The Chord Electronics Hugo 2 is a remarkable evolution of the iconic portable DAC and headphone amplifier, setting new standards in audio performance and design. Known for its exemplary engineering and innovative aesthetics, Chord Electronics has once again delivered a product that combines cutting-edge technology with user-friendly functionality.
The Hugo 2 features a refined, lower-profile design with four top-mounted spherical control buttons, allowing for seamless operation and future expandability. The larger, intuitive volume control sphere enhances the user experience, making it ideal for both portable and home audio setups. Whether used in a desktop system or integrated into a traditional home audio environment, the Hugo 2’s stylish design and enhanced functionality make it a versatile addition to any setup.
Under the hood, the Hugo 2 boasts the latest Chord Electronics FPGA technology, delivering significant improvements in timing accuracy, dynamic range, and noise reduction. The advanced WTA (Watts Transient Aligned) filters further enhance its performance, offering a more precise and immersive listening experience. With four digital inputs—including optical, coaxial, and HD USB—along with extended-range Bluetooth and hi-res file playback up to 768 kHz, the Hugo 2 is equipped to handle a wide variety of audio sources with ease.
Battery life has also been improved, providing up to seven hours of continuous playback. The Hugo 2 offers two automatic charging modes—fast (1.8 amperes) and slow (less than one ampere)—via a dedicated Micro USB charging port, with an indicator to show battery charge status.
Incorporating the latest in audio technology and design, the Hugo 2 represents a significant upgrade from its predecessor while retaining the qualities that made the original a legend. Whether you’re a dedicated audiophile or simply someone who appreciates high-quality sound, the Hugo 2 offers a listening experience that is truly unparalleled. Visit Len Wallis Audio to discover the Hugo 2 and elevate your audio experience.
| Key Features of the Device |
Details |
| 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 |
Functionality
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.
| Technical Specifications |
Details |
| Chipset |
Chord Electronics custom coded Xilinx Artix 7 (XC7A15T) FPGA |
| Tap-length |
49,152 |
| Pulse array |
10 element pulse array design |
| Frequency response |
20Hz – 20kHz +/- 0.2dB |
| Output stage |
Class A |
| Output impedance |
0.025Ω |
| THD |
<0.0001% 1kHz 3v RMS 300Ω |
| THD and noise at 3v RMS |
120dB at 1kHz 300ohms ‘A’ weighted (reference 5.3v) |
| Noise 2.6 uV ‘A’ weighted |
No measurable noise floor modulation |
| Signal to noise ratio |
126dB ‘A’ Weighted |
| Channel separation |
135dB at 1kHz 300Ω |
| Power output @ 1kHz 1% THD |
94mW 300Ω 740mW 33Ω 1050mW 8Ω |
| Weight |
450g |
| Dimensions |
130mm (L) x 100mm (W) x 21mm (H) |
| Boxed Dimensions |
220mm (L) x 122mm (W) x 85mm (H) |
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