Transform Your Headphone and Audio System's Sound Quality with the Hugo 2 from Chord Electronics Machined aluminum casing with polycarbonate buttons, acrylic signal window, and glass viewing portal Available in a choice of natural silver or satin black (x2) Rechargeable custom 3.7v 9.6Wh Li-ion batteries with 6 hour playtime PCM and DSD native playback support, DSD64 to DSD512 Bluetooth® APTX: 44.1kHz to 48kHz, 16bit Bloom's Take "Astonishing" is the best word we can use to describe the Hugo 2. Chord's cutting-edge proprietary DAC technology will leave you hopelessly addicted. The Hugo 2 a substantial upgrade over the original with improved materials, additional connectivity options, and more filter taps, and it provides a beautiful, clear, musical output while subtly enhancing the soundstage of whatever you plug into it. And to expand your listening capabilities, the Chord 2go can do that for you as an add-on for streaming flexibility. Easily a true reference DAC that can be added to any serious high-end speaker system, the Hugo 2 can also be slipped into your bag for the ultimate on-the-go DAC/amp experience wherever you're headed. An endgame transportable without a doubt, the Hugo 2 comes with our highest recommendation. Read our full review here. From Chord Electronics 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 Chord to introduce a next-generation version, Hugo 2, with flexible new features and 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 true flexibility for full-size and desktop systems. The Bells and Whistles The device offers 4 digital inputs (optical, coaxial and HD USB) plus extended-range Bluetooth, with high-resolution file playback up to 768kHz and up to DSD512 via USB input. Analog outputs include (x2) RCA, and both 3.5mm and 6.3mm headphone outputs. A 4-function switch filter offers user-selectable frequency-shaping, bringing warm and soft or transparent and incisive presentations for additional flexibility and user control. For headphone-listening, Hugo 2 retains the popular digital cross feed function of the original and offers 3 operation modes. Hugo 2 features 4 spherical control buttons which illuminate with color-coding information that controls power, input, filtering, and cross feed functions. Power Management The Hugo 2 uses (x2) rechargeable custom Enix Energies 3.7v 9.6Wh (2600mAh) Li-ion batteries with play time around 7 hours. Two modes of automatic charging are available using the dedicated Micro-USB charge port with an indicator showing battery-charge status. Full charge time is a nominal 4 hours via Micro-USB at 1.8A (fast charge), and a nominal 8 hours at 1A (slow charge.) Features PCM Support: 44.1kHz / 48kHz / 88.2kHz / 96kHz / 176.4kHz / 192kHz / 358.8kHz / 384kHz / 717.6kHz / 768kHz DSD Support: Native playback, DSD64 (Single) to DSD512 (Octa) Volume Control: Digital, 1dB increments | Last known state saved on shutdown (exception: line-level mode) Line-level Mode: Activated via dual-press of ‘Source’ and ‘Crossfeed’ buttons | Line level is 3v via all outputs | Reset by power cycle Power-saving Mode: Auto-shutdown after 10 minutes of input inactivity Driver Support: Driverless with Mac OS X and Linux, required for Windows
