Chord Electronics Hugo 2 Transportable DAC and Headphone Amplifier with Leather Case
Audio T Verdict
Hugo 2 is one of those products that refuses to fit neatly into a single category. It is a transportable DAC, a powerful headphone amplifier and a digital preamplifier, making it equally at home beside a laptop, on the move or at the heart of a full-size Hi-Fi system.
Chord Electronics' FPGA DAC technology, four selectable digital filters and adjustable crossfeed give you plenty of control, while its battery power, remote control and RCA outputs make Hugo 2 unusually flexible.
This Audio T package also includes a protective leather case, giving the precision-machined aluminium chassis some welcome protection when travelling.
Chord Electronics Hugo 2
Hugo 2 is a transportable DAC, preamplifier and headphone amplifier built around Chord Electronics' proprietary FPGA digital architecture.
A custom-coded Xilinx Artix 7 FPGA runs a 49,152-tap WTA filter and 10-element Pulse Array DAC, supporting PCM playback up to 768kHz and native DSD512 through its high-resolution digital inputs.
Digital Inputs and Analogue Outputs
Digital Inputs
- Micro USB up to 768kHz
- 3.5mm coaxial up to 384kHz
- Dual-data coaxial up to 768kHz
- Optical up to 96kHz
- Bluetooth aptX
Analogue Outputs
- 3.5mm headphone output
- 6.35mm headphone output
- Stereo RCA analogue output
- Fixed 3V line-level mode
Digital volume control operates in 1dB steps, while the fixed 3V line-level mode allows Hugo 2 to operate as a standalone DAC into a conventional integrated amplifier or preamplifier.
Headphone Amplifier, Filters and Crossfeed
Hugo 2's Class A output stage is designed to accommodate a broad range of headphones, with Chord Electronics quoting compatibility with models up to 800 ohms.
- 94mW into 300 ohms
- 740mW into 32 ohms
- 1,050mW into 8 ohms
Four selectable digital filters provide subtle frequency-response shaping, while the crossfeed system offers Off, Light, Medium and Heavy settings to alter the presentation when listening through headphones.
Battery Power and Home-System Use
Hugo 2 uses rechargeable internal lithium-ion batteries with an average playing time of around six hours, depending on use and connected headphones.
A full-function IR remote is supplied, making Hugo 2 practical as a desktop or conventional Hi-Fi DAC as well as a transportable headphone system.
Leather Case Included
This Audio T package includes a protective Hugo 2 leather case at no additional cost, helping protect the machined-aluminium casework from everyday knocks and marks when used away from home.
The exact case version and colour supplied may depend on current bundle availability.
Key Features
- Transportable DAC and headphone amplifier
- Digital preamplifier functionality
- Chord Electronics Hugo range
- Custom Xilinx Artix 7 FPGA
- 49,152-tap WTA filter
- 10-element Pulse Array DAC
- Class A output stage
- PCM up to 768kHz
- Native DSD64 to DSD512
- Micro USB digital input
- Coaxial digital input
- Dual-data coaxial mode
- Optical digital input
- Bluetooth aptX
- 3.5mm headphone output
- 6.35mm headphone output
- Stereo RCA analogue output
- Four digital filters
- Three crossfeed levels plus Off
- 3V fixed line-level mode
- Approximately six-hour average battery life
- IR remote control included
- Roon Tested
- Precision-machined aluminium chassis
- Leather case included with this Audio T package
- Made in the United Kingdom
- Three-year manufacturer warranty
Frequently Asked Questions
What is included with this Hugo 2 package?
This Audio T package includes Chord Electronics Hugo 2 together with a protective leather case.
Can Hugo 2 be used as a standalone DAC?
Yes. Its stereo RCA outputs and fixed 3V line-level mode allow it to connect directly to a suitable integrated amplifier or preamplifier.
Can Hugo 2 control a power amplifier directly?
Hugo 2 provides variable digital volume control and RCA analogue outputs, so it can perform digital preamplifier duties in a suitably matched system.
What is the maximum digital resolution?
Hugo 2 supports PCM up to 768kHz and native DSD up to DSD512 through compatible inputs.
What resolution does the optical input support?
Chord Electronics currently specifies up to 96kHz / 24-bit for the optical input.
Does Hugo 2 support Bluetooth?
Yes. Bluetooth with aptX is built in for convenient wireless playback.
How long does the battery last?
Chord Electronics currently quotes an average playing time of around six hours, depending on use and the connected headphones.
Does Hugo 2 have balanced headphone output?
No. Hugo 2 provides 3.5mm and 6.35mm single-ended headphone outputs.
Can Hugo 2 stream music over Wi-Fi?
Not by itself. Adding Chord Electronics 2go provides network-streaming functionality.
Is Hugo 2 Roon Ready?
No. Hugo 2 itself is Roon Tested. When network streaming is required, 2go can be added to the system.
What warranty does Hugo 2 have?
Hugo 2 carries a three-year manufacturer warranty. The internal non-user-serviceable batteries are covered for 18 months from the original purchase date.
Related Chord Electronics Products and Audio T Guides
Why Buy From Audio T?
- Hugo 2 demonstrations
- Headphone matching advice
- DAC and system setup guidance
- 2go and network-streaming advice
- Hugo M Scaler system demonstrations
- 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 Hugo 2 or discuss using it with your headphones or Hi-Fi system.