Chord Hugo 2 – Compact DAC and Headphone Amplifier
Chord Hugo 2 – Compact DAC and Headphone Amplifier
Chord Hugo 2 – Compact DAC and Headphone Amplifier
Chord Hugo 2 – Compact DAC and Headphone Amplifier
Chord Hugo 2 – Compact DAC and Headphone Amplifier
Chord Hugo 2 – Compact DAC and Headphone Amplifier
Chord Hugo 2 – Compact DAC and Headphone Amplifier

Chord Electronics

Chord Hugo 2 – Compact DAC and Headphone Amplifier

€2.690,00

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Color:Black
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Its line output and comprehensive remote control ensure maximum flexibility in desktop and full-size audio systems.

Hugo 2 offers four digital inputs (optical, coaxial, and HD USB) plus extended-range Bluetooth and supports playback of high-resolution (UHD) files up to 768kHz and up to DSD512 (Octa DSD) via its HD USB input. Analog outputs include 2 RCA jacks and 3.5mm and 6.35mm headphone jacks.

Hugo 2 features Chord's acclaimed user interface, which provides input selection and visual feedback via four spherical control buttons that illuminate with different colors and display information. These buttons control the unit's power, input, filtering, and cross-feed functions.

Performance that only Chord...

Hugo 2 is a top-notch DAC. It offers resolution, detail, and dynamics unlike anything else on the market. Alongside this musical quality, we find a convenient frequency equalization function, for warmer and softer or more transparent and incisive reproductions and presentations, offering additional flexibility and user control. We think of this feature not so much as a desire to color the music but as a compensation function for the specific headphones used. You can opt out of this filter if you like!

For headphone listening, the Hugo 2 retains the original's popular digital cross-feed feature and offers three operating modes . The system duplicates the effect of listening through speakers and is based on advanced binaural audio research.

Hand-assembled and meticulously crafted in the UK, Hugo 2 features a solid CNC-machined aircraft-grade aluminum chassis. Hugo 2 offers class-leading performance and sound, along with unparalleled build quality.

Personality and authority

The Chord Hugo 2 is simply unmistakable. Unmistakable, as they would say in the UK. The Chord imprint and the famous interface and colored spherical keys are the Hugo 2's stylistic hallmark. The dimensions are decidedly compact and the weight is light, even if the DAC cannot (and does not want to) be an immediate alternative to the very compact Mojo 2. It doesn't fit easily in your pocket, but it is perfectly at home with a laptop, in a handbag, in a backpack, etc.

Remote control. Remote control?

The Chord Hugo 2 comes with a remote control. While the DAC is portable, it's so good that it's recommended for use with traditional HiFi systems. In fact, the Hugo 2 will most likely be used as part of a stable audio chain and system, not as a mobile DAC for smartphones and tablets. For those on the go, Chord has just introduced the MOJO 2, the ultimate music player for the digital nomad.

Very Chord Interface

That Hugo 2 is manufactured by Chord Electronics is a given. The entire design, and above all the interface with its famous spherical, colored control buttons, is a real highlight. The Power button offers five colors to indicate the charging status, while the Filter button offers four color indications. The Input button shows six different states, and finally the X-PHD button has four different color options. On the top of the DAC is the rotary control—dedicated to volume—which changes color depending on the selected level. Finally, the “porthole” window allows you to observe the inside of the DAC and lights up in eleven different shades to indicate the sampling rate of the incoming digital signal.

Input and Bitrate

Hugo 2 offers several inputs, each with its own bitrate. The optical input supports files up to 24-bit/192KHz. The 3.5mm coaxial audio jack supports up to 32-bit/384KHz, while the miniUSB port handles resolutions up to 32-bit/768KHz and DSD512. Wirelessly, Hugo 2 offers aptX Bluetooth connectivity.

Built-in high-performance battery

Hugo 2 features an innovative rechargeable battery that ensures the DAC maintains maximum performance while maintaining several hours of playback time. Playback time using both the DAC and headphone amplifier is approximately seven hours. Hugo 2 offers two automatic charging modes using the dedicated Micro USB charging port; an indicator shows the battery's charging status.

Exits

A very interesting detail is that Hugo 2 offers two headphone outputs, one 3.5mm jack compatible and one 6.3mm jack compatible, and two RCA jacks for connecting the DAC to an amplifier. This way, you can easily connect any device and any type of HiFi headphones or even in-ear earphones to your DAC, without adapters.

Optional filter

To accommodate personal tastes, but also to compensate for the personality of the paired headphones, Chord offers the option of using a four-selection filter/equalizer. This allows for different soundscapes. The first filter, identified by a white light, is described as "punchy neutral." The second, indicated by a green light, is characterized by a slight attenuation of high frequencies. The third filter, identified by an orange light, adds a warm nuance, while the fourth offers an even warmer sound. Naturally, the characteristics are nuanced and allow for compensating for any colorations typical of the devices to which the DAC will be connected.

Compatibility Apple, Windows, Android, iOS, Linux

Hugo 2 can be used with virtually any device on the market and with any operating system, from Android to iOS, through Windows, macOS, and Linux.

Musicality and performance

Hugo 2 is a compact DAC. Despite its size, the overall performance of the device is top-notch. Whether with high-quality or low-level inputs, from 320 Kbps MP3 files (Spotify?) via Bluetooth, or with files of increasing quality, Hugo offers good dynamics and great transparency. The timing of the instruments, the depth, and the way the soundstage is composed and layered are impressive. In terms of balance, the sound is always neutral, in the best sense of the word: no frequency range ever dominates over the others.

The love of good music

Who we are

We chose this business out of passion, and we continue it with passion. Our experience in music reproduction and live music constantly guides us in the choices we make regarding the products we select for you.

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