Hydra Cable

Hi-Fi Corner
1

Not sure if this is allowed, although I’ve tried to clarify, so here goes:

Has anyone used a hydra-type cable to connect their equipment? I understand it implements star earthing, and is supposed to improve performance. I am considering giving it a try and wonder if anyone has any experience of using hydra cables.

2

The Grahams Hydra, made by Grahams the London dealer has been used very successfully by Naim owners for over 20 years. It’s a great solution.

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3

+1 Used one for years.

G

4

I am using a Custom HiFi Cables PowerBlack Distribution Block with 8 outputs. The Block is fully customizable and the build quality is excellent. It was an improvement over the music-line “Netzleiste”. I can warmly recommend it.

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5

What does it replace?

6

A music-line Netzleiste.

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7

Is that a hydra made from Naim Powerlines?

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https://www.music-line.biz/cms/Netzleiste.197.0.html

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That is not a Hydra cable and wasn’t related to the question I asked.

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10

Sure, the Custom HiFi Cables PowerBlack Distribution Block is a star earthed block just like the Hydra. The advantage over the Hydra is that it can have up to 13 outputs and that it is fully customizable.

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11

There’s a thread on power blocks iirc that covers hydras in which iirc Richard Dane recommends them for and says there that Naim used to use hydras in house.

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12

I’ve used one for 15 years following recommendations from Naim after a factory visit.

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13

My issues with hydras are:

  1. I would only buy a hydra if I knew that I had no chance of getting more or less boxes for many years to come. But I’ve never been in that situation since learning that they exist.
  2. Before buying a hydra I’d consider investing in individual Naim Powerlines
14

But if buying Powerlines for say 4 or more boxes you’re spending a grand, which could be spent instead on a dedicated radial or ring. With a hydra or Powerlines lites or Powerlines ?
So the electrical supply options can be quite complex and are probably best considered as a unified part of the system.
And I like to leapfrog intermediate steps if possible.

15

I have been using the music line Powerigel for 8-9 years. I am very satisfied with it. There is also a more expensive version made of Powerlines: https://www.music-line.biz/cms/POWERIGEL.500.0.html

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16

Is yours the Graham’s one?

17

At the moment, I use the standard Naim cables, as they seem to work pretty well. They are plugged into a balanced mains unit, so It’s possible there is start earthing there

18

Me too.
So for the present I’m focusing on upgrading my boxes instead.

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Yes it is.

20

I may soon end up with a 3 box system, plus a Cisco, which I’d be very likely to not change for many years.
So then I could get a hydra.
But should I get a three or four lined Hydra?
ie to include the the Cisco in the hydra, or not?