Synergy between shunyata and Richard Gray


This is a question about combining different power products for synergy. I have both shunyata power conditioning (Hydra 8; guardian 2) and Richar Gray products (Pole Pig, 120V substation, 1200s, 600s). Although my HT set-up and distributed audio system is quite large, the system I'm trying to optimize power to is mainly the 2 channel system (MBL 1531 CD, First sound MKII Preamp with paramount upgrade, Cary MB500 monoblocks, and Dali MS4 speakers), and the projector (Runco DLP)/DVD player (Theta digital Carmen II) and scaler (Dragonfly). My understanding is that the Richard gray 1200s/600s products fill in lags in power supply to any component plugged into the same circuit, although the limited rate of current delivery makes it better suited for front end components than power hungly amplifiers.The Pole pig and substation are transformers that regenerate 120V power, thus eliminating ground loops external to the circuit--but still allow for internal ground loops to occur. The Shunyata is a well regarded filterring device with little restriction of current, plus some mysterious ferrous compound that absorbes digital glare, making sound more analogue like. With that lengthy introduction, here is my question:

On the front end components, would it make sense to plug the components into the Hydra 8, plug the Richard gray 600s into the Hydra 8, and plug the hydra 8 into the wall? Will the Richard gray provide additional step up in power if there is some current limitation through the Hydra 8? Alternatively, does it make sense to plug the hydra 8 into the substation for ground loop isolation, with the substation plugged into the wall? Or would this cause current limitation for the front end components (note that the First Sound preamp has 2 external amplifiers)? I assume that the Pole Pig would be poorly suited here because of power limitation.

On the amplifier end, would it make sense to have the amps plugged into the guardian power filter, which is then plugged into the wall, but to have a richard gray unit plugged into the adjacent outlet for additional current support? Would the Richard gray 600S likely have much current support for large power amps?

I've heard that it's best to isolate video and audio circuitry...in that vein, is it a better use for the substation to plug the projector and 600S units into?

Essentially, I'm somewhat confused about how the units can be combined to maximize performance, since they all work differently. Given the infinite different combinations, it would be nice to have a theoretical understanding of what's likely to work before moving everything around. Thanks for your help!
tcheathertree

Showing 1 response by slv

I do not have experience with Shunyata power conditioners, but I have owned Richard Gray products for several years now, so hopefully I can shed some light on these - as I understand them (someone please correct me if I have this wrong).

The 1200S/600S (and the 400S) contain large 6H inductors (the 1200S has two) that are tied from the hot to the neutral lines of your incoming power. As such, they hold the power line voltage at a constant level, and will shunt noise to ground before it enters your equipment. Because they are not in series with your equipment, they do not restrict power.

The Pole Pig and SubStation do not regenerate power. They are isolation transformers which break the ground connection and create balanced power to your equipment which greatly reduces noise.

I use the 240V SubStation on a dedicated 240V line with an isolated ground, followed by a 1200S and a 400S RGPC (each connected to the SubStation) on my 2 channel system, with the power amp and preamp plugged into separate sides of the 1200S and the source equipment plugged in to the 400S. This has produced outstanding results for me. If I was to add another type of power conditioner, such as the Shunyata products, I would put it between the RGPC's and my equipment. Of course, this is based on speculation because it really requires some trial and error to see which sounds best, which is how I arrived at the configuration I currently use with the RGPC's.

I hope this helps. :o)