Chord Hugo 2 DAC / Headphone Amplifier / Preamplifier

Hugo 2 uses advances in digital technology, including the latest FPGAs and WTA (Watts Transient Aligned) filters. It 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 and up to DSD512 (Octa DSD), via its HD USB input. Analog 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 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.

Specifications

Power supply: 2 x Rechargeable custom Enix Energies 3.7 V 9.6 Wh lithium-ion (2600 mAh) batteries

Tap length filter: 49,152 – 10 element Pulse Array design

Play time: In excess of seven (7) hours

Charging: Nominal six (6) hours via Micro USB at 1.8 A (fast charge) – Nominal eight (8) hours at 1 A (slow charge)

Inputs 
USB Type B (White): 44.1 kHz to 768 kHz – 16 bit to 32 bit
BNC Coax (Red): x 2, 44.1 kHz – 384 kHz – 16 bit to 32 bit
Dual data mode input (using both BNC coax inputs together): 44.1 kHz to 768 kHz – 16 bit to 32 bit
Optical (Green): 44.1 kHz to 96 kHz – 16 bit to 24 bit

Output: 1 x stereo pair of RCA

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

Connectivity (output): 1 x ¼” jack headphone output, 1 x 3.5mm jack headphone output, 1 x stereo (L & R) RCA output

PCM support (kHz): 44.1, 48, 88.2, 96, 176.4, 192, 358.8, 384, 717.6, and 768, 16 – 32bit

DSD support: Native playback supported. DSD64 (Single) to DSD512 (Octa-DSD)

Volume control: Digital, activated in 1 dB 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: Driver required for Windows OS

Dimensions: 0.9" x 3.9" x 5.16" (2.3 x 10 x 13.1 cm)

Weight: 0.99 lb (450 g)