The compact Chord Electronics Hugo 2 next-generation device combines a powerful headphone amplifier and a high-quality external DAC, and is the successor to the revolutionary Hugo model.
The amplifier's output stage operates in class A. The signal processing and conversion are handled by the latest programmable FPGA valve matrix manufactured by Xilinx. The model features WTA (Watts Transient Aligned) filters developed by in-house specialist Rob Watts. The device can be used not only as a portable device, but also as a full-fledged component of a stationary audio system. For this purpose, there is an RCA output on board, which can be switched to a fixed linear mode.
Chord Electronics Hugo 2 amplifier has received an aluminum casing with precision machining. The top panel integrates a glass window showing the printed circuit board and the sampling frequency indicator of the incoming audio signal. There is also a volume control "dimple" with a color signal level indicator and four spherical polycarbonate buttons with built-in multicolored LEDs. The buttons can be used to power on the device, select a source, activate one of the four filters, and work with the Crossfeed function (3 options to choose from), which mixes channels and changes the scale of the sound stage. The filters can provide warm and soft or transparent and clear sound. The Crossfeed function is convenient to use when listening with headphones, as it duplicates the effect of a large-scale sound in the connected stereo headphones (binaural sound). The device also features a Bluetooth module with aptX codec support.
Features:
- Aluminum casing, color LED indicators, 2 headphone jacks;
- Asynchronous Micro USB, PCM support (up to 32 bit/768 kHz) and DSD512;
- 7-hour battery life;
- Four digital filters, Bluetooth with aptX codec, binaural sound;
- Xilinx Artix 7 (XC7A15T) FPGA chip DAC (programmable FPGA valve matrix), WTA filter (uses over 49000 samples);
- Color indication of sampling frequency, Crossfeed modes, selected digital filter types, selected inputs, battery charge level and volume level;
- Amplifier output stage operates in class A;
- Amplifier output power for headphones: 94 mW (300 ohms, 1 kHz, 1% THD), 740 mW (33 ohms, 1 kHz, 1% THD), 1.05 W (8 ohms, 1 kHz, 1% THD);
- Switchable Crossfeed function with 3 levels;
- Four types of digital filters to choose from;
- Total harmonic distortion coefficient less than 0.0001% (1 kHz, 3 V, 300 ohms);
- Signal-to-noise ratio 126 dB;
- Channel separation 135 dB (1 kHz, 300 ohms);
- Frequency response 20 Hz - 20 kHz (+/- 0.2 dB);
- Output impedance 0.025 ohms;
- Fixed linear output mode output voltage 3 V, this mode can be disabled for all outputs, including headphone jacks;
- Inputs include optical (24 bit/192 kHz), 3.5mm coaxial (32 bit/768 kHz), asynchronous Micro USB (PCM: 32 bit/768 kHz; DSD: from DSD64 to DSD512), Micro USB (for battery charging);
- Outputs include 6.3 mm headphone jack, 3.5 mm headphone jack, line RCA (choice of fixed/adjustable);
- Built-in Bluetooth with aptX codec support;
- Battery: 2 x Enix Energies lithium-ion batteries (3.7 V, 2600 mAh), battery life: approximately 7 hours, charging time: 4 hours (mode 1, charging current at 1.8 A), 8 hours (mode 2, charging current at 1 A);
- External power supply adapter, 2 A;
- Dimensions (WxHxD) 100x21x130 mm;
- Weight 450 g;
Package Contents:
- DAC;
- Remote control;
- External power adapter;
- USB cable;
- USB OTG cable;
- Documentation.