Chord Electronics Hugo 2 Headphone Amplifier

Best DAC over £1200 - What Hifi 2017 / 2018 / 2019

Chord Electronics Hugo 2 Headphone Amplifier

Key features

Chord Electronics custom coded Xilinx Artix 7 (XC7A15T) FPGA
Class A Output stage
Optical, Coaxial and HD USB
Bluetooth APT-X
7 hour + battery life
Native playback supported DSD64 (Single) to DSD512 (Octa-DSD)

Chord have seen outstanding success with their compact and portable DAC/headphone amplifier the 'Hugo', and their range of audiophile micro components the 'Chordette' series are often regarded higher than similarly priced and even more expensive models on the market today; despite their compact sound. 

Chord's original Hugo set the benchmark not only for high-resolution portable audio but also for stand-alone DAC technology as a whole, a reputation they have been able to uphold with this single product without fail for a number of years. Taking 2017 by storm, Chord have launched a newly revised and improved successor to what was already a superlative product, appropriately dubbed the Hugo 2. 

As digital technology has advanced, Chord has kept up to speed. The new Hugo is designed and engineered primarily around this next-generation digital tech, including state of the art FPGAs and WTA (Watts Transient Aligned) filters, while also seeing the integration of a variety of flexible new features and functions. The Hugo 2 remains an ideal solution for the digital audio enthusiast both on the move and at home. 

Hugo 2 has four digital inputs in total, catering for optical, coaxial and HD USB sources as well as extended-range aptX lossless Bluetooth for wirelessly streaming directly to the Hugo 2. Capable of high-resolution playback up to 768kHz and up to DSD512 (Octa DSD) from its HD USB input, the Hugo 2 is also ideal for those listeners who appreciate music via desktop from a PC. Outputs of the Hugo 2 include 2 x RCA, 3.5mm and 6.35mm headphone outputs. 

The Hugo 2 allows for sound filtration too, via a four-function switch that effectively allows you to shape the frequency being played. This means that you are able to cater the sound to your personal requirements and preferences, whether you prefer a warmer sound or a more clinical, transparent listening experience. The Hugo 2's colour-coded buttons represent information regarding the device's status including control power, input, filtering and the unit's crossfeed options. 

The Hugo will play uninterrupted for around seven hours from a full charge and features two auto-charge modes via Micro USB. An indicator shows you the charging and battery-charge status of your Hugo 2. 

Who is Chord Electronics?

Chord Electronics (not to be confused with Chord Company cables) are a quality manufacturer of hifi components based in Kent, UK. Chord has seen renowned success, especially in the digital market, for their build quality, sound quality and aesthetic design. Chord Electronics hifi products incorporate a signature look and all feature the same design philosophy of reproducing the best and most accurate level of sound quality possible for the price.