Audio T Verdict
Chord Electronics 2yu is the missing piece for anyone who likes what 2go can do but doesn't necessarily want to use it with Hugo 2. Connect the two together and 2go becomes a flexible standalone network transport for virtually any suitable DAC or digital audio system.
2yu adds four useful digital outputs: USB, optical, RCA coaxial and 75-ohm BNC coaxial. Inside, Chord Electronics employs 2,000 MIPS of processing power, an integrated sample-rate converter and a low-jitter audio phase lock loop.
It's a particularly neat solution if you already own a Qutest, Hugo TT 2, DAVE or Hugo M Scaler and want to add Chord Electronics' network-streaming platform without changing DAC.
Just remember that 2yu isn't a streamer by itself. It is specifically designed to work with 2go, which provides the Ethernet, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, streaming services and Micro SD functionality.
Chord Electronics 2yu Digital Interface for 2go
2yu is a dedicated digital interface designed to connect directly to Chord Electronics 2go.
Together, 2go and 2yu create a compact high-resolution network bridge that can feed compatible:
- Standalone DACs
- DAC-equipped amplifiers
- Digital audio processors
- Chord Electronics Hugo M Scaler
- Other suitable digital-input devices
2yu Requires 2go
2yu Is Not a Standalone Streamer
Chord Electronics' current specification states that a connection to 2go is required for 2yu to gain streaming and music-transport functionality or operate as an audio interface.
2yu therefore should be considered an output interface for 2go rather than a standalone network streamer.
Four Digital Output Options
Once connected to 2go, 2yu provides four digital audio output types:
USB Type-A
Supports PCM from 44.1kHz to 768kHz and DSD up to DSD256.
BNC Coaxial
75-ohm digital output supporting PCM up to 384kHz and DSD64.
RCA Coaxial
75-ohm digital output supporting PCM up to 384kHz and DSD64.
TOSLINK Optical
Optical S/PDIF output supporting PCM up to 192kHz and DSD64.
Up to 768kHz PCM and DSD256
The maximum supported resolution depends on which digital output you choose.
USB offers the widest bandwidth, supporting:
- PCM: 44.1kHz to 768kHz
- DSD: Up to DSD256
The connected DAC must, of course, also support the selected format and sample rate.
Integrated Sample-Rate Converter
2yu incorporates its own:
Sample-rate converter.
If the music being played has a higher sample rate than the selected digital output can support, 2yu automatically downsamples the signal to an appropriate rate.
Why Do the Outputs Have Different Limits?
Different digital interfaces have different bandwidth capabilities. USB can carry up to 768kHz PCM through 2yu, while the coaxial outputs support up to 384kHz and optical up to 192kHz.
The integrated sample-rate converter allows 2yu to accommodate these different limits automatically.
2,000 MIPS Processing Power
2yu contains:
2,000 MIPS of processing power.
MIPS stands for million instructions per second, giving the 2yu substantial dedicated processing capability for its digital interface, sample-rate conversion and clock-management functions.
Low-Jitter Audio Phase Lock Loop
Chord Electronics also incorporates a:
Low-jitter audio phase lock loop.
This forms part of 2yu's digital timing architecture and is designed to provide a stable output signal to the connected DAC or digital processor.
Turn 2go into a Network Bridge
2go normally connects directly to Hugo 2. Add 2yu instead and the pair becomes a standalone network transport capable of feeding another DAC.
The streaming features themselves are provided by 2go, including:
- Gigabit Ethernet
- 2.4GHz Wi-Fi
- Bluetooth A2DP
- AirPlay
- Roon Ready operation
- DLNA server and renderer functionality
- Qobuz and TIDAL playback through compatible control methods
- Internet radio
- Two Micro SD card slots with up to 4TB combined storage
Streaming Features Come from 2go
Wi-Fi, Ethernet, Bluetooth, Roon, streaming services and Micro SD storage are 2go features, not internal features of 2yu itself.
2yu's role is to provide the high-quality digital output interface from the combined system.
Ideal with Chord Electronics DACs
Chord Electronics specifically identifies 2yu for use with products including:
- Qutest
- Hugo TT 2
- DAVE
- Hugo M Scaler
It can also be used with other compatible DACs and digital-input devices.
View Chord Electronics Qutest at Audio T.
Using 2yu with Hugo M Scaler
2go and 2yu can provide a network-streaming source for the Chord Electronics Hugo M Scaler.
This allows streamed or locally stored digital music to enter the M Scaler before being upscaled for a compatible DAC.
View Chord Electronics Hugo M Scaler at Audio T.
Multi-Room and Remote Installations
Chord Electronics specifically highlights the 2go and 2yu combination for discreet remote streaming installations.
The pair can connect to a wired Ethernet network and provide a compact Roon Ready streaming source in another room without requiring a conventional full-size network player.
Four Polychromatic Controls
Like Hugo 2, 2yu uses Chord Electronics' familiar illuminated spherical controls.
The four controls govern:
- Digital output selection
- Power
- Mute
- Display dimming
The colour-changing controls provide visual feedback while retaining Chord Electronics' distinctive industrial design.
Handmade in the UK
2yu is handmade in the UK from:
Aircraft-grade aluminium.
Its compact chassis is designed to integrate directly with 2go to form one cohesive unit.
Black or Silver
Audio T currently offers 2yu in:
Choose the finish above to match your 2go and wider Chord Electronics system.
Powering 2yu
2yu receives power through the connected 2go.
Chord Electronics specifies a minimum Micro USB supply requirement of:
5V / 1A.
A 5V / 2A switching Micro USB power supply is included with 2yu.
Included Accessories
Chord Electronics currently supplies:
- 2yu user manual
- Safety instructions
- Drawstring storage bag
- 5V / 2A switching Micro USB power supply
- USB Type-A to Type-B cable
- BNC to BNC digital cable
- Optical digital cable
Key Features
- Chord Electronics 2yu
- Digital interface for 2go
- Creates a network bridge with 2go
- Requires 2go for operation
- USB Type-A digital output
- 75-ohm BNC coaxial output
- 75-ohm RCA coaxial output
- TOSLINK optical output
- PCM up to 768kHz via USB
- DSD256 via USB
- PCM up to 384kHz via coaxial
- PCM up to 192kHz via optical
- Integrated sample-rate converter
- Automatic downsampling where required
- Low-jitter audio phase lock loop
- 2,000 MIPS processing power
- Four polychromatic spherical controls
- Output-selection control
- Mute control
- Display dimming
- Aircraft-grade aluminium chassis
- Handmade in the UK
- Black finish available
- Silver finish available
- Designed for Qutest
- Designed for Hugo TT 2
- Designed for DAVE
- Compatible with Hugo M Scaler
Frequently Asked Questions
What does Chord Electronics 2yu do?
2yu connects to 2go and provides USB, BNC coaxial, RCA coaxial and optical digital outputs, allowing 2go to operate as a standalone network bridge with compatible DACs and digital equipment.
Can I use 2yu without 2go?
No. Chord Electronics' current specification states that 2yu requires a connection with 2go to gain streaming/music transport functionality or operate as an audio interface.
Is 2yu a DAC?
No. It is a digital interface and does not convert the digital signal to analogue audio.
Does 2yu have Wi-Fi or Ethernet?
Those network connections are provided by the attached 2go. 2yu provides the digital outputs.
Does 2yu have Micro SD storage?
No. The two Micro SD card slots are located in 2go.
What digital outputs does 2yu provide?
USB Type-A, BNC coaxial, RCA coaxial and TOSLINK optical.
What is the maximum resolution over USB?
Up to 768kHz PCM and DSD256.
What is the maximum resolution over coaxial?
Up to 384kHz PCM and DSD64 through either BNC or RCA coaxial.
What is the maximum resolution over optical?
Up to 192kHz PCM and DSD64.
What happens if the source rate is too high for an output?
2yu includes automatic sample-rate conversion and downsamples when the incoming rate exceeds the selected output's capability.
Can I use 2yu with Qutest?
Yes. Qutest is one of the Chord Electronics DACs specifically identified for use with 2yu.
Can I use it with Hugo M Scaler?
Yes. The 2go and 2yu combination can provide a network-streaming source to Hugo M Scaler.
Can I use a non-Chord DAC?
Yes, provided the DAC has a compatible digital input and supports the output format and sample rate being used.
What colours are available?
Audio T currently offers Black and Silver.
Is 2yu made in the UK?
Yes. Chord Electronics hand makes 2yu in the UK using an aircraft-grade aluminium chassis.
Related Chord Electronics Products and Guides
Why Buy From Audio T?
- 2go and 2yu setup advice
- Help choosing the best digital output
- Qutest, Hugo TT 2 and DAVE system guidance
- Hugo M Scaler integration advice
- Roon and network-streaming setup guidance
- DAC compatibility advice
- In-store demonstrations where appropriate
- Home demonstrations where appropriate
- Ongoing after-sales support
Contact your local Audio T store if you would like to demonstrate Chord Electronics 2yu or discuss integrating 2go and 2yu with your DAC or digital system.