Mating power cords with APL 3910

As per Sean's description of the Hydra 8's architecture, a while ago I posted my opinion that the analog outlets sounded better (tighter bass, more relaxed & integrated sound field) for all components, digital ones included. The analog ones are the first in the chain, so this seems to explain it.

Yep, I have to go along with Sean, since his analysis has proven right to my ears. For the record, my Edge NL-12 amp is much smoother & warmer (but still conveys all the details & dynamics) through the Hydra 8. I have all my source components (EMMs) bunched up in the analog outlets. The digital ones made them sound strained.
Other power conditioners I have tried did make things sound smoother, but made amp sound compressed and the source components kind of lifeless. I have had more luck with better power cords, where I have experienced major improvements. I have always been suprised how power cords can be as influential as interconnects.

Not to belabor things here, but just to complete my thoughts for those reading this thread, I found that using a 20-amp Shunyata Anaconda Alpha from the wall (plain old 15 amp non-dedicated line) to the Hydra 8, and another Anaconda Alpha from the Hydra to the amp (Edge NL12) works really well. The bass (especially the problematic upper bass) is much more open & transparent, with no ear-pounding pressure, even with my rear-ported speakers too close to the wall. Grain was removed from the rest of the spectrum, too, but detail & 3D-ness remains. There is just that sense of all-is-well that lets you breathe & listen. I tried other cords in this loop (TG SLVR, Kimber PK10 Palladium), with & w/o the Hydra, & found the above setup to be the best by far.