my conclusions so far on platforms: for hugo/mojo/hugo 2/ desktop users. (from someone with no technical background)
1) intona offers great isolation but regardless of how effective it is the point still remains that it can shed an artificial veil over the true sound signature of a mojo/hugo. the audible benefits may not truly reflect the finely tuned sound signature of very fine electronic pieces such as hugo/mojo. it is however bit perfect and ultimately does offer great improvements and benefits. however i want the hugo/mojo to sound purely as Chord intended with nothing added or substracted in between.
2) optical again is great as it is truly isolated not worrying here about all the issues mentioned above. it is also a direct link from pc/player to hugo/mojo. the problem here is that as an spdif transmission protocol control of data timing by mojo/hugo is effectively compromised and mojo/hugo dac "clocks" (in very simple terms) no longer control the flow of information/data to and from pc or device used. unlike asynchrous usb. even though this outsourcing of data timing and the audible differences are very small, extracting data information from the embedded clock is unacceptable to me. i paid 1K plus for hugo and so i want hugo to be "in control". Im sure even Rob said that due to usb timing it very slightly outperforms spdif when implemented correctly.
3) my ipad mini retina 2 is a great platform but the screen is way too small for home use.
4) that leaves my macbook air 2014 with 512gb ssd. when run on battery alone Rob has kindly advised me that this offers total isolation. a direct usb connection from hugo to laptop ensures a direct signal as Chord intended with nothing in between to "pollute" it. pure 100% asynchrous usb. the macbook air with very fast 512 gb ssd hard drive would be a very solid platform. on enquiring i was told streaming lossless tidal over wifi is not a problem. i have a 150 Mbps service. ideally hugo would be unplugged as reports from the hugo thread indicate better performance. however it seems that when charging no effect on sound quality should be present as hugo takes it power from the internal battery. (there is an answer confirming this which i have been trying to find but still cannot if anyone can point me. max said third post but still no luck). the only drawback to this is the lack of a large 27 inch imac screen (i own an imac, macbook air and mini ipad retina 2 which i use for differing situations) and the inconvenience of having to worry about laptop battery and charging. if my conclusions are correct then this is a small price to pay. a nice laptop desk stand and im away with no worries. just to finally enjoy my music. the macbbook air would be dedicated to music only here.(constructive criticism much appreciated if im wrong on anything.)
1) intona offers great isolation but regardless of how effective it is the point still remains that it can shed an artificial veil over the true sound signature of a mojo/hugo. the audible benefits may not truly reflect the finely tuned sound signature of very fine electronic pieces such as hugo/mojo. it is however bit perfect and ultimately does offer great improvements and benefits. however i want the hugo/mojo to sound purely as Chord intended with nothing added or substracted in between.
2) optical again is great as it is truly isolated not worrying here about all the issues mentioned above. it is also a direct link from pc/player to hugo/mojo. the problem here is that as an spdif transmission protocol control of data timing by mojo/hugo is effectively compromised and mojo/hugo dac "clocks" (in very simple terms) no longer control the flow of information/data to and from pc or device used. unlike asynchrous usb. even though this outsourcing of data timing and the audible differences are very small, extracting data information from the embedded clock is unacceptable to me. i paid 1K plus for hugo and so i want hugo to be "in control". Im sure even Rob said that due to usb timing it very slightly outperforms spdif when implemented correctly.
3) my ipad mini retina 2 is a great platform but the screen is way too small for home use.
4) that leaves my macbook air 2014 with 512gb ssd. when run on battery alone Rob has kindly advised me that this offers total isolation. a direct usb connection from hugo to laptop ensures a direct signal as Chord intended with nothing in between to "pollute" it. pure 100% asynchrous usb. the macbook air with very fast 512 gb ssd hard drive would be a very solid platform. on enquiring i was told streaming lossless tidal over wifi is not a problem. i have a 150 Mbps service. ideally hugo would be unplugged as reports from the hugo thread indicate better performance. however it seems that when charging no effect on sound quality should be present as hugo takes it power from the internal battery. (there is an answer confirming this which i have been trying to find but still cannot if anyone can point me. max said third post but still no luck). the only drawback to this is the lack of a large 27 inch imac screen (i own an imac, macbook air and mini ipad retina 2 which i use for differing situations) and the inconvenience of having to worry about laptop battery and charging. if my conclusions are correct then this is a small price to pay. a nice laptop desk stand and im away with no worries. just to finally enjoy my music. the macbbook air would be dedicated to music only here.(constructive criticism much appreciated if im wrong on anything.)
