Chord Electronics Ltd. Hugo M Scaler

The Hugo M Scaler is a highly advanced standalone upscaler capable of redefining sound quality from digital audio. It uses Rob Watts’ ( our Digital Design Consultant’s ) unique filter technology, the most advanced in the world, to upscale standard 44.1 kHz digital audio up to 705.6kHz ( 16 x CD’s 44.1kHz native resolution ), ready to be passed to a suitable DAC; Hugo M Scaler extends its upscaling performance to 768 kHz ( from 96 kHz input data ) for our dual-BNC-input DACs: DAVE, Qutest and the new Hugo TT 2.

The Hugo M Scaler brings the unrivaled advantages of our ground-breaking FPGA-based WTA ( Watts Transient Alignment ) filtering technology to digitally connected audio devices, dramatically improving sound quality. Although optimized for use with selected Chord Electronics DACs ( for the maximum 768kHz upscaling / decoding benefit ), the Hugo M Scaler can be used with other DACs with suitable inputs, subject to their decoding capability.

The Hugo M Scaler’s compact form factor aligns with the TT ( Table Top ) series and has been designed to be stackable with other units in the range, including the TToby stereo power amp and the Hugo TT 2, to form a highly advanced yet space-saving system. In line with other models in the Hugo and Hugo TT series, the device features a number of illuminable fascia-mounted spherical controls, governing input selection, output sample rate and video mode for lower latency. The control spheres display data visually including input source and the incoming sample rate, using a polychromatic scale.

When partnered with either of Chord Electronics’ 768 kHz-capable dual-BNC-input DACs, the Hugo M Scaler sets an astonishing technical benchmark for digital audio performance at it price point, redefining sound quality from digital audio.

Inputs:

• 2 x BNC
• 2 x optical
• 1 x galvanically isolated USB Type-B compatible with DSD and PCM data ( up to DSD 256 ); with DSD upsampled to PCM

Outputs:

• 1 x optical
• 1 x S/PDIF
• 1 x galvanically isolated dual BNC ( enables upscaling to the maximum resolution ( 768 kHz from 96 kHz data ))

Additional features: 

• The most advanced digital filter in the world
• Adjustable sample rate output ( with pass-thru mode )
• Video mode ( for lower latency )
• Auto video and source selection
• ‘DX’ controls for future product
• Designed, engineered and entirely made in the UK
• Precision-milled chassis, crafted from aircraft-grade aluminum

Technical specifications

• FPGA: Xilinx XC7A200T
• Filter tap length: 1,015,808 WTA taps
• Dimensions: 235 mm x 40.5 mm x 236 mm ( W x H x D )
• Weight: 2.55 kg

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 ).