In 2014, Chord 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 them 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.
What Hi-Fi review
For more information, please visit this product's webpage.