Shunyata Hydra Alpha goes in the XTreme System

Mike

Mike

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Today we swapped out the AQ Niagara 5000 for the Shunyata Hydra Alpha power conditioner and a 20amp IEC Sigma NR power cable to the wall. The other power cables are after market cables from MBL for the system.

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dlb2 said:
And...?
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Still listening. So far so good. We will need to remove the shrouds around the cable inputs on the Hydra to be able to use it for the entire MBL system. But I’m definitely hearing some nice characteristics right off the bat.


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I can loan you the Triton 3! ... I know, it is now discontinued but it's sooo good.
 
Ritmo said:
I can loan you the Triton 3! ... I know, it is now discontinued but it's sooo good.
Click to expand...

We don’t want any discontinued products. Scoff, scoff. Kidding of course.

Don’t discount this Hydra. It’s pretty bad ass. It sounds like it’s as good or better as our old Denali 6000T and damn close to the Triton V3 we’ve had. Definitely some trickle down here.


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The difference of just swapping the power conditioners is night and day. Anyone who thinks power conditioners don’t make a difference ought to hear these.

The Shunyata makes digital sound more “analog”. It’s very smooth on top with an “invite you to listen” sound. The center image is very focused and full. This is especially a great match for speakers which are “top down” such as focal, b&w, some horns, etc.

The AQ has more sparkle on top, a wider soundstage. Lots of shimmer on the cymbals, but less forgiving on the really bad recordings. It seems quite dynamic as well.

Was a fun experiment on such a resolving system. Will keep listening and comparing as I’m determining now the reduction in noise floor from both.


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Mike said:
The difference of just swapping the power conditioners is night and day. Anyone who thinks power conditioners don’t make a difference ought to hear these.

The Shunyata makes digital sound more “analog”. It’s very smooth on top with an “invite you to listen” sound. The center image is very focused and full. This is especially a great match for speakers which are “top down” such as focal, b&w, some horns, etc.

The AQ has more sparkle on top, a wider soundstage. Lots of shimmer on the cymbals, but less forgiving on the really bad recordings. It seems quite dynamic as well.

Was a fun experiment on such a resolving system. Will keep listening and comparing as I’m determining now the reduction in noise floor from both.


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Click to expand...

Having had the Triton and now using the Niagara, my impressions are similar to Mikes. Shunyata is smoothing out the sound a bit, Niagara is more transparent to the source.


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This Alpha has more outlets for my small system. I only have an integrated amp, SACD player, and a music server. I guess the Delta or Denali 6000 would fit my need.
 
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