RADAR is a price search engine. We link to the original listing — we never sell direct. Transactions happen on the source site.
At £850, this Chord Hugo 2 is a standout bargain, landing well below the £874 25th percentile of recent GBP used listings and offering a far superior DAC/amp experience than the typical budget alternatives at this price point. The ground-truth data from 15 comparable GBP listings confirms the median sits at £1,004, so this asking price is a genuine steal for a product that regularly retails for £1,800.
The Hugo 2 remains a highly respected transportable DAC and headphone amp, praised for its “ridiculous” sound quality and future-proof specs like 768kHz PCM and DSD512 support. Its all-discrete output stage and advanced FPGA interpolation filter deliver lower distortion than the original, making it an excellent choice for both mobile and home use. At this price, it’s a clear buying opportunity for enthusiasts seeking high-end performance without the premium cost.
Independent perspective — not a price guarantee. Always verify condition, accessories and provenance before purchase.
Chord Electronics, a British high-fidelity powerhouse, traces its roots to the aviation industry. Founded in 1989 by John Franks, a former Marconi Avionics engineer, the company emerged from his early 1980s innovations in ultra-reliable, high-frequency switching power supplies for aircraft electronics. Initially too costly for commercial viability, the designs became feasible with advancing components, launching Chord from its Kent headquarters in a renovated pumphouse that remains its manufacturing heart.
The brand excels in premium amplifiers and digital-to-analog converters (DACs), blending Franks' analog prowess with digital expertise from FPGA specialist Rob Watts. Early power amplifiers quickly won acclaim from professional studios like the BBC, Abbey Road, and Skywalker Sound, establishing credibility before shifting focus to consumer hi-fi. Iconic products like the Hugo and Mojo DACs exemplify their boundary-pushing approach, alongside integrated amps and streamers, all handcrafted in the UK without compromise on power, precision, or musicality.
Positioned firmly in the high-end market, Chord commands respect among discerning audiophiles for its uncompromising engineering, aerospace-grade reliability, and bold innovation. Independent and proudly British, it sets benchmarks in transparency and dynamics, attracting buyers who demand reference-level performance over mass-market concessions.
See all Chord Electronics listings on RADAR.
