I have had the same experience using the Audioquest Niagara 1000 power conditioner. Even with amps plugged into the "high current" outlet, it's still not as open and dynamic as plugged straight into the wall. This applied to everything from SET tube integrated amp, Push-pull tube separate amp, and class D integrated.
Should I bypass my Shunyata Hydra power conditioner?
I live in an apartment building,so I thought a power conditioner would be benificial.I'm running my Shunyata Hydra HC power cord through a Shunyata power conditioner.O.K. ,sounds pretty good. Recently bypassed the conditioner,and pluged straight into the amp ( Hegel H20 ) The music seems to sound better,especially the bass. Still using the conditioner for the DAC, and the CD player. Looking for feedback on this.