Product description
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 & 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.
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 768 kHz & up to DSD512 ( Octa DSD ), via its HD USB input. Analogue outputs include 2 x RCA, plus 3.5 mm and 6.35 mm 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 color-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.
Already a multi-award-winner, What Hi-Fi made Hugo 2 their Product of the Year 2017!
Specifications:
Materials: Clamshell precision machined aluminum casing with polycarbonate buttons, acrylic signal window, and glass viewing portal. Available in a choice of two colors – natural silver, and satin black
Battery: 2 x rechargeable custom Enix Energies 3.7v 9.6Wh Li-ion ( lithium-ion ( 2600mAh ) batteries* )
Tap length filter: 49,152 – 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 ):
- 44.1 kHz – 768 kHz – 16 bit – 32 bit
- Coax via 3.5mm Jack ( Red ): 44.1 kHz – 384 kHz – 16 bit – 32 bit
- Dual data mode input ( using both BNC coax inputs together ): 44.1 kHz – 768 kHz – 16 bit – 32 bit
- Optical ( Green ): 44.1 kHz – 192 kHz – 16 bit – 24 bit
Connectivity ( input wireless ): Bluetooth ( Apt X ) ( Blue ): 44.1 kHz – 48 kHz – 16 bit
Connectivity ( output ):
- 1 x ¼” jack headphone output
- 1 x 3.5 mm jack headphone output
- 1 x stereo ( L & R ) RCA output
PCM support: 44.1 kHz, 48 kHz, 88.2 kHz, 96 kHz, 176.4 kHz, 192 kHz, 358.8 kHz, 384 kHz, 717.6 kHz, and 768 kHz.
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
* Non-user-serviceable batteries are covered by a limited 18-month warranty from initial date of purchase. For full terms and conditions please click here.
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 )
Key features:
- Chord Custom FPGA DAC
- 49,152 Taps
- 7 hour Battery Life
- 768 kHz Micro USB Input
- 384 kHz Coax Jack Input
- 768 kHz Dual Data Mode Jack Input
- 192 kHz Optical Input
- Bluetooth Apt X Input
- 1 x ¼” Headphone Output
- 1 x 3.5 mm Headphone Output
- Unbalanced RCA Outputs
- Supports up to 768 kHz
- DSD512 ( 8 x ) Native
- Native DSD Support
- 4 x Playback Filters
- 3 x Crossfeed Function
- Supports up to 800 Ω
- IR Remote Control Included
- 2 amp USB Charger
- 1.5 m Micro USB Cable
- Micro USB to Micro USB OTG Cable
- Hugo 2 Owners Overview Manual
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: 20 Hz – 20 kHz + / - 0.2 dB
Output stage: Class A
Output impedance: 0.025 Ω
THD: < 0.0001% 1 kHz 3v RMS 300 Ω
THD and noise at 3v RMS: 120 dB at 1 kHz 300ohms ‘A’ wighted ( reference 5.3 volt )
Noise 2.6 uV ‘A’ weighted: No measurable noise floor modulation
Signal to noise ratio: 126 dB ‘A’ Weighted
Channel separation: 135 dB at 1 kHz 300Ω
Power output @ 1kHz 1% THD:
94mW 300Ω
740mW 32 Ω
1050mW 8 Ω
Weight: 450 gram
Dimensions: 130 mm ( L ) x 100 mm ( W ) x 21 mm ( H )
Boxed Dimensions: 220 mm ( L ) x 122 mm ( W ) x 85 mm ( H )
Are you an audiophile on a budget? If you check out via PayPal, you have the option offered at PayPal checkout! ( Free to sign-up & free account ).
Or contact us to inquire how you can finance your purchase through our partner, ( Synchrony ).