way to keep the sonic advantages of the Hydra in the entire chain, and because I never personally noticed any reduction of dynamics, even during full HT impacts. But remember that this is MY particular system in MY room with MY power conditions and MY hearing, so YMMV.

In a more general view however, the ORIGINAL Hydra does not offer ANY surge suppression at all - just a fuse (which I even replaced with a Copper Slug). It is a fully-passive design, so it shouldn't get in the way of the dynamics. That is the biggest difference between Hydra and Hydra-8, as the latter HAS surge protection which, in my mind, COULD cause a dulling of dynamics when the Hydra is shared with a bunch of other equipment, just as Grant describes.

I would ditch the Hydra. You don't need it , because I was in the same situation with my mono Krell FPB 600 amps. It's a waste of money and put more into the cables which would be a better choice.

Bhouser is correct about leaving the Pass Labs amps on all the time, the sonics do really change when you turn them off. I had an X-250 and left it on at all times even when I went on vacation. I haven't tried a hydra yet but use the Elord Sig 3 power cord on it and it works great with dedicated lines.

You may want to contact Peter at Pass Labs and ask him his advice as it is always free and good advice.

Happy Listening.

Another idea that works well for high current amps, use a PASSIVE not active line conditioner. Richard Gray equipment is excellent. Audio Research Corp uses these conditioners exclusively,because they don't limit the power that high current amps need. Most active conditioners like ps1200's still cannot handle the bigger amps. The fact that you have sound degradation is based on two likely limitations of the device you are using, lack of adequate capacity to handle your amp's power needs, and it's circuitry is adding color to your signal line. Look at the Power Substation that Richard Gray makes,20amp as well as it can come in 240 volt option that you run a dedicated 240 volt line, which completely isolates your system. From a protection standpoint it can take a direct hit and will be able to protect your amps. Best of luck.
Olenorge