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Chord Electronics 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.
Winner of Best DAC (£1,500+) in the What Hi-Fi? Awards 2022, and a What Hi-Fi? Best DAC winner every year its inception (2017-2022), Hugo 2 is a proven class leader.
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 add real flexibility to full-size and desktop systems.
The device offers four digital inputs (optical, coaxial and HD USB) plus extended-range Bluetooth® wireless technology, 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 6 hours + (depending on headphones) and two modes of automatic charging are included using the dedicated Micro USB charging port; an indicator shows charging and battery-charge status.
The Bluetooth® word mark and logos are registered trademarks owned by Bluetooth SIG, Inc. and any use of such marks by Chord Electronics is under license. Other trademarks and trade names are those of their respective owners.
‘Plays with Audirvāna’ hardware products are certified to play music from Audirvāna software over USB or network with the best level of integration and audio performance.
HUGO 2 – SPECIFICATIONS:
Materials: 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: 49,152 – 10 element Pulse Array design
Playtime: 6 hours (Avg.time)
Charging: Nominal six (6) hours via Micro USB at 1.8amps (fast charge) – Nominal eight (8) hours at 1amp (slow charge)
Connectivity (input): Micro USB (White): 44.1kHz to 768kHz – 16bit to 32bit
Coax via 3.5mm jack (Red): 44.1kHz to 384kHz – 16bit to 32bit
Coax via (same) 3.5mm jack (Dual data mode: Yellow): 44.1kHz to 768kHz – 16bit to 32bit
Optical (Green): 44.1kHz to 96kHz – 16bit to 24bit
Connectivity (input wireless): Bluetooth® (APTX) (Blue): 44.1kHz to 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, 352.8kHz, 384kHz, 717.6kHz, and 768kHz. 16 – 32bit
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):
Incisive neutral (Ultimate reference) (White)
Incisive neutral HF roll-off (High Frequency roll off) (Green)
Warm (‘Smooth’) (Orange)
Warmer HF roll-off (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 DAC
49,152 Taps
6 hours + Battery Life
768kHz Micro USB Input
384kHz Coax Jack Input
768kHz Dual Data Mode Jack Input
96kHz Optical Input
Bluetooth® wireless technology
1x ¼” Headphone Output
1x 3.5mm Headphone Output
Unbalanced RCA Outputs
Supports up to 768kHz
DSD512 (8x) Native
Native DSD Support
4x Playback Filters
3x Crossfeed Function
Supports up to 800Ω
IR Remote Control Included
CNC Aluminium Chassis
Roon tested
Included Accessories
Hugo 2 user manual
Safety instructions
Drawstring bag
5V 2A Switching Micro USB power supply
IR remote control
Micro USB to Type-A USB cable
Micro to Micro USB OTG cable
Optical cable
Optical to 3.5mm optical cable
2x AAA batteries
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Chord Electronics Hugo 2 — Transportable DAC/headphone amplifier
Chord Electronics' Hugo 2 condenses flagship DAC tech into a transportable package, delivering striking resolution, pace and near-silent backgrounds. Its custom Xilinx Artix-7 FPGA and 49,152-tap WTA filters give a pronounced sense of three-dimensionality, razor-sharp transient attack and deep, controlled bass, while the Class-A output stage supplies robust headroom for most headphones. Reviewers praise its low noise floor and natural midrange (The Absolute Sound, SoundStage Solo), and note the added convenience of aptX Bluetooth, remote control and full-range USB/DSD support. The machined aluminium case, colourized control spheres and remote make it equally at home on a desktop or as a transportable rig. For audiophiles seeking a compact, future-proof DAC/headphone amp that emphasizes clarity, imaging and dynamic drive, the Hugo 2 is a compelling choice.
Pros
- Reference-grade resolution and three-dimensional imaging driven by the 49,152-tap WTA FPGA implementation.
- Extremely low noise floor with robust Class-A headphone output that comfortably powers most IEMs and full-size cans.
- Broad, modern feature set: native USB/DSD up to 768kHz/DSD512, aptX Bluetooth, remote control, crossfeed and multiple digital filters for flexible system use.
&
Cons
- Premium price for a transportable unit—excellent performance but a significant investment compared with smaller portable players.
- Some reviewers note a slightly leaner or drier treble and a less expansive loudspeaker soundstage versus larger tabletop siblings.
Sound Quality
91/100
Reviewers consistently note speed, punch and excellent headroom (Fidelity, Soundnews, HiFi News), with strong transient impact and convincing rhythm. A few critics observe a very fast decay or slightly less ‘meat’ than larger tabletop siblings (The Ear, Soundnews), so while dynamics are top-tier for a transportable device they stop short of absolute flagship table‑top effortless behavior.
Noise Floor
93/100
Chord's measured specs (126dB SNR, 2.6µV noise, 'no measurable noise floor modulation') are reflected in reviews calling the Hugo 2 'deepest of black backgrounds' and 'more than quiet enough' for high‑sensitivity earphones (The Ear, The Absolute Sound, Fidelity). Multiple reviewers explicitly note inaudible hiss with sensitive IEMs, supporting a reference‑level noise-floor rating.
Headphone Compatibility
91/100
Very low output impedance (0.025Ω) and strong power figures (1050mW @8Ω, 740mW @32Ω) let Hugo 2 drive a wide range of IEMs and full‑size headphones; reviewers report it drives demanding cans comfortably though the most power-hungry planars (e.g., some Audeze/Abyss/Susvara cases) may benefit from a larger dedicated amp (Soundnews, Audiophilepure, The Absolute Sound). Excellent IEM compatibility and desktop portability earn a high score just below 'drive everything' reference.
Build Quality
92/100
Built from an aluminium block with tidy machining and a solid feel noted across reviews (Soundnews, Fidelity), plus a comprehensive remote and well‑implemented controls (HiFi News). Battery life and polished finish/packaging are praised, giving Hugo 2 a premium, durable desktop/portable build impression.
Features Connectivity
95/100
Beyond the baseline, Hugo 2 offers high‑res USB (up to 768kHz/DSD512), optical/coax, aptX Bluetooth, dual headphone outputs (3.5/6.35mm), RCA line out, fixed line-level option and remote, plus Chord's advanced WTA filters and crossfeed. Summing the feature additions yields a full‑featured score; capped at the schema's upper bound for Features_Connectivity.
Value for Money
90/100
Reviewers acknowledge a high price but consistently call the Hugo 2 justified for its performance and future‑proofing (HiFi News, The Absolute Sound, Fidelity) and many declare it best‑in‑class among transportable sources (Audiophilepure, Soundnews). Language indicates a justified premium — excellent value within its high‑end portable/desktop niche.
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