Chord Electronics - Hugo 2 - The Official Thread

[musicday]

Greetings to all. I am new to head-fi and have specifically joined to be able to post on this thread. I first found it in January when I was looking for something, anything on the Hugo2. It says a lot about the passion of this community that there has been 250+ pages on a product that a few had seen or touched. I pre-ordered mine in early March with the promise of a trade in for my existing Hugo which I loved. So in all, 5 months of high anticipation and high expectations. In my experience, high anticipation plus high expectations equals disappointment! So when finally got the Hugo2 home last night the excitement was palpable tempered by the fact that it couldnt possibly be as good as I was hoping.
I was wrong!
1st notes of the 1st song and wow! It is significantly better than the Hugo for all of the reasons already posted. I am using a Stax SR 570/SRDX setup and also have a pair of PM1s that I will try today. The music is on a Mac mini , 17000 tracks in all, mostly Apple lossless and some hi def. I will keep you posted but thanks for your passion and thanks for letting me join.

Good afternoon Bob and welcome to the club. Congratulations for your Hugo 2.
Post more impression when you have time and photos.
Musicday

 

[apmusson]

Greetings to all. I am new to head-fi and have specifically joined to be able to post on this thread. I first found it in January when I was looking for something, anything on the Hugo2. It says a lot about the passion of this community that there has been 250+ pages on a product that a few had seen or touched. I pre-ordered mine in early March with the promise of a trade in for my existing Hugo which I loved. So in all, 5 months of high anticipation and high expectations. In my experience, high anticipation plus high expectations equals disappointment! So when finally got the Hugo2 home last night the excitement was palpable tempered by the fact that it couldnt possibly be as good as I was hoping.
I was wrong!
1st notes of the 1st song and wow! It is significantly better than the Hugo for all of the reasons already posted. I am using a Stax SR 570/SRDX setup and also have a pair of PM1s that I will try today. The music is on a Mac mini , 17000 tracks in all, mostly Apple lossless and some hi def. I will keep you posted but thanks for your passion and thanks for letting me join.

Well posted. Welcome to Headfi.

 

[Whazzzup]

who does trade ins?

 

[x RELIC x]

Can anyone who has received their hugo 2 comment on how close they feel the performance is to the Dave?

Early indications are that it is a decent somtep up from the hugo 1/mojo but how close does it get to the dave?

I'll be able to make that comparison and report back when the Hugo2 review units arrive. Stay tuned.

 

[miketlse]

But I still fear to start it up. Am I really certificed and allowed to have such a great experience.

If you are that afraid of switching your Hugo2 on, then I suggest that you put it gently back in its box, and return it to your dealer.
There must be thousands of readers of this thread, who would give their right arm, to own a Hugo 2.
By placing your order, you have denied someone else the chance to love a Hugo 2.
Also put a note on your fridge, stating that you should never be allowed to buy any new hifi Equipment in future.

 

[miketlse]

Did you order the black or silver version? I ask because I ordered black version back in Feb and still haven't got it. Dealer says later this week or next.

When I checked the website for my dealer last night, it stated that the delay for silver was 3 to 5 days, but the delay for black was 16 to 30 days.
Maybe both our dealers placed their first orders for silver units, and their second later orders for black units.

 

[miketlse]

who does trade ins?

Audio Sanctuary were offering a trade in several weeks ago - Your Hugo was worth £300 (I think) off the price of a Hugo 2.

 

[jmills8]

Audio Sanctuary were offering a trade in several weeks ago - Your Hugo was worth £300 (I think) off the price of a Hugo 2.

300 , what, its worth 800 minimum.

 

[Doody]

It's worth what the market will bear. That said, sold units on fleaBay are running just under $1K/£775. I can't imagine that won't drop a bit once H2 is generally available. YMMV.

 

[dmance]

My dealer says the bulk of the Hugo2 delays are due to the machined aluminum cases. Components and boards are mostly delivered. Each case, machined - one at a time - followed by a finish/anodize process. Followed by assembly and test. He says July now (for Canada).
Hmmm, at this stage, I'd take my unit loosely fastened to a plywood base.

 

[halloweenman]

Dealer just contacted me - Hugo 2 arriving tomorrow! Very excited after such a long wait. Will post initial impressions, I've previously owned Hugo TT and had two auditions of Chord Dave at home. I sold my Hugo TT to maximise return, before Hugo 2 was available, to help fund new speakers (ATC SCM19A active speakers) and new Hugo 2. I've missed my beloved Hugo TT, hopefully Hugo 2 will be my new love.

 

[Peter Hyatt]

if my understanding is correct, mid June shipping to the US is the target.

There does not appear to be batteries held up in customs but just manufacturing, round by round. The distribution begins after that so customers with orders may expect roughly June 19-23 for first orders to be delivered, sans any unforeseen delays.

Pricing

Prices are set by Chord and were announced through the distributor in the US in April. Dealers worldwide are expected to remain at or near this pricing, with each country's import fees and currency fluctuations causing differences.

Most dealers are at 2195US with a few at 2295US, but the expectation from the company is uniformity. Maligning the company on fluctuations in price is inaccurate at best as Chord may respond through a distributor at any local dealer who either engages in price gouging or any form of false advertising.

I'm hopeful that this works out as such. I am enjoying reading the impressions of those who received the initial shipment to the UK. It is very exciting and I look forward to impressions over time, as deeper listening and adjustments take place. I again ask that, time permitting, if those fortunate few can post impressions of various types of music, particularly piano and choral, I will be grateful.

Special thanks for the posting of the large, well defined photos. Even the boxing increases anticipation.

 

[Peter Hyatt]

Dealer just contacted me - Hugo 2 arriving tomorrow! Very excited after such a long wait. Will post initial impressions, I've previously owned Hugo TT and had two auditions of Chord Dave at home. I sold my Hugo TT to maximise return, before Hugo 2 was available, to help fund new speakers (ATC SCM19A active speakers) and new Hugo 2. I've missed my beloved Hugo TT, hopefully Hugo 2 will be my new love.

How very exciting for you! You've got some speakers for it, too! I look forward to reading your impressions especially given the reference point of Hugo TT.

 

[514077]

My dealer says the bulk of the Hugo2 delays are due to the machined aluminum cases. Components and boards are mostly delivered. Each case, machined - one at a time - followed by a finish/anodize process. Followed by assembly and test. He says July now (for Canada).
Hmmm, at this stage, I'd take my unit loosely fastened to a plywood base.

I'm so tired of being a citizen of the 'relaxed' and 'nice' Canada. We always seem to be an afterthought. I thought Bluebird was in Canada; and we're getting ours deep into July? Hell, I'll take yours, @toears if you don't want to try it.

 

[soundify]

Got a call from my dealer here in Singapore and I was informed that it will only arrive by end June. Bummer.