Hugo M Scaler by Chord Electronics - The Official Thread

[Triode User]

Is it possible to have an Innuos Phoenix USB Re-Clocker between source and M-Scaler?

Will it make a difference?

Not only is it possible but for me it made a big improvement to sound quality. My Innuos dealer loaned me one for home demo. No problem with lockdown as it was couriered to me. In reality though there is no need for a demo. It WILL make a big difference.

 

[endre83]

I go Innuos Zenith Mk3 > Innuos Phoenix Reclocker > M-scaler > DAVE

The Phoenix Reclocker makes a big difference. They effect isn't small...you will notice it right away.

WoW thanks, I have now Roon via Windows laptop > MScaler > Hugo 2

What would be the biggest improvement to add or replace in your opinion? I though initially to add the TT2 instead of the Hugo 2, but the Hugo 2 drives my ZMF Verites quite well. Then I thought better BNC cables from Wave Now I am unsure, what would be the order largest benefit before smaller benefit

 

[Mediahound]

Not only is it possible but for me it made a big improvement to sound quality. My Innuos dealer loaned me one for home demo. No problem with lockdown as it was couriered to me. In reality though there is no need for a demo. It WILL make a big difference.

WoW thanks, I have now Roon via Windows laptop > MScaler > Hugo 2

What would be the biggest improvement to add or replace in your opinion? I though initially to add the TT2 instead of the Hugo 2, but the Hugo 2 drives my ZMF Verites quite well. Then I thought better BNC cables from Wave Now I am unsure, what would be the order largest benefit before smaller benefit

Rob Watts says reclocking the USB will actually make the sound worse:

You mean degraded by adding an external clock...

 

[Ciggavelli]

WoW thanks, I have now Roon via Windows laptop > MScaler > Hugo 2

What would be the biggest improvement to add or replace in your opinion? I though initially to add the TT2 instead of the Hugo 2, but the Hugo 2 drives my ZMF Verites quite well. Then I thought better BNC cables from Wave Now I am unsure, what would be the order largest benefit before smaller benefit

That’s a hard question to answer, as all 3 upgrades would increase sound quality. For me, I went TT2 first (later DAVE), BNC second, reclocker third.

That was before I knew reclockers actually make a difference. If I had to do it again, I’d probably go with the reclocker first. As an aside, I had the UpTone Audio ISO Regen before the Phoenix. The ISO regen, with the LPS1.2 psu, made a very nice improvement as well and is much cheaper than the Phoenix. Yes, the Phoenix is better, but if you are on a budget, you will see improvements with just the ISO Regen and LPS1.2 (both by UpTone Audio).

Then, I would go to the TT2 (I had a Hugo 2 before, and the TT2 is noticeably better), and last BNC cables

 

[Ciggavelli]

Rob Watts says reclocking the USB will actually make the sound worse:

No offense to Rob, but he also says RFI and BNC cables don’t make a difference either.

He’s not an unbiased source, and has something to gain by downplaying these improvements

 

[Mediahound]

No offense to Rob, but he also says RFI and BNC cables don’t make a difference either.

He’s not an unbiased source, and has something to gain by downplaying these improvements

No he doesn't. He talks extensively about that in his thread around his experiments running the M Scaler as well as his source laptop off batteries.

He’s not an unbiased source, and has something to gain by downplaying these improvements

What exactly? Those talking about this already bought his product(s).

 

[endre83]

Rob Watts says reclocking the USB will actually make the sound worse:

But all this happens BEFORE source digital signal meets CHORD upscaler and DAC

 

[CRITICALSHOT]

For the Innuos Users:

 

[Ciggavelli]

No he doesn't. He talks extensively about that in his thread around his experiments running the M Scaler as well as his source laptop off batteries.



What exactly? Those talking about this already bought his product(s).

Well, one, there are more lurkers and outside people reading this thread than you would think. Two, if I had to guess, admitting that there are flaws in his equipment, may not be something Chord would like him to say

 

[Mediahound]

Well, one, there are more lurkers and outside people reading this thread than you would think. Two, if I had to guess, admitting that there are flaws in his equipment, may not be something Chord would like him to say

If the signal measures worse and sounds worse with some third-party gizmo attached, how does that make the Chord equipment flawed? Don't get me wrong, folks may like the change they hear with the usb reclockers but I believe Rob when he states that it's technically a worse signal. There are people who also prefer tube amps and we all know those measure a lot worse.

Note too that Rob does not across the board say all third-party devices make the sound worse. He's on record saying things like the Audioquest Jitterbug can help things a bit, he just doesn't recommend anything that reclocks.

 

[endre83]

Does an Innuos Server like Zen or Zenith add to sound quality or just convenience and the Phoenix "cleans" the signal for the M-Scaler already?

 

[Ciggavelli]

If the signal measures worse and sounds worse with some third-party gizmo attached, how does that make the Chord equipment flawed? Don't get me wrong, folks may like the change they hear with the usb reclockers but I believe Rob when he states that it's technically a worse signal. There are people who also prefer tube amps and we all know those measure a lot worse.

Well, I guess each person needs to listen to the add ons before making judgments or believing other opinions.

For me, both the ISO Regen and Phoenix make audible differences. Better timing, blacker background, etc.

 

[Ciggavelli]

Does an Innuos Server like Zen or Zenith add to sound quality or just convenience and the Phoenix "cleans" the signal for the M-Scaler already?

Adds to sound quality. I tested the Zenith against using my iPhone and my PC as sources. The Zenith sounded better. I think it has to do with the linear power and separate rails, if I had to guess

 

[Mediahound]

We all would do well to remind ourselves of this:



He's talking mostly about power filters but the general idea applies.

 

[koven]

We all would do well to remind ourselves of this:



He's talking mostly about power filters but the general idea applies.

Ah yes as renowned philosopher Descartes once said.. 'cogito, ergo sum' i.e. I spent, therefore I benefit.