Chord Electronics Hugo 2 Transportable DAC / Headphone Amplifier - Black

Chord Electronics Hugo 2 Transportable DAC / Headphone Amplifier - Black

In 2014, Chord Electronics introduced Hugo, a revolutionary portable DAC and headphone amp that became a landmark product in the audio landscape. Advances in digital technology, including the latest FPGAs and WTA (Watts Transient Aligned) filters, have enabled Chord to introduce a next-generation version, Hugo 2, featuring flexible new features, plus next-generation technical and sonic performance.

Hugo 2 can be used both at home and on-the-go, either with headphones or within a conventional audio system. Its line-level output and full-function remote control adds real flexibility in full-size and desktop systems.

The device offers four digital inputs (optical, coaxial and HD USB) plus extended-range Bluetooth, with high-resolution file playback up to 768kHz and up to DSD512 (Octa DSD), via its HD USB input. Analogue outputs include 2x RCA, plus 3.5mm and 6.35mm headphone outputs.

A four-function switch filter offers a useful degree of user-selectable frequency-shaping, bringing warm and soft or transparent and incisive presentations, giving additional flexibility and user control. For headphone-listening, Hugo 2 retains the popular digital crossfeed function of the original and offers three operation modes. The system duplicates the effect of listening to speakers and is based on advanced binaural audio research.

Hugo 2 features four spherical control buttons, which illuminate with colour-coding information and control power, input, filtering, plus the unit’s crossfeed functions. Battery playing time is around seven hours and two modes of automatic charging are included using the dedicated Micro USB charging port; an indicator shows charging and battery-charge status. 

Features:

• Sleek new aircraft-grade aluminium casework
• New levels of technical performance
• Four digital inputs
• User-selectable filtering option
• Crossfeed feature
• Battery life improved
• Lower distortion, better output stage

Sleek new aircraft-grade aluminium casework

Featuring a newly designed precision-machined aircraft-grade aluminium case, Hugo 2 is distinct from its predecessor with its sharper, lower profile design and four spherical control buttons. The spheres, which are top-mounted to allow for possible future expansion side-modules, illuminate with colour-coding information and control power, input, filtering and crossfeed functions. The top-mounted volume-control sphere has been retained and made larger for more intuitive operation.

The stylish new design and additional functionality has been introduced in anticipation of greater indoor use within both desktop and conventional home audio systems, despite Hugo 2’s obvious portability. The inclusion of a full-function remote control adds further flexibility and the practical line-level output mode of the original has also been retained.

New levels of technical performance

The latest FPGA and advanced WTA (Watts Transient Aligned) filters have been implemented in the Hugo 2, bringing a wide variety of performance improvements in a number of areas. Performance gains have been made in timing accuracy, noise reduction, headphone amp power and dynamic range.

Four digital inputs

Hugo 2’s connections and switches now feature laser-ablated function-lettering for improved ease-of-use. The device offers four digital inputs (optical, coaxial and HD USB) plus extended-range Bluetooth, with high-resolution file playback up to 768kHz and up to DSD512 (Octa DSD), via its HD USB input. Analogue outputs include 2x RCA, plus 3.5mm and 6.35mm headphone outputs.

User-selectable filtering option

A four-function switch filter, operated by its own control sphere, offers a useful degree of user-selectable frequency-shaping, bringing warm and soft or transparent and incisive presentations, giving additional flexibility and user control.

Crossfeed feature

For headphone-listening, Hugo 2 retains the popular digital crossfeed function of the original and offers three operation modes from its dedicated control sphere. The system cross-feeds a partial 400 millisecond-delayed and shaped signal from each left and right output to the opposite channel. The system duplicates the effect of listening to speakers and is based on advanced binaural audio research.

Battery life improved

Battery playing time is around seven hours and two modes of automatic charging are now included using the dedicated Micro USB charging port: fast (1.8 amperes) and slow (less than one ampere). An indicator shows charging and battery-charge status.

Lower distortion, better output stage

New digital DC servos have replaced the inline capacitors in the original output stages and reduce distortion further while improving the power-drive performance and capability of the output stage. An element of switch-on delay has resulted, but the performance benefits were felt to outweigh the disadvantage.

"Chord’s original battery-powered DAC/headphone amplifier was a hard act to follow, but the new Hugo 2 is a giant leap forward. Inside its ultra-modern aluminium case is a custom-coded digital converter and filter that sounds like nothing else around. Comfortably able to see off any conventional DAC at its price, it’s astounding for a compact music machine, with a vibrant and rhythmic sound. Whether with standard CD or hi-res PCM or DSD, music comes packed with energy and emotion. The Hugo 2 runs for 14 hours from its rechargeable battery, plays practically every format around, includes switchable filters and a uniquely colourful control interface that makes using it fun." EISA DAC 2018-19 Chord Electronics Hugo 2

"Not the most affordable DAC we've ever tested, but immensely capable. There isn't another DAC around at this sort of price that is able to communicate so torrentially, so unambiguously or so effortlessly." (Read More) Best DAC £1000+ / Best DAC £1200+ - What Hi-Fi? Awards 2018, 2019, 2020 & 2021

"£1800 is a not inconsiderable sum for a DAC, but Hugo 2 proves well worth it. If you want the ultimate DAC performance, look no further" (Read More) Best DAC £1000+ What Hi-Fi? Awards 2017 & Product of the Year 2017

"There isn't another DAC around at anywhere near this sort of price able to communicate so torrentially, so unambiguously or so effortlessly. We like it a lot." (Read more) What Hi-Fi Sound & Vision - June 2017

“Rock tracks confirmed Hugo 2 is strongly about pace, insight and timing - and gripping to hear. It has fine high-frequency resolution and strong top-end bite, cornet in Duke Ellington’s ‘Stompy Jones’ rasping out with firm projection.” (Read More) World Awards - Best DAC - Hi-Fi World - December 2017

"This product features technology pulled from IsoTek’s top EVO3 Genesis regenerator and Super Titan conditioner, but brings the cost down by designing the Mosaic Genesis specifically for smaller systems." (Read More) Equipment Review - What HiFi - October 2018

"If I sound deeply impressed by the Chord Hugo2, that’s because I am. At this moment in time I really can’t think of any other transportable headphone amp/DAC that can directly compete with Hugo2, or that even comes close." (Read More) Equipment Review - Hi-Fi+ - November 2017

"When used as a stand-alone DAC, the Hugo 2's defining sonic characteristics involved neutral but also naturally warm and organic-sounding voicing, exceptional resolution of low-level transient and textural detail in the music, truly striking three-dimensionality, and extremely quiet backgrounds." (Read More) Ultimate Headphone Guide - Hi-Fi+ -Summer 2018

"From the off the Hugo 2 impressed with its neutrality and clarity, combined with excellent extension and definition in both the bass and treble, as was made clear with the multiple layers of Queen’s ‘The Millionaire Waltz’ from A Day At The Races" Hi-Fi News - Outstanding Product - July 2018

“Hugo 2 is a wonderfully hewn product that looks great, feels great and delivers a vivacious sound, succinct and full of detail. It comes over as fast-paced and tightly timed. With a wide range of inputs and an ability to cope with them all superbly it is one of the best DACs at its price point.” (Read More) Cable Review - Hi-Fi World - December 2017

"From the off the Hugo 2 impressed with its neutrality and clarity, combined with excellent extension and definition in both the bass and treble, as was made clear with the multiple layers of Queen’s ‘The Millionaire Waltz’ from A Day At The Races" (Read More) Equipment Review - HiFi Pig - April 2021

Specification:

• Materials: Clamshell precision machined aluminium casing with polycarbonate buttons, acrylic signal window, and glass viewing portal. Available in a choice of two colours – natural silver, and satin black
• Battery: 2x Rechargeable custom Enix Energies 3.7v 9.6Wh Li-ion (lithium-ion (2600mAh) batteries*
• Tap length filter: 49,195 – 10 element Pulse Array design
• Play time: In excess of seven (7) hours
• Charging: Nominal four (4) hours via Micro USB at 1.8amps (fast charge) – Nominal eight (8) hours at 1amp (slow charge)
• Connectivity (input): Micro USB (White): 44.1kHz – 768kHz – 16bit – 32bit
• Coax via 3.5mm Jack (Red): 44.1kHz – 768kHz – 16bit – 32bit
• Optical (Green): 44.1kHz – 192kHz – 16bit – 24bit
• Connectivity (input wireless): Bluetooth (Apt X) (Blue): 44.1kHz – 48kHz – 16bit
• Connectivity (output): 1x ¼” jack headphone output
• 1x 3.5mm jack headphone output
• 1x stereo (L & R) RCA output
• PCM support: 44.1kHz, 48kHz, 88.2kHz, 96kHz, 176.4kHz, 192kHz, 358.8kHz, 384kHz, 717.6kHz, and 768kHz.
• DSD support: Native playback supported. DSD64 (Single) to DSD512 (Octa-DSD)
• Volume control: Digital, activated in 1dB increments. Last known state saved upon shutdown, with exception of line-level mode
• Line-level mode: Activated via dual press of middle ‘Source’ and ‘Crossfeed’ buttons. Line level = 3v via all outputs. Reset by power cycle
• Power saving mode: Auto-shutdown after ten minutes of input inactivity
• Driver support: Driverless with Mac OS X and Linux, driver required for Windows OS
• Chipset: Chord Electronics custom coded Xilinx Artix 7 (XC7A15T) FPGA
• Tap-length: 49,152
• Pulse array: 10 element pulse array design
• Frequency response: 20Hz – 20kHz +/- 0.2dB
• Output stage: Class A
• Output impedance: 0.025Ω
• THD: <0.0001% 1kHz 3v RMS 300Ω
• THD and noise at 3v RMS: 120dB at 1kHz 300ohms ‘A’ wighted (reference 5.3v)
• Noise 2.6 uV ‘A’ weighted: No measurable noise floor modulation
• Signal to noise ratio: 126dB ‘A’ Weighted
• Channel separation: 135dB at 1kHz 300Ω
• Power output @ 1kHz 1% THD:
• 94mW 300Ω
• 740mW 33Ω
• 1050mW 8Ω
• Weight: 450g
• Dimensions: 130mm (L) x 100mm (W) x 21mm (H)
• Boxed Dimensions: 220mm (L) x 122mm (W) x 85mm (H)
• Please Note: We are unable to ship this item for International orders if a local Chord Electronics distributor is available

About Chord Electronics 

Chord Electronics was founded in 1989 by John Franks who had previously held Directorships with Astec, the world leader in high frequency power supplies, Raytheon and AT&T. A thorough mix of graduate level intellect, design experience and dedicated craft persons embody Chords production team, with our sales being achieved through a reputation of technical excellence, reliability and superb sound quality. Years of research and innovation have been invested in the Chord range. From the outset, when Chord started applying the technologies that lifted products from the mainstream, the company has been leading the field. With the watchwords of innovation and uncompromised audio quality, we have consistently invested our products with precision engineering and attention to detail. This is as true for our professional products as the astonishing hi-fi portfolio that continually wins the hearts and minds of listeners and reviewers alike.