In 2014, we 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 us to introduce a next-generation version, Hugo 2, featuring flexible new features, plus next-generation technical and sonic performance.
Winner of Best DAC (£1,500+) in the What Hi-Fi? Awards 2022, and a What Hi-Fi? Best DAC winner every year its inception (2017-2022), Hugo 2 is a proven class-leader.
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 to 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 6 hours + (depending on headphones) and two modes of automatic charging are included using the dedicated Micro USB charging port; an indicator shows charging and battery-charge status.
Features
Chord Custom FPGA DACChord Custom FPGA DAC
49,152 Taps49,152 Taps
6 hours + Battery Life6 hours + Battery Life
768kHz Micro USB Input768kHz Micro USB Input
384kHz Coax Jack Input384kHz Coax Jack Input
768kHz Dual Data Mode Jack Input768kHz Dual Data Mode Jack Input
96kHz Optical Input96kHz Optical Input
Bluetooth APTX ®Bluetooth APTX ®
1x ¼” Headphone Output1x ¼” Headphone Output
1x 3.5mm Headphone Output1x 3.5mm Headphone Output
Unbalanced RCA OutputsUnbalanced RCA Outputs
Supports up to 768kHzSupports up to 768kHz
DSD512 (8x) NativeDSD512 (8x) Native
Native DSD SupportNative DSD Support
4x Playback Filters4x Playback Filters
3x Crossfeed Function3x Crossfeed Function
Supports up to 800ΩSupports up to 800Ω
IR Remote Control IncludedIR Remote Control Included
CNC Aluminium ChassisCNC Aluminium Chassis
HUGO 2 SPECIFICATIONS:
Materials: Clamshell precision machined aluminium casing with polycarbonateåÊ 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: 49,152 - 10 element Pulse Array design
Playtime: In excess of seven (7) hours
Charging: Nominal six (6) hours via Micro USB at 1.8amps (fast charge) - Nominal eight (8) hours at 1amp (slow charge)
Connectivity (input): Micro USB (White): 44.1kHz to 768kHz - 16bit to 32bit
Coax via 3.5mm Jack (Red): 44.1kHz to 384kHz - 16bit to 32bit
Dual data mode input (using both BNC coax inputs together): 44.1kHz to 768kHz - 16bit to 32bit
Optical (Green): 44.1kHz to 96kHz - 16bit to 24bit
Connectivity (input wireless): Bluetooth (Apt X) (Blue): 44.1kHz to 48kHz - 16bit
Connectivity (output):
1x 1/4 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. 16 - 32bit
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
User Configurable Options:
Filters (Digital):
Incisive neutral (Ultimate reference) (White)
Incisive neutral HF roll-off (High Frequency roll off) (Green)
Warm ('Smooth' (Orange)
Warmer HF roll-off (High Frequency roll off) (Red)
Crossfeed (Digital IIR):
Off - No Crossfeed
Level 1 - Light
Level 2 - Medium
Level 3 - Heavy
Control options:
Manual
Remote control (included)
Technical specifications:
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' weighted (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 32Ω | 1050mW 8Ω
Weight: 450g
Dimensions: 2.3cm (H) 10cm (W) 13.1cm (D)
Box Dimensions: 8.5cm (H) 12.2cm (W) 22cm (D)
