CHORD HUGO 2

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.

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 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 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.

HUGO 2 – SPECIFICATIONS:

Materials: Clamshell precision machined aluminium casing with polycarbonate 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: 49,195 – 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): 44.1kHz – 768kHz – 16bit – 32bit

Coax via 3.5mm Jack (Red): 44.1kHz – 768kHz – 16bit – 32bit

Optical (Green): 44.1kHz – 192kHz – 16bit – 24bit

Connectivity (input wireless): Bluetooth (Apt X) (Blue): 44.1kHz – 48kHz – 16bit

Connectivity (output): 1x ¼” 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.

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):

Hugo (Ultimate Reference) (White)

Hugo HF (High Frequency roll off) (Green)

Mojo (‘Smooth’) (Orange)

Mojo HF (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 DACChord Custom FPGA DAC
49,152 Taps49,152 Taps
7 hour Battery Life7 hour Battery Life
768kHz Micro USB Input768kHz Micro USB Input
384kHz Coax Jack Input384kHz Coax Jack Input
192kHz Optical Input192kHz Optical Input
Bluetooth Apt X InputBluetooth Apt X Input
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
INCLUDED ACCESSORIES

2amp USB Charger
1.5m Micro USB Cable
Micro USB to Micro USB OTG Cable
Hugo 2 Owners Overview Manual