Chord Electronics

Chord Electronics Hugo M Scaler

1M-Tap High-Resolution Digital Upscaler

$5,590

Color: Black

Quantity:

Description

The Chord Electronics Hugo M Scaler is a high-performance standalone digital upscaler designed to enhance digital audio before it reaches your DAC. Using Chord's advanced WTA (Watts Transient Alignment) filtering technology, Hugo M Scaler dramatically increases the digital signal's reconstruction accuracy, with a particular focus on preserving the timing of musical transients.

At its core is a custom-coded FPGA running an extraordinary 1,015,808-tap WTA filter. Standard 44.1 kHz digital audio can be upscaled to 705.6 kHz, while compatible 96 kHz source material can reach 768 kHz when connected to a compatible dual-BNC Chord DAC.

Advanced 1M-Tap Upscaling

Unlike a DAC, Hugo M Scaler does not convert digital audio into an analog signal. Instead, it performs sophisticated digital processing before the signal reaches the DAC, giving the DAC significantly more information to work with during reconstruction.

For maximum performance, Hugo M Scaler can connect via dual BNC to compatible Chord Electronics DACs, including DAVE, Hugo TT 2, Qutest, and Hugo 2, enabling upscaling to as high as 705.6 or 768 kHz.

It can also be used with other compatible DACs through BNC S/PDIF or optical connections, with the maximum output resolution determined by the connection and receiving DAC.

Flexible Digital Connectivity

Hugo M Scaler provides five digital inputs, including galvanically isolated USB Type-B, two BNC coaxial inputs, and two optical inputs.

Digital outputs include galvanically isolated dual BNC for maximum-resolution operation with compatible Chord DACs, plus single BNC S/PDIF and optical outputs for broader system compatibility.

Selectable output sample rates and a pass-through mode provide additional system flexibility, while a dedicated Video Mode reduces processing latency to help maintain synchronization between picture and sound.

Key Features

1,015,808-tap WTA digital filter
Upscaling up to 768 kHz
Custom-coded Xilinx FPGA processing
Dual-BNC output for compatible Chord DACs
Galvanically isolated USB input
BNC coaxial and optical digital connectivity
Adjustable sample-rate output with pass-through
Low-latency video mode
Roon Tested

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Chord Hugo M Scaler do?

Hugo M Scaler is a digital upscaler that processes digital audio before it reaches your DAC. Its 1,015,808-tap WTA filter performs sophisticated digital reconstruction with an emphasis on improving timing accuracy.

Is Hugo M Scaler a DAC?

No. Hugo M Scaler does not perform digital-to-analog conversion. It processes and upscales the digital signal before sending it to a compatible DAC.

Which Chord DACs work with Hugo M Scaler?

Hugo M Scaler is designed to achieve its maximum upscaling capability with compatible dual-BNC Chord DACs including DAVE, Hugo TT 2, Qutest, and Hugo 2.

Can Hugo M Scaler work with non-Chord DACs?

Yes. Hugo M Scaler can be used with other DACs that provide compatible digital inputs. The maximum output sample rate will depend on the connection and the receiving DAC's capabilities.

What is the maximum upscaling resolution?

Hugo M Scaler can upscale standard 44.1 kHz audio to 705.6 kHz and deliver up to 768 kHz from compatible 96 kHz source material when used with a suitable dual-BNC Chord DAC.

What is the 1,015,808-tap WTA filter?

WTA stands for Watts Transient Alignment. It is Chord's proprietary digital filtering technology, and Hugo M Scaler uses 1,015,808 filter taps to perform highly sophisticated digital reconstruction with particular emphasis on transient timing.

What is Video Mode?

Video Mode reduces processing latency when Hugo M Scaler is used with video sources, helping keep the audio synchronized with the picture.

Specifications

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
FPGA	Xilinx XC7A200T
Filter	WTA (Watts Transient Alignment)
Filter Tap Length	1,015,808 Taps
PCM Support	44.1 kHz / 48 kHz / 88.2 kHz / 96 kHz / 176.4 kHz / 192 kHz / 352.8 kHz / 384 kHz / 705.6 kHz / 768 kHz 16–32 Bit
Digital Inputs	1 × Galvanically Isolated USB Type-B 2 × BNC Coaxial 2 × Optical
Digital Outputs	1 × Galvanically Isolated Dual BNC — Up to 768 kHz 1 × BNC S/PDIF 1 × Optical
Driver Support	macOS — Driverless Linux — Driverless Windows — Chord Driver Required
Additional Modes	Adjustable Output Sample Rate Pass-Through Mode Video Mode for Reduced Latency Automatic Video and Source Selection
Power Consumption	Full Power — 30 W Standby — 10 W
Dimensions	40 × 235 × 238 mm (H × W × D)
Weight	2.55 kg
WHAT'S INCLUDED
Included Accessories	Hugo M Scaler Quickstart Guide Safety Instructions 15 V / 4 A Switching Power Supply IR Remote Control USB Type-A to Type-B Cable 2 × BNC-to-BNC Cables Optical Cable 2 × AAA Batteries

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