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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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Professional Reviews 91/100
Deliciously Crispy
Sound Quality
92/100
Build Quality
93/100
Features Usability
91/100
Value for Money
85/100
Fast, highly resolving and impressively quiet, the Hugo 2 blends portable DAC convenience with serious headphone amp muscle. HiFi News praised its rhythmic drive and musical flow, while The Absolute Sound highlighted its three-dimensional imaging and black backgrounds. With robust connectivity, filters and crossfeed, it’s a versatile transportable performer that sounds as accomplished at a desk as it does on the move.
What Reviewers Are Saying
Pros
Exceptional detail retrieval with a quiet, black-background presentation
Wide, precise soundstage with strong three-dimensional imaging and instrument separation
Powerful, flexible headphone amplification that drives most headphones confidently
Excellent feature set for a transportable DAC/amp, including USB, optical, coax, Bluetooth, filters, crossfeed and remote control
&
Cons
The most demanding planar headphones can still outstrip its built-in amp
Some listeners found the presentation a little lighter or less weighty than larger desktop references
A few reviews noted occasional edge or artificiality in the leading transients on less-than-ideal recordings
SOUND QUALITY PERFORMANCE 92/100
Reviewers consistently describe the Hugo 2 as exceptionally clear, resolving and spacious, with strong microdetail and a very low noise floor. Its tonal balance is praised as clean and natural rather than dry or overly bright, though one review notes a slightly lighter presentation and another finds the leading edges a bit artificial on some material.
Transparency Resolution
96/100
Multiple reviewers call the Hugo 2 highly resolving, with 'abundance of inner detail and space' and 'world class transparency' in the sound. It is repeatedly praised for teasing apart instruments, rendering low-level detail, and sounding 'stunningly resolute'.
Tonal Balance Musicality
90/100
The overall voicing is described as clean, precise and neutral-to-slightly-warm, with several reviewers finding it natural and engaging rather than clinical. One reviewer does note a slightly lighter tonal color and another hears some artificiality on leading edges, so it is not universally described as lush or perfectly organic.
Dynamics
91/100
Reviewers frequently praise its speed, punch and sense of drive, with comments about strong kick, excellent headroom and no dynamic limitation on demanding music. A few listeners note that it is not quite as effortless or weighty as larger desktop references, and that some notes can sound a little too fast or dissipate quickly.
Noise Floor
96/100
The Hugo 2 is repeatedly described as having extremely quiet backgrounds, 'deepest of black backgrounds,' and no measurable noise floor modulation. Reviewers also note that it remains quiet enough for sensitive earphones and IEMs, which is a major strength for real-world listening.
Headphone Compatibility
86/100
It is praised for driving a wide range of headphones well, including sensitive earphones and many full-size models, with several reviewers saying it handled most of their test headphones without strain. The main caveat is that a few of the most demanding planar magnetics and flagship loads still benefit from a dedicated high-power amplifier.
Assessments of Build Quality, Usability, and Overall Propositions.
Build Quality
93/100
Reviewers consistently describe the chassis as solid and 'ultrasolid,' with the aluminum-block construction drawing favorable remarks. The reviews say less about long-term reliability or internal serviceability, but the physical execution is clearly viewed as excellent.
Features Usability
91/100
The Hugo 2 is well equipped for a transportable DAC/amp, with USB, optical, coaxial and Bluetooth inputs, RCA line outputs, multiple headphone outputs, remote control, filter selection and crossfeed. Reviewers also like the ability to use it as a DAC, preamp or portable unit, making it unusually flexible and easy to live with.
Value for Money
85/100
The price is clearly premium, and some reviews frame it as an expensive purchase even while praising the performance. At the same time, several writers say it competes with products far above it in price and is one of the best transportable options available, so the value picture is positive but not cheap or universally budget-friendly.
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- Absoulute Audio plus Video — in-store — Aiken, South Carolina, United States (website)
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