The Chord Electronics Hugo TT2 takes the same FPGA architecture as the portable Hugo 2 and doubles everything that matters. Double the tap length (98,304 versus 49,152), double the DSP cores (86 versus 49), and a super capacitor power supply that can dump 5 amps of peak current into the output stage. It is a desktop DAC, preamplifier, and headphone amplifier built to be the center of a serious system, with XLR balanced outputs, three headphone jacks, and enough power to drive anything you connect to it. Key Features of the Chord Electronics Hugo TT2 Custom-coded Xilinx Artix 7 FPGA with 98,304-tap WTA filter and 10-element Pulse Array DAC, running 86 x 208MHz DSP cores in parallel Six digital inputs: USB Type B (PCM to 768kHz/32-bit, DSD512), 2x BNC coaxial (to 384kHz, 768kHz in dual-data mode), 2x optical (to 96kHz), and Bluetooth Balanced and single-ended outputs: stereo XLR, stereo RCA, plus 2x DX BNC expansion outputs for the M Scaler daisy chain Three headphone outputs: 2x 6.35mm and 1x 3.5mm, delivering serious current from the discrete output stage Super capacitor power supply with six super capacitors delivering 5A peak current and 9.3V RMS for instantaneous dynamic headroom Full preamplifier functionality with digital volume control, dot matrix display, and IR remote Dual-data BNC mode for connection to the Hugo M Scaler, unlocking million-tap upscaling Available in Black and Silver with precision-machined aluminum chassis, steel ball bearing buttons, and glass FPGA viewing portal 98,304 Taps: What Hugo TT2 Does Differently Rob Watts' WTA (Watts Transient Aligned) filter in the Hugo TT2 runs twice the tap length of the Hugo 2 and Qutest. More taps means the filter can reconstruct the analog waveform between digital samples with greater accuracy, particularly the timing of transient edges. The difference is audible on percussive instruments and anything with sharp leading edges: snare hits, plucked strings, consonants in vocals. The TT2's 10-element Pulse Array DAC distributes the conversion across multiple elements to reduce noise floor distortion, and the 86 DSP cores running at 208MHz handle the processing load that makes this tap length possible. Super Capacitor Power Supply The Hugo TT2 uses six super capacitors instead of conventional capacitors in its output stage power supply. Super capacitors store and release energy much faster than electrolytics, delivering peak currents of 5A at 9.3V RMS. In practical terms, this means the Hugo TT2 never compresses dynamics during loud, complex passages. The output stage has the instantaneous current available to track the music without running out of headroom. Chord feeds the super capacitors from a 15V switching power supply, keeping the chassis cool and the noise floor low. Chord Electronics Hugo TT2 Connectivity Six digital inputs cover every source scenario. USB Type B handles hi-res files up to 768kHz PCM and native DSD512 from a computer, server, or streamer. The dual BNC coaxial inputs accept up to 384kHz individually, or combine in dual-data mode for 768kHz when paired with the Hugo M Scaler. Two optical inputs handle up to 96kHz each for TV, CD player, or legacy sources. Bluetooth provides wireless convenience. On the output side, stereo XLR balanced and stereo RCA single-ended feed any power amplifier or active speaker system. Two DX BNC expansion outputs allow the Hugo TT2 to pass its processed signal downstream in more complex Chord configurations. Headphone Amplifier Three headphone jacks (two 6.35mm and one 3.5mm) deliver the Hugo TT2's high-current output stage to headphones of any impedance. The discrete output stage runs from the super capacitor supply, giving it the current delivery to control planar magnetic drivers and the low noise floor to pair with sensitive IEMs. The Hugo TT2 drives full-size headphones that portable units struggle with, making it a genuine desktop headphone reference. Preamplifier Mode The Hugo TT2 functions as a standalone preamplifier with its digital volume control, feeding balanced XLR or single-ended RCA directly to a power amplifier. The dot matrix display shows volume level and input selection, and the included IR remote handles everything from the listening position. For desktop systems, the Hugo TT2 replaces a separate DAC and preamp in a single chassis. Hugo M Scaler Upgrade Path The Hugo TT2's dual BNC inputs were designed specifically for the Hugo M Scaler. The M Scaler upscales incoming audio using a million-tap WTA filter, then passes both channels to the TT2 in dual-data mode at 768kHz. This combination multiplies the effective tap length to over 1,000,000, approaching the spatial resolution and transient accuracy of Chord's flagship DAVE. For anyone building toward a reference-level digital front end, TT2 plus M Scaler is the most cost-effective path to near-DAVE performance. Where Hugo TT2 Fits in the Chord Lineup The Hugo TT2 sits between the portable Hugo 2 and the flagship DAVE in Chord's DAC range. It takes the Hugo 2's FPGA platform and scales it for desktop use with doubled tap length, balanced outputs, a super capacitor power supply, and more headphone drive. The Qutest offers the same 49,152-tap processing as the Hugo 2 in a pure DAC format at a lower price point, while the DAVE uses a 164,000-tap filter with even greater processing depth. The Listening Room Difference We're a third-generation family business with a brick-and-mortar showroom in Chestertown, Maryland, and a reputation built on exceptional service and relentless passion for hifi. At this level, every detail matters, and we're here to make sure you get it right. Whether you need help with system matching, setup guidance, or just want to talk through your options before pulling the trigger, owner Mike Hoaston is a phone call away. We don't just ship boxes. We help build systems, and our support lasts well beyond the sale. Call or text 410-239-2020. Chord Electronics Hugo TT2 Specifications Specification Detail DAC Technology Custom-coded Xilinx Artix 7 FPGA, 10-element Pulse Array, 98,304-tap WTA filter, 86 x 208MHz DSP cores Digital Inputs USB Type B (to 768kHz/32-bit, DSD512), 2x BNC Coaxial (to 384kHz, 768kHz dual-data), 2x Optical (to 96kHz), Bluetooth Analog Outputs Stereo XLR balanced, Stereo RCA single-ended, 2x DX BNC expansion Headphone Outputs 2x 6.35mm, 1x 3.5mm Headphone Power 288mW @ 300 ohms (single-ended), 7.3W @ 8 ohms (single-ended), 1.15W @ 300 ohms (balanced), 18W @ 8 ohms (balanced) Output Impedance 0.042 ohms Output Stage High-power discrete, super capacitor supply (5A peak, 9.3V RMS) THD 0.00008% (2.5V, 300 ohms) Dynamic Range 127dB (A-weighted) Channel Separation -138dB @ 9V RMS, 300 ohms Noise Floor 4 µV A-weighted (high gain), 1.7 µV A-weighted (low gain) Frequency Response 20Hz - 20kHz (+/- 0.2dB) Volume Control Digital, with dot matrix display Remote Control IR remote included Power Supply 15V/4A switching power supply (included) Dimensions 235mm (W) x 52mm (H) x 238mm (D) Weight 2.53 kg (5.6 lbs) Finishes Black, Silver Warranty 3 years
