Chord Electronics Hugo TT 2 DAC, Preamplifier & Headphone Amplifier

Chord Electronics Hugo TT 2 DAC, Preamplifier & Headphone Amplifier

Developed from the multi-award-winning transportable Hugo 2, the Hugo TT 2 is bigger, better and more advanced in every way. TT 2 sets a new benchmark for table top DACs, eclipsed only by Chord Electronic's flagship DAVE.

Hugo TT 2 has been radically redesigned from the ground up, not only with beautiful new casework by Chief Designer, John Franks, but with 5x the processing power of the original Hugo TT and double that of the multi-award-winning Hugo 2. Hugo TT 2 distils over 20 years of digital development by Rob Watts and takes advantage of the very latest technology.

As expected, it delivers radically improved technical specifications and measurements across the board and exhibits drastic sonic benefits over its predecessor with 768kHz PCM and DSD 512 playback. Hugo TT 2 sets a new benchmark in table top audio, only being eclipsed by DAVE.

Delving deeper, in comparison to the 256-tap filters that traditional chip DACs may run at, Hugo TT 2’s beating heart is an infinitely more powerful Xilinx Artix 7 FPGA, custom-coded by Chord Electronics’ Rob Watts, with 86x 208MHz cores running in parallel to create an advanced 16FS WTA 1 filter with 98,304-taps. Double that of its multi-award winning transportable brother, Hugo 2 (49,152). Hugo TT 2 also benefits from an upgrade from a 4-element design to a 10-element design, which works in harmony with the radically upgraded FPGA and code to deliver unrivalled audio.

A brand new high-power discreet output stage coupled with second-order noise-shaping integrated between the DAC output and filter is also employed to massively reduce distortion. Further improvements have also been made to the power delivery. Hugo TT 2 eschews the Li-Po battery power supply of the original and ushers in six super capacitors capable of delivering huge, linear dynamic currents when the music demands it with peak output of 5A, 9.3V RMS.

Hugo TT 2 also brings home the much loved four-stage user-selectable filter controls introduced with Hugo 2 and retains the three-stage user-selectable digital crossfeed function for headphone users who want to improve the perception of depth, similar to that of speakers.

Features:

• All new improved casework
• Four stage filtering
• Crossfeed feature
• Comprehensive digital connectivity
• Flexible operation

All-new, improved casework

In addition to its internal upgrades, the Hugo TT 2 also benefits from a number of external improvements. For added versatility, the number of digital inputs has risen to six and includes HD USB-B, 2x optical and 2x coaxial BNC (up from one each on the original) plus extended-range aptX Bluetooth. Three headphone outputs are also included: 2x 6.35mm and one 3.5mm, with simultaneous operation.

The casework has been significantly redesigned to include front-panel buttons (Menu, Set and Power) to cycle between and select filtering and crossfeed modes, plus switch inputs and control power. The new design also includes a larger, top-mounted viewing window forthe internal circuits, a larger volume control sphere, plus an improved LED display. The device retains its remote control functionality, sharing a handset with Hugo 2.

Further outputs include balanced XLR and unbalanced RCA analogue connections, plus dual BNC DX outputs for use with future Chord Electronics’ devices.

Four-stage filtering

The new Hugo TT 2 now offers user-selectable audio controls, accessible both on the front panel and remote control, including an advanced four-stage filter offering incisive/neutral to warm sonic signatures with high-frequency roll-off, giving additional flexibility for a wide range of digital music files, such as DSD and High Res Audio.

Crossfeed feature

For headphone listening, the Hugo TT 2 retains the popular digital crossfeed function of the original and offers three operation modes (min to max) from its dedicated control sphere. The system cross-feeds a partial 250 micro-second-delayed and equalised signal from each left and right output to the opposite channel. The system duplicates the effect of listening to speakers and also improves the perception of depth when listening via headphones.

Comprehensive digital connectivity

The Hugo TT 2’s comprehensive digital connectivity suite includes a galvanically isolated HD USB-B connection capable of decoding 768kHz PCM data and DSD 512. The unit’s two optical TOSLink inputs are 24-bit/192kHz-capable (with the appropriate source and cabling) and the dual BNC coaxial inputs are 24-bit/768kHz-capable for connection to Chord Electronics’ M-Scaler technology as seen in the BLU MKII digital/CD transport.

Flexible operation

Hugo TT 2 is highly flexible, too. It can be used in pure DAC mode, enabled for high-power (incl. low- and high-gain modes) when headphones are connected or used in amp mode for use as a digital preamp or when directly driving efficient loudspeakers.

Despite its technical complexity and powerful output, the unit’s topology remains simple with just two resistors, two capacitors and one global feedback path, so the connection from the digital domain to analogue is very direct for maximum transparency.

Specification:

• Materials: Precision machined aluminium casing with steel ball bearing buttons, gloss black acrylic signal window, glass viewing portal, and dot matrix display. Available in a choice of two colours – silver, and satin black
• Tap length filter: 93,304-tap 16FS WTA 1 – 10 element design
• Connectivity (input): 1x USB Type-B, 2x DX (expansion inputs), 2x Coax BNC, 2x Optical & Bluetooth
• Connectivity (output): Stereo XLR, Stereo RCA, 2x 6.5mm Headphone jack & 1x 3.5mm Headphone jack
• PCM support: 44.1kHz, 48kHz, 88.2kHz, 96kHz, 176.4kHz, 192kHz, 358.8kHz, and 384kHz.
• DSD support: DSD 64 to DSD 512 – native via Windows
• Volume control: Digital
• Line-level mode: Activated via dual press of Input and Crossfeed upon startup
• Driver support: Driverless with Mac OS X and Linux, driver required for Windows OS
• Dynamic range: 127dB ‘A’ weighted
• Noise: 4 uV ‘A’ weighted (high gain), 1.7 uV ‘A’ weighted (low gain) with no measurable noise floor modulation
• Distortion: 0.00008% @ 2.5 V 300Ω; 0.00016% @ 6 W 8Ω
• Output power (unbalanced): (@1% THD) 288 mW RMS 300Ω; 7.3 W RMS 8Ω
• Output power (balanced): (@1% THD) 1.15 W RMS 300Ω; 18W RMS 8Ω
• Output impedance: 0.042Ω
• Stereo separation: 9 V RMS 300Ω -138dB
• Dimensions: 235mm x 223mm x 46mm

About Chord Electronics 

Chord Electronics Ltd is a renowned British audio company with a rich history and a distinct design philosophy that sets them apart in the industry. Established in 1989 by John Franks, Chord Electronics has gained a reputation for its innovative audio technology approach and unwavering commitment to sonic excellence.

Chord Electronics began its journey by specialising in designing and manufacturing high-performance amplifiers. Their early success can be attributed to the unique implementation of advanced technologies and meticulous attention to detail in constructing their products. Over the years, the company expanded its product range to include digital-to-analogue converters (DACs), headphone amplifiers, preamps, and other audio components.

One of the key aspects of Chord Electronics' design philosophy is its relentless pursuit of audio quality. The company believes in delivering the most transparent, detailed, and engaging sound reproduction possible. To achieve this, Chord Electronics employs cutting-edge technologies and innovative circuit designs. Their products often feature proprietary technologies such as FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array), digital signal processing, advanced filtering algorithms, and ultra-precise clocking systems. This combination of cutting-edge engineering and meticulous design ensures that Chord Electronics products deliver exceptional sonic performance.

Chord Electronics also strongly emphasises the quality of materials and craftsmanship. Each product is meticulously designed and hand-assembled in their UK-based facility, with great attention to detail and rigorous quality control. The company uses high-quality components and materials, including custom-made circuit boards and precision-machined casings, to ensure both durability and optimal performance.

Furthermore, Chord Electronics maintains a strong commitment to continuous research and development. Their team of engineers and designers are constantly exploring new technologies and pushing the boundaries of audio innovation. This dedication to advancement and improvement has led to several industry accolades and a loyal customer base.

In summary, Chord Electronics Ltd has a history rooted in innovative design and engineering excellence. Their products result from a meticulous design philosophy focused on achieving the highest levels of audio quality. With their commitment to advanced technologies, attention to detail, and continuous improvement, Chord Electronics continues to be at the forefront of high-performance audio, offering products that redefine the boundaries of sonic reproduction.