Newbie. Extension block AND Hydra?

Posted by: Colonel Mustard on 28 April 2017

New member here. I have had my Naim system (CD5X, NAC 112X, Flatcap 2X and NAP 150X) for over 10 years now and would appreciate some help from you knowledgeable chaps.

 

Due to the unfortunate logistics of my room I am somewhat restricted with a lack of sockets and the distance my hi-fi is situated from them. I currently use a single MK (no switch) socket with a Russ Andrews Powerkord (3 metres) into a four way Russ Andrews Silencer Block using the three factory Naim power leads. Now, for obvious reasons I want shut of the Silencer Block and Powerkord and have been scouring the web for star wired mains blocks with no filtering. During my search I stumbled upon this product which on the face of it, seems to be exactly what I want and of course, passes the all important aesthetic test.

 

Whilst checking out the various options, I also stumbled upon the widely lauded Grahams Hydra and am now considering replacing the Russ Andrews block AND replacing my factory leads with a 3-1 Hydra.

 

I accept that this setup is not ideal, but for various reasons it is what I have to work with. Now, I understand that the Hydra pwas rincipally designed to remove the need for an extension block and really speaking once the Hydra is fitted the need for a star wired block is minimized, but would the two complement one another or is it a bad idea?

 

What would people’s preference be out of the two?

1.       Four way block and factory leads

or

       2.       Two way block and Hydra (my preference, from a tidiness standpoint at least)

I was hoping that I would gain a sound benefit from both the Hydra and the substituting of the mains block and lead with an unfiltered version, but I understand that two upgrades don't always equate to the same benefit that they would individually.

 

 For clarity, I run a separate (non-Naim) headphone amplifier too, so the surplus socket in either scenario is necessary.

 

Thanks in advance.

Moderated Post:  Unauthorised commercial link removed. 

 

 

Posted on: 28 April 2017 by Ardbeg10y

I'm following this with interest ... have no clue yet on mains extensions etc ... but need to since I'm renovating my workspace ...

Posted on: 28 April 2017 by ChrisSU

If you go for option 2, instead of using a 2 way power block, you could just replace your single wall socket with a double. Very simple for an electrician to do this, and you could, if you want, use the same Furutech sockets that are used in the block. That gives you one less plug/socket in the connection chain. 

Posted on: 28 April 2017 by hungryhalibut

The hydra is very good and a neat solution. Could you plug it directly into the wall, and also plug the headphone amp into the wall. You can get the hydra with an extra long tail if needs be. 

Posted on: 28 April 2017 by nigelb

I had a Grahams Hydra and it is a very effective and neat solution for a lack of sockets. However I eventually replaced it with a Wire World Matrix 2 6-way power block, fed from the wall by a Powerline lead. This gave a decent improvement in SQ over the Hydra. You don't of course need a Powerline, you could just use a standard Naim power lead or any decent power lead to feed the power block. I have since moved my Powerline to feed my Naim power amp and now feed the power block with a Supra LoRad power lead, which comes in various lengths as I note you need a 3m power cord. Supra have brought out a new power lead which has been well reviewed BTW and isn't that expensive.

I am not sure your option 2 is ideal as it requires a power block and a Hydra. As you need a spare socket for headphone amp, I would suggest just the Matrix 2, with a decent power lead feeding it from the wall and use standard Naim power cables from block to black boxes.

Posted on: 28 April 2017 by Robiwan

The hydra's are a neat sollution but compared to the Musicline Netzleiste, which is on the Naim pricelist, soundquality is less good especially PRAT.

Posted on: 29 April 2017 by Colonel Mustard

Thanks for the replies chaps.

The headphone amp uses a power lead with an outboard transformer, so not a conventional (Naim-style) lead,  meaning I would still need a mains extension for that, which rules out an extra long Hydra. I think that given what you have said and my subsequent thoughts a four way block would be preferable which obviously gives me the ability to upgrade power leads later down the line as and when I find the money burning a hole in my pocket.