No, the Hydra is simply a Cyncra with 1 pump per group so you can have line pressure preinfusion on any group, regardless of if you're brewing on the others. On a stock multigroup Cyncra, you can only use 1 group at a time if you want to do line pressure preinfusion.

So it's technically "profiling-ready," but will require some mods like the Herkimer one above. I'd still be hesitant to label that "pressure profiling" in a strict sense, as it's not remotely as open-ended as what you'll probably get with a Strada when it comes or some of the home-brew profiling solutions out there using TMFR or gear pumps, but sounds very Slayer-esque and certainly capable of doing the most popular profiles (ridiculously long preinfusion and something like a lever profile).

Hi,

While the pressure profiling of this new machine might be somewhat simplified it seems to have the advantage of computer controlled automation...?

and the advantage would be?

Regards,
dsc.

So basically only La Cimbali M39HD and La Marzocco Strada offer full pressure profiling?
The La Cimbali M39 has some pretty awesome features too.

Once the settings are in place, the machine calculates the average value of the water dispensed for the first 20 extractions. The machine then memorises this value and uses it as the "ideal" setting. After every 10 shots, the machine calculates the average volume of dispensed water and compares it to the memorised "ideal" value. If there is a significant difference (the threshold can be set by the operator), the machine then sends a digital signal to the grinder-doser, which automatically adjusts the grinding and dose.

Sadly the Magnum on Demand is only available in a 64mm flat or 47mm conical burrs. Probably nothing wrong with those burrs, but nothing special either. Don't know why they haven't just added the electronics to the beefier Conik. They are 'espresso italiano' certified though. Dunno if that's significant.

Hi,

seems a bit over the top to be honest, you've got the barista to change the grinder settings, so why do it automatically? Sounds more like an auto than a semi-auto and I don't think that's the right path to follow. Sure if you've got someone without any knowledge about espresso doing shots it might be helpful, but then again they will probably set the grinder to super-gushers at the start and the machine will simply keep tweaking the grinder to keep that as a standard.

Regards,
dsc.

It saves time and training. Remember La Cimbali isn't a predominantly 3rd wave supplier like Synesso or La Marzocco.

There are some more detailed prototype 'teaser' pictures available on Five Senses Coffee's Flickr Photostream. I like the details of the framing over the groupheads, it's more unified. Still can't get over that ugly steam lever, though.

Nice find. I now see that the top polished panel doesn't actually cover the top of the group head but just wraps further down with the cutout being directly behind the group instead of on top. Can't wait

I had a shot of SO Ethiopian (Jeremy, who was pulling the shots, couldn't remember which specific bean, and it was a tad hectic at Synesso, and I'm not in the market for anything they make, so I hate to distract someone who might actually be doing business to dig further) pulled on the Synesso prototype Saturday afternoon. I'm here to tell you it was the single best shot of espresso i've ever had. I made the ultimate sacrifice of sharing the shot with the friends I was with so I had the first and last sip, they got the middle. It was one of those transcendent moments. My friend Jace said, "It looked as if you were seeing God." Uh, yeah. A lot like that.

I sat with a Slayer for a bit that was being tested alongside a Strada - the Slayer is definitely a good espresso machine in 1.0 version. You wouldn't want to buy it as is... tons of issues. This synesso looks great - a definite step up, and definitely going to be more reliable than the Slayer which does the same thing only not as well - but the Strada is money. The one I was looking at was 0-20 bars, completely adjustable, with the ability to record specific profiles for use in a higher traffic shop that still - say - wants to mimic a lever shot for a specific single origin they are offering. If only the Strada was as beautiful as either the slayer or the synesso, it would be perfect!

Andrew

http://haugaardcoffee.blogspot.com/2010 ... leton.html