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Shunyata Hydra Users....Your Opinion please...

I am thinking of obtaining the Shunyata Hydra. The Hydra takes an 20 amp iec vs the more common 15 amp iec variety. When I was in California recently, a Shunyata dealer stated to me that "the Hydra is pretty much a high end power bar/surge protector, and that it's the power cable that creates the magic...". I thought his statement was rather simplistic. Working on a tight budget, my plan originally was to buy a used high quality cable from Audiogon from either Audience or Cardas (with a 20 amp iec) to mate with the Hydra 4 instead of the rather expensive Shunyata power cords. I was wondering if there are any Hydra owners out there that have paired their Hydra's with other company's power cords....and what was the result? Is it the Shunyata power cords that create the magic? ....or can the magic be created with another power cord? Is the Hydra simply a glorified power bar/surge protector?

FYI...I currently own the PS Audio P300...and love it...but my room is rather small...and the fan noise is something that I want to get rid of....thus wanting to move to the Hydra.

Thank you!
Tony
calgarian5355

Showing 1 response by ozzy

ozzy's avatar
ozzy
7,581 posts
 
I use my Hydra 8 (on a dedicated line) with a Virtual Dynamics Master power cord. The new version uses 8 gauge wire. I have many items plugged into it.
Before that I was using a Electraglide Ultrakhan Statement2.

On my Hydra 2 to my Amp I am using a Shunyata Anaconnda Alpha.

All of these power cords have their own sonic signature.
I dont believe the Hydras only improvement is brought on by the power cord.

The Hydra is a huge improvement with whatever.

Your best power cord should be plugged into the Hydra since other items may also be plugged into the Hydra and benefit.

Because the Hydra requires a 20 Amp cable I bought a 20A to 15A adapter from Voodoo cable and experimented with various cables that I already owned.

Remember, it will only sound as good as the weakest link.
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