May 2006

I did my true listening of the Hydra Model-6 this weekend after owning the piece for two months. For reasons beyond this email I could not listen to it before however I finally connected my system and all I can say is WOW!

Really, I did not imagine this product could make such a difference. The low end is super detailed. The midrange is clearer and the highs are absolutely delicate now. It is simply amazing. The background is so low now that it is definitely inaudiable.

Adrian L.

...I first installed the Hydra Model-2...  keeping in mind your recommendation to elevate and isolate the unit.I've since made enough room to put the hydra on its feet with the help of 3 small aluminim cones. Well, you guys weren't kidding.The detail, soundstage and bass detail improved ten fold. I am simply shocked by the improvement. I called the audio sales man that sold me these units and urged him to advise customers to pay close attention to this step.The improvement was not subtle,It was a critical optimization of your excellent product.

Thank You

Peter Cummings

April 2006

Hello!

Before I tell you just how excellent I found your products, let me tell you how excellent I found your customer service! I live in a remote area -- it’s only 5 miles to the north to the Arctic Circle. This is a nice and highly developed small town, but it sure is no place to go shopping for High End audio. Even though in the age of the internet it is possible to get anything anywhere, it is difficult to get products home to audition them. So I am very dependent on both consumer reviews and on customer service.

Well, as far as consumer reviews go, choosing Shunyata power conditioning was a no-brainer. When Skywalker Industries, David Gilmour, Sony Recording Studios and -- most important from where I stand -- the Viennese Philharmonics tell you a product is excellent, I don’t expect to find out otherwise. Ordering a Hydra 6 through the local High End service was an easy decision. But, alas, I am a difficult customer. Much as I would like to change that, I can’t. There are always a million questions I have. What cabling to use, where to place the Hydra, should I spike it, can I burn it in plugging my refrigerator into it, is there a plug in order for my components etc. etc.

As a rule, I get decent enough replies to the first one or two questions. Then whoever is responsible for costumer service cannot be bothered anymore. Not with Shunyata! A guy named Matt went out of his way to answer each and every question in detail. On top of that, he always found the time to be really nice and personal about our communication. That is rare, and I made a note to keep this in mind when the time came to give my feedback. Thanks again, Matt! (By the way, to save Matt some future time, here are the answers to the questions above: Put the strongest (best) cable between the wall and the Hydra. Place it on a shelve, not on the floor. Spiking enhances performance. Fridge works great for burn in. Plug in order is not so important since the exits are clearly separated, but amp first, digital last, is the natural choice.)

So I finally bought the Hydra 6 along with Diamondback cabling. 20AMP cable between wall and Hydra, ordinary Dbs between Hydra and amp/CD. First of all, the cables got here first and I was amazed! I am interested in physics, so it was clear to me, that good power cords would make a difference. But this big a difference? I never would have guessed! I got more clarity and openness in the treble along with a very deep and tightly controlled bass. On top of that, the whole sound became more dynamic without being in your face in the least. To be sure, I never had considered treble or bass or dynamics to be weaknesses of my system. I thought they were great already! I do a lot of my serious listening with headphones (two very small kids in the house). I use Sennheiser 650s through a Musical Fidelity X-Can V3. Recently I had upgraded the headphone cable, exchanging the stock cable for a Zu Mobius, which set me back 300 Euros, but was worth every cent. By way of comparison, exchanging the stock power cords on my Pathos Classic One (hybrid) amp and on my Densen 400 XS CD-player for Diamondbacks made as much of a difference as the Zu Mobius. Also, I had at some point chosen my other cabling, which is by Goertz (Alphacore) to be either copper or silver, with the silver adding 1000 euros to the cost of my system. I liked the silver so much better, I was willing to spend the extra money. Again, just the Diamondbacks alone made as much of a difference! They are more than worth the money. Actually, if you can only upgrade your interconnects or your power cords, I would opt for the power cords now! And they would have to be Shunyata.

So how about the whole deal, Hydra added? Well, the most amazing additions to the quality of sound were a) an enormously widened, deepened, heightened and better structured soundstage and b) a much more integrated sound. For all I know about physics, this is beyond me. The effect on the soundstage, which is so much bigger and which every musician is clearly placed in, is far beyond anything I could have expected. Saying the sound is more integrated means, everything just seems to be part of the same performance, more than it used to. There is one musical happening taking place, as opposed to different notes forming a whole.

Again, I’ll try to compare. I chose my speakers, the Dynaudio Confidence C1 over the also excellent Dynaudio Contour 1.4, because there is that extra sparkle to the sound. Like comparing champagne to a really good white wine. This decision cost me an additional 2500 Euros. Getting the Hydra most probably made more of a difference, at less expense! I also choose my front end, the Densen 400 XS over the 400 Plus -- adding 1500 Euros to my bill. Again, the Hydra makes as much of a difference.

No matter, what you are having or getting for a set up. Start out with a Hydra and Shunyata cabling. It will make more of a difference (for the better) than most of the other choices you might be considering. And on top of that, you’ll some excellent customer service!

Jörn

SET UP:

Hydra 6 with Diamondbacks

Pathos Classic One hybrid amp

Densen 400 XS CD and 800 Tuner

Goertz silver cabling (Veracity MI2 and Triode Quartz)

Dynaudio C1

Musical Fidelity X.Can V3 with Senneheiser 650s, Zu Mobius upgrade cable

April 2006

Dear Grant,

All of the products are in my system now. I must tell you I AM FLOORED by the differece the anacondas make over anything else I have ever had. Same goes for the Hydra 8 the improvments are jaw dropping. I dont know why evreyone does not do this. I think now it is the most important change you make in upgrading your system. It is also the most cost effective as well. When you think that people change their amps Speakers and the like. I want to take this oppertunity to tell you I think your company is changing the way people hear music and home audio. I can tell you it has changed mine forever, And I cant thank you enough.

KEEP UP THE FINE WORK.

Thank You

David Zucker

March 2006

After a strong recomendation from a local dealer, I took the leap of faith and invested in your product. I was impressed with the Taipan vx/Alpha-Hydra 2 combination. It wasn't till I added the Taipan helix to the mix, did I realize the full potential of this upgrade. The improvement in the micro dynamics was the first change noted. My sound stage grew ten feet. Sonically, theres a kind of "enrobing" effect, I've had many different power conditioners over the years, as well as upgraded power cords. With Shunyata, I've gone from "thinking" I hear a difference, to knowing it to be fact.

Thank you,

Peter C.
Jersey City, N.J.

March 2006

Grant,

I have been upgrading my system over the last few years and have recently purchased the Shunyata Research Inc. Hydra 2 & Hydra 6 from Audio Ark. These came with the entry level Diamondback power cords.

I have been listening for approximately 300 hours now and I would like to take this opportunity, now that I can think straight enough to type, to congratulate Shunyata Research Inc., in its entirety, on truly wonderful sounding products.

The Hydra 2 and Hydra 6 are working in unison with two venom outlets. Each outlet is wired with 2-conductor 10 gauge wire from individual 15 amp breakers utilizing an isolated ground, separate from the main panel ground.

The Hydra 6 is for the Benchmark DAC1, Denon 3910 CD/SACD/DVD, Mark Levinson 380 pre-amp, Rel Studio II sub & NAD 4020A AM/FM tuner and the yet to come Clear Audio turntable and phono amp. The Hydra 2 is for a Sumo 1/2 Power power-amp, circa 1979 (which is to be replaced very soon with two Mark Levinson 436 mono blocks) that is driving a pair of Magneplanar MG-3.6R speakers.

The Shunyata components have delivered amazing imaging, incredible control, spatiality, depth & width to the sound stage, detail and warmth that I have not previously experienced with my equipment and room set up.

This is truly a most incredible line of products. I cannot say enough about what they have done for me and for the quality of sound that I am now very much enjoying.

I can’t wait for the upgrade to the Anaconda Alpha and VX cords.

Sincerely,

Marcel (Pete) St.Pierre, C.E.T.

November 2004

I've evaluated your products and found them absolutely fantastic (Taipan Vx, Alpha and Hydra Model-2). They smoked my Transparent PowerIsolator4 and Analysis PowerOval combo. I ordered right away 1m Python Vx for my cd-player (Bow Technologies Wizard 24/192), Python Alpha for my integrated (Bow Wazoo 50W no negative feedback-design, very tube sounding integrated) and two pieces of Hydra Model-2's equipped with Taipan Alpha's.

Jouni

August 2004

Dear Grant,

I recently upgraded my system this year [Rotel 1075 amp; Pioneer Elite VSX-55 TXi (using it as a pre/pro -- liked it better than the Rotel 1068); Pioneer Elite DV47Ai; Definitive Technology 7002s (main) 2005 (centre) and BPX rears] and wanted a good power conditioner. After reading the many positive reviews on your Hydra Model-8, I tried one out. I originally thought it would be overkill for my otherwise modest system, but after adding it about 2 months ago I was amazed at the improvement that it made to my system. It stayed notwithstanding the fact that it is aimed at audiophile systems. The descriptions of it in the various reviews were pretty accurate as they reflect my experience. It had as big a positive impact as did adding the separate amp.

What caused me to take the time to drop you this note, however, was the addition today of 2 Diamondback's to the system (to the amp and the DVD player). They replaced the stock cords that came with the amp and the DVD player. Out of the box, they were amazing. "Wow" describes my reaction from the first song I listened to. I find it hard to believe that power cords can have such a profound impact, but they most definitely did. I take a company's advertising claims of their products with a large grain of salt, but if anything, you underplay the impact of these wonderful cords. For the money, I expected a significant impact from the Hydra Model-8 and it delivered. However, and again for the money, the Diamondback's are an exceptional value as they delivered far more than what I expected. The review in 6 Moons very accurately describes their impact. Goodness only knows what they'll be like once they're broken in.

So, I just wanted to say thank you for 2 wonderful products.

If you're interested, I purchased them from your dealer in Dundas, Ontario, Mike Occie @ Alternative Audio.

Murray Box,
Mississauga, Ontario

May 2004

As I mentioned on the phone, I consider the new Hydra Model-8 to be an almost "holy grail", "one ring, crack of doom" type addition to my audio/video system! No kidding, the Hydra Model-8 just seems to create this great synergy within my system that allows all of the components to perform their best. I've been pretty much telling all of my audiophile friends (and anyone else who will listen) the same! Please pass along my thanks to everyone at Shunyata for all the great power products.

Tim H

April 2004

Hi Grant,

I’ve had the Anaconda Vx and Hydra in my system for a few weeks, so now is a good time to offer my observations. First, some history. Before this, I had the King Cobra II feeding a Sony SCD-1 and the Black Mamba on a Bryston 14B ST. Speakers are Harbeth Monitor 40s. All powercords were hooked to a high quality outlet fed by an original King Cobra. I first tried Shunyata products three years ago. I was utterly smitten by what the King Cobra did in freeing musical reproduction from congestion; allow musical expression to flow, and allowing instrumental images to leap out in a more solid fashion. In particular, I appreciated the way it took digital playback so much closer to analogue standards (especially SACDs) in the way it deals with digital A/C noise problems. Thus, when the Anaconda Vx was introduced, I could not imagine how much better it could be than the King Cobra. I supposed that might only be room for subtle changes, since the King Cobra already effected such a drastic improvement. My dealer offered a home demo I had nothing to lose.

However, I had a great deal to gain. Replacing the King Cobra II with the Anaconda Vx brought music reproduction to a new level of realism. I could allude to improved dynamics, imaging or detail, but these terms seem irrelevant with the Anaconda Vx, so radical was the enhanced presence of the instruments and the greater revelation of the intentions musicians were expressing. Adding the new Hydra Model-8 to this setup brought performance to even more elevated level of sonic clarity and a reduction of that buffer zone presented by reproductive means between the original event and the listener. The new Hydra is even more neutral and colouration-free than the older model which I had auditioned in my system.

The musical presentation is so entrancing that one simply wants to enjoy the music without desiring to categorize or quantify the effect. Thoughts of Stardust, certified copper purity, dielectric quality, dyes etc. simply slip away from one’s mind, as they should. These design issues are for Caelin Gabriel to deal with. The Shunyata customers' job is simply to partake in greater enjoyment of music.

The SCD-1 has recently been upgraded to the magnificently fluid, uncolored, responsive and analogue-sounding Krell SACD Standard (which sets new standard for SACD playback.) Powered by Shunyata, the new generation of SACD players perform at their best to deliver vinyl standards of playback from silver discs, and way beyond that even! I dare say that Shunyata IS the equalizing factor between digital and analogue.

The Shunyata Philosophy is 100% in line with my goal of seeking neutral, transparent and colouration-free reproduction. I can’t imagine how these products can get substantially better, but trust Shunyata to relentlessly lead the way in breaking new ground, and to surprise us in days to come with what is yet possible from musical reproduction.

K. Tang, Ph.D
Asst. Prof. in Musicology/Composition, NTU-Singapore

April 2004

Hi Grant:

Just a note to update you on the Hydra Model-8. I am almost reluctant to tell you my reactions because, to some extent they will sound like a replay of my comments on the Andromeda speaker cable and therefore you might wonder whether I overreact to each upgrade or improvement in my system. Well, I do not. Some are subtle. Some purchases are not upgrades or improvements at all. But the Hydra Model-8 (and the Andromeda) is not subtle, is not negative... is not a close call. It made a substantial improvement in my system -- a material leap forward. And the improvement was not just in one area or component but in almost every area “audiophiles” use to evaluate a product. And the negatives, the drawbacks -- none, nada, not yet.

I actually purchased the Hydra Model-8 to provide me with surge protection rather than for an improvement. All my components plugged directly into the wall. My reasoning in buying the unit was that if it provided me with protection against electrical surges and did no harm, the cost would be justified. Additionally, I listen almost exclusively to vinyl and did not think the improvements I had read about would be as noticeable with records as with digital. Finally, another piece of equipment I had added for the turntable had resulted in overall improvements but they were subtle. So I thought my vinyl playback had reached a plateau with my current system. In short, I was neither looking for, nor expecting, dramatic improvements -- if any appreciable improvements -- from the Hydra Model-8. I just wanted protection without the drawbacks I had read about with other products.

My expectations disappeared by the end of the first piece I played. The improvements in my system were stunning. First, the noise. Wait, there was no noise. A *slight* hum that I had always heard (with 3 different phono sections) with the phono gain turned up and no music playing was gone. The system was quiet. And better yet, the quiet translated into blackness during playback. What I mean by this is that small details were readily distinguishable and sounds and instruments had their own place, both in space and in the recording. The details brought the instruments more to life than I had ever heard. There was a richness and fullness to the sounds that made the instruments sound more like they do in a music hall or club rather than in my listening room. The string and wood of the violins were more “there.” And the saxophone? Well, sometime ago, I had heard Paul Desmond’s sax in Take Five (Dave Brubeck) on a different system and under conditions that made that sax sound like nothing I had ever heard. It moved me. In setting up my home system, I had always used that cut in making adjustments and as a measure. With the Hydra Model-8, I heard that sax and thought -- for the first time -- that the sound was what I had heard that day sometime ago and had been “looking” for ever since.

On a classical piece that I have played over 100 times, there is an organ playing low notes. I was surprised when I heard the opening passage and realized that all this time what I thought was a single note was actually two notes. And the bass is punchier, deeper and tighter.

I could go on. The instruments are more clearly layered and placed on the soundstage, for example. My conclusion: the Hydra Model-8 doesn’t make music but it allows my components to perform closer to their maximum potential than any product I have owned.

Richard

April 2004

Hi Grant,

I am sure I've passed the 100 hour break-in time for the Hydra Model-8, so time for an update.

Rarely do I wax on in audio hyperbole, but I have to say the Hydra Model-8 is the single most positive addition I've made to my audio set up in the past two years (since I purchased the VAC 70-70 Renaissance MkIIIS amp). There is greater coherence to the music, increased delicacy, and absolute quiet to the background. For me, this adds up to enhanced enjoyment of the music. I get closer to the heart and soul of the artist.

Thanks for making such a fine product.

James May

March 2004

TESTIMONIAL

I recently replaced all of my PS Audio power cords with Shunyata cords, and sold my Richard Gray Power Center in order to run the Hydra Model-4. Wow. I'd always thought that adding clarity involved sacrificing musicality, particularly with rock recordings. No more. The Shunyata gear, across the board, broadened the soundstage, deepened and distinguished the images, and lowered the noise floor, and that translated into remarkable gains in musicality. And just to make sure I wasn't crazy, I carted the cords off to some other systems, only to find the same kind of improvements. For example, vocal harmonies, whether two part, five part, or spread across double choirs, now arrive like real voices in dialogue with one another. Similarly, saxaphone choruses, even without harmonies, now greet me less as a wall than as distinct instruments playing together. And with orchestral, performances, well, it's like hearing them for the first time -- conversations within conversations, laid out and palpably present. And yet, with all this added detail, I've never encountered added grain or edginess. In fact, quite the reverse. My system sounds significantly more relaxed and natural. In a favorite rock recording, Sparklehorse's *It's A Wonderful Life,* once abrasive bells now ring true with a startling degree of three-dimensionality. And on the low end, acoustic bass notes, plucked or bowed, unfold with melodic precision and decay with ambient details I hadn't heard before. I was happy as a clam with my previous cords and line conditioner, but I had no idea what my system was capable of until I added the Shunyata gear. Now I'm even happier than a clam.

From: John Lysaker

March 2004

The Hydra Model-8 produces an incredibly quiet background, expansive soundstage, tight bass. It eliminated all hum from my phono stage. I never understood what people meant when they said "silence between the notes": but now I get it. One can truly hear "into the music" and at times the notes seem to come out of space. Spooky details (that is great audio language). I like its small size and lack of external heat.

I AM IMPRESSED.

James M.

I bought the Guardian 4-HT thru hifi at the soundstation and love it. Works great with my headphone amp -- it's a maxed out home reference and it sounds better with a Diamondback power cable and 4HT.

But when I plugged in my 31" RCA and Direct TV receiver -- a dramatic improvement in picture quality.

WOW! Its less fuzzy and colors more vibrant was using monster hts 2000 before.

Thanx,

R. Chambers

The Shunyata Hydra is a work of art. The looks alone are amazing, and craftsmanship is superb. Sonically, Hydra is out of this world. After the first Hydra was set up in my system, WOW, what a improvement, so much so that I am about to order my second Hydra. The power cords such as the Python will soon be throughout my entire system.  Thanks SHUNYATA for making such a GREAT PRODUCT.

Al W.

I recently compared a few power-line units, including Hydra, Richard Grey and Audio Magic. I am very surprised how much difference there is in the sound of each unit. It (Hydra) is the same kind of difference when I up-graded components, may be more. I definitely prefer the Hydra. Sometimes I record CDs professionally. My angle is much higher sound quality, which the hydra is part of.

Bill M.