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Chord - Hugo 2 Transportable DAC / Headphone AmplifierThe Chord Hugo 2 Transportable DAC / Headphone Amplifier builds on the ground-breaking original. Designed for both home and mobile use, Hugo 2 transforms headphones and audio systems’ sound quality with its cutting-edge proprietary DAC technology.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 us 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.CHORD HUGO 2 TRANSPORTABLE DAC / HEADPHONE AMPLIFIER FEATURESMaterials: Clamshell 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 blackBattery: 2x Rechargeable custom Enix Energies 3.7v 9.6Wh Li-ion (lithium-ion (2600mAh) batteriesPlaytime: In excess of seven (7) hoursCharging: Nominal four (4) hours via Micro USB at 1.8amps (fast charge) – Nominal eight (8) hours at 1amp (slow charge)Connectivity (input): Micro USB (White): 44.1kHz – 768kHz – 16bit – 32bitCoax via 3.5mm Jack (Red):44.1kHz – 768kHz – 16bit – 32bitOptical (Green):44.1kHz – 192kHz – 16bit – 24bitConnectivity (input wireless): Bluetooth (Apt X) (Blue): 44.1kHz – 48kHz – 16bitConnectivity (output): 1x Ľ” jack headphone output1x 3.5mm jack headphone output1x stereo (L & R) RCA outputPCM support: 44.1kHz, 48kHz, 88.2kHz, 96kHz, 176.4kHz, 192kHz, 358.8kHz, 384kHz, 717.6kHz, and 768kHz.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 modeLine-level mode: Activated via dual press of middle ‘Source’ and ‘Crossfeed’ buttons. Line level = 3v via all outputs. Reset by a power cyclePower saving mode: Auto-shutdown after ten minutes of input inactivityDriver support: Driverless with Mac OS X and Linux, driver required for Windows OSUser Configurable Options:Filters (Digital): Hugo (Ultimate Reference) (White)Hugo HF+ (High Frequency roll off) (Green)Mojo (‘Smooth’) (Orange)Mojo HF+ (High Frequency roll off) (Red)Crossfeed (Digital IIR): Level 1 – LightLevel 2 – MediumLevel 3 – HeavyControl options: ManualRemote control (included)
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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.
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