Chord Electronics - Hugo 2 - The Official Thread

[audi0nick128]

Greetings from Brasil Mr. Watts!

Rob, whats your opinion about some products like Iso Regen Usb and Intona Usb, that reclaim to REGENERATE de USB sign before entering the DAC? I have a mojo, 2qute and will buy a Hugo 2 as I can.
Should I hear any improvements in sound?

thank you for your expertise

lucena

The answer to your question is ONE page back

Oops it's two pages now...

 

[toears]

Having now listened to the Hugo2 for a couple of days (not continuously, unfortunately; work gets in the way) I can say that the Hugo2 is definitely a leap forward from the Hugo. Music just sounds more musical if that makes any sense. And the extra 'space' that most reviewers mention is definitely a factor. However, it reacts almost the opposite to different sources than the Hugo. For example, the PM1s definitely sounded better than the Stax setup when using the Hugo to the point where I more or less mothballed the Stax and exclusively used the PM1s. On the Hugo2 it is completely the opposite. Both sound better than the Hugo, but the Stax definitely win on clarity and musicality over the PM1s. Base sounds more natural too with the Stax but was almost non-existent on the Hugo. £1100 well spent on the PM1s then. Equally on the MAC I used Channel D PureMusic so that I could play HiDef tracks via iTunes. With the Hugo, ALL tracks sounded better though PureMusic regardless of the resolution. With the Hugo2, native iTunes is noticeably better. If anyone can give me an explanation for this, I would love to know, very happy anyway. I listened to the original version of Suppers Ready by Genesis (Apple lossless), a track that I know backwards, forwards and sideways and it was like I was listening to it for the first time! Enough said! More impressions to come.

I can just chime in here. Sound is clear and get in to brains right where it should... If you read my picture. It also reveal bad recordings !

 

[Dvdlucena]

The answer to your question is ONE page back

Oops it's two pages now...

SORRY ABOUT MY ADHD

 

[musicday]

Just have finished painting my kitchen, but how would I have done it in style if not listening to music. And if your trousers have big enough pockets Hugo 2 fits in and let you enjoy your music while you doing your work. Again can't be compared with other DACs unless is Dave .
Portable, transportable and battery operated this Chord Electronics Hugo 2 has no rival at any price point in the DAC world.
Well recorded music sound great, effortless with plenty of micro details and lots of power through Hugo 2.
Also as stated above, it can reveal bad recordings, but with any music genres that's recorded well you are rewarded with pure sonic bliss.
For those who can't afford one or looking to purchase later, just come to CanJam London next month to hear it.
Hugo 2 is the real deal in the hungry world of an audiophile. Like OnePlus phone maker is saying :
Never settle and Rob Watts didn't. Another winner product.

 

[tonyl59]

I totally agree with everything musicday says. This is one stunning bit of kit. I've been off work today. Wife's away. Got the car serviced, walked the dogs then settled in for some serious listening. Eventually I wanted to move to the living room so brought the iPad into play. When I connected the adaptor shown (forget what Apple call it) the iiPad did an update of the adapter's software. I don't want to tempt fate but it's been working perfectly now for a couple of hours (no sudden cutting output, introduced with iOS 10.3, I believe). Mesmerising....

 

[EagleWings]

Just have finished painting my kitchen, but how would I have done it in style if not listening to music. And if your trousers have big enough pockets Hugo 2 fits in and let you enjoy your music while you doing your work. Again can't be compared with other DACs unless is Dave .
Portable, transportable and battery operated this Chord Electronics Hugo 2 has no rival at any price point in the DAC world.
Well recorded music sound great, effortless with plenty of micro details and lots of power through Hugo 2.
Also as stated above, it can reveal bad recordings, but with any music genres that's recorded well you are rewarded with pure sonic bliss.
For those who can't afford one or looking to purchase later, just come to CanJam London next month to hear it.
Hugo 2 is the real deal in the hungry world of an audiophile. Like OnePlus phone maker is saying : never settle and Rob didn't. Another winner with this product.

Are you able to tell, if it is less or more forgiving than the LPG in the White filter?

 

[musicday]

Are you able to tell, if it is less or more forgiving than the LPG in the White filter?

Is less forgiving with the white filter then LPG with bad recordings, but if your music is well recorded, then....well completely different.

 

[halloweenman]

After over three months of waiting my new Chord Hugo 2 arrived today. On unboxing the packaging feels like it hides a premium and special product, very well designed. When do you ever get Duracell Ultra batteries included with a remote?! Even the instructions are soft touch material. Very well thought out and quality first. It's the little touches count.

I get to the Hugo 2 itself. For some reason, it looks smaller than I was expecting, that's a good thing as it's meant to be portable yet suitable for desktop home use. Again, very well designed and oozes quality from its black anodized CNC machined aluminum case, a big improvement on original Hugo. Symmetry is beauty. There are rattles that seem to come from the push buttons but I guess this is normal and nothing to worry about.

I switch it on and see that the batteries are low so I plug the charger in. My Chord Shawline RCA to XLR fit okay, as does my Belkin 1m USB C to B micro cable. Set filter to 1 (Incisive Neutral). Right, all set.

After an initial listen, a few of my questions are answered. Do I regret selling my Hugo TT? No. Is this Dave in small form factor? No. Do I prefer this to Mojo and original Hugo? Yes.

It’s so easy to listen to, it’s like my brain doesn’t have to work as hard to hear the music, it’s very organic and natural sounding. Lovely deep three dimensional soundstage, instruments sound even more lifelike with better separation. Not a hint of any noise or distortion. The filter options are subtle, I prefer to keep it on 1.

It’s difficult to make comparisons with Dave and Hugo TT as I heard those with different speakers and prior to installing acoustic treatment in my room. Please take what I say with a pinch of salt. Hugo 2 is no Dave. I heard things with Dave that I’m just not hearing with Hugo 2. It doesn’t quite render the same gigantically deep and three dimensional, yet strange, soundstage that Dave seemed to muster up. Dave, from what I can remember, also tonally sounded warmer. Hugo 2 certainly gives a taste of Dave and will not leave you wanting.

 

[ahossam]

Does Hugo2 receive burn in benefits?

 

[EagleWings]

Is less forgiving with the white filter then LPG with bad recordings, but if your music is well recorded, then....well completely different.

Thanks buddy.

 

[Peter Hyatt]

After over three months of waiting my new Chord Hugo 2 arrived today. On unboxing the packaging feels like it hides a premium and special product, very well designed. When do you ever get Duracell Ultra batteries included with a remote?! Even the instructions are soft touch material. Very well thought out and quality first. It's the little touches count.

I get to the Hugo 2 itself. For some reason, it looks smaller than I was expecting, that's a good thing as it's meant to be portable yet suitable for desktop home use. Again, very well designed and oozes quality from its black anodized CNC machined aluminum case, a big improvement on original Hugo. Symmetry is beauty. There are rattles that seem to come from the push buttons but I guess this is normal and nothing to worry about.

I switch it on and see that the batteries are low so I plug the charger in. My Chord Shawline RCA to XLR fit okay, as does my Belkin 1m USB C to B micro cable. Set filter to 1 (Incisive Neutral). Right, all set.

After an initial listen, a few of my questions are answered. Do I regret selling my Hugo TT? No. Is this Dave in small form factor? No. Do I prefer this to Mojo and original Hugo? Yes.

It’s so easy to listen to, it’s like my brain doesn’t have to work as hard to hear the music, it’s very organic and natural sounding. Lovely deep three dimensional soundstage, instruments sound even more lifelike with better separation. Not a hint of any noise or distortion. The filter options are subtle, I prefer to keep it on 1.

It’s difficult to make comparisons with Dave and Hugo TT as I heard those with different speakers and prior to installing acoustic treatment in my room. Please take what I say with a pinch of salt. Hugo 2 is no Dave. I heard things with Dave that I’m just not hearing with Hugo 2. It doesn’t quite render the same gigantically deep and three dimensional, yet strange, soundstage that Dave seemed to muster up. Dave, from what I can remember, also tonally sounded warmer. Hugo 2 certainly gives a taste of Dave and will not leave you wanting.

Congratulations. It couldn't happen to a nicer person! Present company excluded? Nah!




Enjoy and thank you for posting. It will be interesting to see what others think that have or have heard DAVE.

 

[Peter Hyatt]

Just have finished painting my kitchen, but how would I have done it in style if not listening to music. And if your trousers have big enough pockets Hugo 2 fits in and let you enjoy your music while you doing your work. Again can't be compared with other DACs unless is Dave .
Portable, transportable and battery operated this Chord Electronics Hugo 2 has no rival at any price point in the DAC world.
Well recorded music sound great, effortless with plenty of micro details and lots of power through Hugo 2.
Also as stated above, it can reveal bad recordings, but with any music genres that's recorded well you are rewarded with pure sonic bliss.
For those who can't afford one or looking to purchase later, just come to CanJam London next month to hear it.
Hugo 2 is the real deal in the hungry world of an audiophile. Like OnePlus phone maker is saying :
Never settle and Rob Watts didn't. Another winner product.

Well written; thank you.

Those of us outside the UK have our anticipation increased even more with each new commentary!

 

[miketlse]

After over three months of waiting my new Chord Hugo 2 arrived today. On unboxing the packaging feels like it hides a premium and special product, very well designed. When do you ever get Duracell Ultra batteries included with a remote?! Even the instructions are soft touch material. Very well thought out and quality first. It's the little touches count.

I get to the Hugo 2 itself. For some reason, it looks smaller than I was expecting, that's a good thing as it's meant to be portable yet suitable for desktop home use. Again, very well designed and oozes quality from its black anodized CNC machined aluminum case, a big improvement on original Hugo. Symmetry is beauty. There are rattles that seem to come from the push buttons but I guess this is normal and nothing to worry about.

I switch it on and see that the batteries are low so I plug the charger in. My Chord Shawline RCA to XLR fit okay, as does my Belkin 1m USB C to B micro cable. Set filter to 1 (Incisive Neutral). Right, all set.

After an initial listen, a few of my questions are answered. Do I regret selling my Hugo TT? No. Is this Dave in small form factor? No. Do I prefer this to Mojo and original Hugo? Yes.

It’s so easy to listen to, it’s like my brain doesn’t have to work as hard to hear the music, it’s very organic and natural sounding. Lovely deep three dimensional soundstage, instruments sound even more lifelike with better separation. Not a hint of any noise or distortion. The filter options are subtle, I prefer to keep it on 1.

It’s difficult to make comparisons with Dave and Hugo TT as I heard those with different speakers and prior to installing acoustic treatment in my room. Please take what I say with a pinch of salt. Hugo 2 is no Dave. I heard things with Dave that I’m just not hearing with Hugo 2. It doesn’t quite render the same gigantically deep and three dimensional, yet strange, soundstage that Dave seemed to muster up. Dave, from what I can remember, also tonally sounded warmer. Hugo 2 certainly gives a taste of Dave and will not leave you wanting.

That is a good start.
Your impressions are nourishing me , whilst I wait for news from my dealer as to whether there is a delay with my order - shipping due tomorrow, but the webpage states 3 to 5 days delay.
Makes me start dreaming of what a Hugo 2 connected to a M Scaler would sound like.

 

[halloweenman]

Thanks Peter. Hopefully those still waiting will have them soon.

Listening again to the filters 1&2 seem to sound a tiny bit more realistic and sharp than 3&4 but it's so subtle. Not even sure I can even tell a difference between 1&2, must be my cloth ears! I don't think these filters are going to transform your sound system if it is overly bright or overly warm. All four seem to be relatively transparent.

Chord and Rob have really hit the spot.

 

[kubig123]

I totally agree with everything musicday says. This is one stunning bit of kit. I've been off work today. Wife's away. Got the car serviced, walked the dogs then settled in for some serious listening. Eventually I wanted to move to the living room so brought the iPad into play. When I connected the adaptor shown (forget what Apple call it) the iiPad did an update of the adapter's software. I don't want to tempt fate but it's been working perfectly now for a couple of hours (no sudden cutting output, introduced with iOS 10.3, I believe). Mesmerising....

Great setup!!!