Meet Hugo 2, son of Hugo
Say hello to the new Hugo 2, a powerful digital-to-analogue converter (DAC) and headphone amp that builds on the groundbreaking Hugo original. Designed for both home and mobile use, Hugo 2 transforms the sound quality of headphones and audio systems with its cutting-edge proprietary DAC technology.
In 2014, Chord Electronics introduced Hugo, a revolutionary portable DAC and headphone amp that quickly became a standout product in the Hi-Fi market place. Fast forward to 2017 and the ongoing advances in digital technology, including the latest FPGAs and WTA (Watts Transient Aligned) filters, have enabled Chord to introduce a next-generation version, Hugo 2, featuring flexible new operational 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 highresolution file playback up to 768kHz and up to DSD512 (Octa DSD) via HD USB input. Analogue outputs include 2 x RCA, plus 3.5mm and 6.35mm headphone outputs.
A four-function switch filter offers a useful degree of user-selectable frequency shaping, bringing a choice of warm and soft, or transparent and incisive presentations, giving additional flexibility and user control.
For headphone listening, Hugo 2 retains the popular digital cross-feed 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 friendly spherical control buttons which illuminate with colour-coding information, controlling power, input, filtering, plus the unit’s cross-feed 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 has a RRP of $3699.