Chord Electronics Hugo 2 Transportable DAC - RockOnAV

Chord Electronics

Chord Electronics Hugo 2 Transportable DAC

High-Resolution DAC & Headphone Amplifier

$2,595

Color: Black

Quantity:

Description

The Chord Electronics Hugo 2 is a high-performance transportable DAC and headphone amplifier designed for both home and mobile listening. Built around Chord's proprietary FPGA-based DAC technology, Hugo 2 combines reference-level digital conversion, powerful headphone amplification, flexible digital connectivity, and user-adjustable sound controls in a compact precision-machined aluminum chassis.

With support for PCM up to 768 kHz and native DSD512, Hugo 2 can serve as a premium headphone DAC/amp or integrate directly into a full-size audio system using its stereo RCA and line-level outputs.

Chord FPGA DAC Technology

At the heart of Hugo 2 is Chord's custom-coded Xilinx Artix 7 FPGA, implementing a 49,152-tap WTA digital filter and 10-element Pulse Array design.

Rather than relying on a conventional off-the-shelf DAC chipset, Chord's proprietary digital architecture handles digital filtering and conversion using algorithms developed specifically for its DAC platform.

Hugo 2 also provides four selectable digital filters, allowing listeners to choose between neutral, high-frequency roll-off, warm, and warmer presentations to better suit different recordings and listening preferences.

Powerful Headphone & Home Audio Performance

Hugo 2 is designed to drive a wide range of headphones, including models with impedances up to 800Ω. It delivers up to 740 mW into 32Ω and includes both 3.5 mm and 6.35 mm headphone outputs.

For headphone listening, Chord's digital crossfeed system provides three selectable levels—Light, Medium, and Heavy—designed to create a more speaker-like presentation when listening through headphones.

Hugo 2 can also function as a high-performance DAC within a home audio system. Stereo RCA outputs and a dedicated 3 V line-level mode allow straightforward connection to compatible amplifiers and other audio components.

Flexible Digital Connectivity

Hugo 2 provides USB, coaxial, optical, and aptX Bluetooth digital connectivity, making it suitable for computers, smartphones, tablets, digital transports, and other compatible sources.

Its HD USB input supports PCM playback up to 768 kHz and native DSD512, while dual-data coaxial operation also supports PCM rates up to 768 kHz.

For network streaming, Hugo 2 can be paired directly with the optional Chord Electronics 2go, transforming the combination into a high-resolution network streaming system.

Key Features

Transportable FPGA DAC & headphone amplifier
49,152-tap WTA digital filter
PCM playback up to 768 kHz / 32-bit
Native DSD support up to DSD512
Four selectable digital filters
Three-stage headphone crossfeed
3.5 mm and 6.35 mm headphone outputs
Bluetooth with aptX
Compatible with 2go and Hugo M Scaler

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Chord Electronics Hugo 2?

Hugo 2 is a transportable high-resolution DAC and headphone amplifier designed for both headphone listening and integration into home audio systems.

What audio resolutions does Hugo 2 support?

Hugo 2 supports PCM playback up to 768 kHz / 32-bit and native DSD playback from DSD64 through DSD512 through compatible inputs.

What headphones can Hugo 2 drive?

Hugo 2 supports headphones with impedances up to 800Ω and delivers up to 740 mW into 32Ω. It provides both 3.5 mm and 6.35 mm headphone outputs.

Can Hugo 2 be used as a DAC in a home stereo system?

Yes. Hugo 2 includes stereo RCA analog outputs and a dedicated 3 V line-level mode, allowing it to operate as a standalone DAC within a compatible home audio system.

Does Hugo 2 have Bluetooth?

Yes. Hugo 2 includes aptX Bluetooth for convenient wireless playback from compatible devices.

What do the Hugo 2 filters and crossfeed settings do?

Hugo 2 provides four digital filter settings for adjusting the tonal presentation. Its crossfeed system provides three levels that alter the headphone presentation to create a more speaker-like listening experience.

Can Hugo 2 stream music over Wi-Fi?

Hugo 2 does not have built-in Wi-Fi streaming. Pairing it with the optional Chord Electronics 2go adds network streaming, Roon Ready functionality, AirPlay, wireless connectivity, and MicroSD music playback.

Specifications

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
DAC Architecture	Chord Electronics Custom-Coded Xilinx Artix 7 XC7A15T FPGA
Tap Length	49,152 Taps
Pulse Array	10-Element Pulse Array Design
Output Stage	Class A
PCM Support	44.1 / 48 / 88.2 / 96 / 176.4 / 192 / 352.8 / 384 / 705.6 / 768 kHz 16–32 Bit
DSD Support	Native DSD64 through DSD512
Digital Inputs	Micro-USB — 44.1–768 kHz, 16–32 Bit Coaxial via 3.5 mm — 44.1–384 kHz, 16–32 Bit Dual-Data Coaxial — 44.1–768 kHz, 16–32 Bit Optical — 44.1–96 kHz, 16–24 Bit Bluetooth aptX — 44.1–48 kHz, 16 Bit
Analog Outputs	1 × 3.5 mm Headphone Output 1 × 6.35 mm Headphone Output 1 × Stereo RCA Output Pair
Output Power	1,050 mW into 8Ω 740 mW into 32Ω 94 mW into 300Ω
Output Impedance	0.025Ω
Frequency Response	20 Hz–20 kHz ±0.2 dB
THD	<0.0001% at 1 kHz / 3 V RMS / 300Ω
Signal-to-Noise Ratio	126 dB A-Weighted
Channel Separation	135 dB at 1 kHz / 300Ω
Volume Control	Digital, 1 dB Increments
Line-Level Output	3 V
Digital Filters	4 Selectable Modes
Crossfeed	Off / Light / Medium / Heavy
Battery	2 × Custom Rechargeable 3.7 V 9.6 Wh Li-Ion Batteries
Battery Capacity	2,600 mAh
Average Playback Time	Approximately 6 Hours
Power Saving	Automatic Shutdown after 10 Minutes of Input Inactivity
Dimensions	21 × 100 × 130 mm (H × W × D)
Weight	365 g
WHAT'S INCLUDED
Included Accessories	Hugo 2 User Manual Safety Instructions Drawstring Bag 5 V / 2 A Switching Micro-USB Power Supply IR Remote Control Micro-USB to USB Type-A Cable Micro-to-Micro USB OTG Cable Optical Cable Optical-to-3.5 mm Optical Cable 2 × AAA Batteries

Chord Electronics Reviews

Chord Electronics Chord Electronics Hugo 2 Transportable DAC