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Re: Anyone compare a Power Wing w a Hydra 8? Luminator?

I have recently compared the Hydra-8 (which I own) to the top of the line Sound Application (SA), Walker Velocitor Splus, and Power Wing plcs ( all of the people who made them were excellent to work with.). My thoughts are IMO/IMS/IME. I mostly compared the above plcs for my sources/preamp, and I already have four dedicated lines with upgraded outlets. My journey started because a friend let me try the SA, saying that in his system, he thought it was better. The SA sparkled up top more than the Hydra, but I felt the SA had less weight and bass, overall thinner. I preferred the Hydra to the SA, but the comparison taught me that the my Hydra does roll off treble/high frequency ( I had heard this before from others but did not understand this until now.) For fun and before returning the SA, I tried separating my digital (EMM DCC2/CDSD) from my analog (Audionote M-10/ turntable motor). I did not expect much considering that the Hydra-8 has separated digital and analog outlets. The difference was so vast ( more air, dynamics, and soundspace) that I was astounded and I was very tempted to stop here and use the Hydra for digital and the SA for the analog ( this configuration did best.) But I felt the SA was too forward for me and I wanted a more relaxed, natural sound. Thus now convinced that IMS, the Hydra8 (I still love) really does not separate digital from analog noise effectively, an upgrade to my sound would be to have separate PLCS for digital and analog (alas more $$). So reawakened from audio complacency/ignorance about plcs, I did research by talking with people and going on line to try other plcs ( the amount of people who know so much about AC power and the generosity was fun to see.).
I next tried the Velocitor. This plc was a hit the instant it got in my system. I tried it with all of the sources and preferred it to the Hydra. However, in combination with the Hydra, the sound was sublime ( even more air , dynamics, very natural). The Velocitor was staying. I then theorized, since IMS the hydra was rolling off the very top frequencies, what if I tried another plc in combination with the Walker. I chose the Power Wing ( I also wanted to try Audio Magic but it I had to send it back because of Fedex damage- I will try it later.) In short, the Power Wing (which is already burned-in and cryoe'd by design) for either digital/analog combined with the Walker ( alos on either source) sounds the best so far. I found all the I tried PLCs well made, excellent sounding, all did something different to my ears. I also found that of the plcs I tried, none of them effectively separate the digital from analog sources.


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  • Re: Anyone compare a Power Wing w a Hydra 8? Luminator? - RegS 12/18/0504:03:44 12/18/05 (1)


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