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