Hugo TT 2 by Chord Electronics - The Official Thread

[Pashmeister]

I've done more or less the same as yourself. I did have an MScaler for 18 months but preferred HQP once it wasn't connected directly to the DAC. I use an OpticalRendu as a HQP NAA for the Mac mini M1 HQP server.

Unlike the MScaler, this means it's separated from the DAC by Fibre Optics preventing electrical noise from the hardware and the processing of the files. The server is available to more than one DAC in the house. With an MScaler, I'd have to move it around with me but the Mac mini can send the data to any endpoint connected to a DAC.

As you mentioned, it's nice that it receives regular updates.

Oh I forgot to say but yeah I also use HQP NAA (Ropieee XL). I used an Allo Digione Signature before, but it could only output 384kHz out of its singular bnc. I went with a regular Rpi4, replaced the PSU with an iFi iPowerX, and I’ve got a good streamer with excellent isolation from my m1 mini’s computer noise. Threw an ISO Regen into the mix because why the heck not.

M Scaler is great, no questions about it. I’m not sure how future-proof it is, and there are equal (many say better) alternatives.

 

[Toonartist]

Oh I forgot to say but yeah I also use HQP NAA (Ropieee XL). I used an Allo Digione Signature before, but it could only output 384kHz out of its singular bnc. I went with a regular Rpi4, replaced the PSU with an iFi iPowerX, and I’ve got a good streamer with excellent isolation from my m1 mini’s computer noise. Threw an ISO Regen into the mix because why the heck not.

M Scaler is great, no questions about it. I’m not sure how future-proof it is, and there are equal (many say better) alternatives.

@Pashmeister I'm using a Rpi4 with my H2 system downstairs but with a Krisdonia Power Bank. Did you find the iFi iPowerX made a big difference?

 

[Pashmeister]

@Pashmeister I'm using a Rpi4 with my H2 system downstairs but with a Krisdonia Power Bank. Did you find the iFi iPowerX made a big difference?

I haven’t isolated to test just the iPowerX and with the Rpi4 because I kind of did several different upgrades simultaneously. Also, the Rpi4 is connected to an iso regen and an src-dx, lots of cleaning going on that I’m just happy with the total improvements regardless of how each individual component have contributed. I know it’s an improvement over stock though, for sure! I would use the Shanti for it but it’s too big for my compact rack

 

[Widell]

Picking up a TT2/MS tomorrow, will initially use direct via usb from a roon rock, what streamers are you all using? Looking for a roon ready pure streamer no dac etc! Anything recommended that pairs well and can stream without limitations to fully take advantage of the m scaler?

 

[OrenT]

Picking up a TT2/MS tomorrow, will initially use direct via usb from a roon rock, what streamers are you all using? Looking for a roon ready pure streamer no dac etc! Anything recommended that pairs well and can stream without limitations to fully take advantage of the m scaler?

Congrats on the combo! Enjoy.
I recently bought an Innuos Zenith MK3 and was amazed by the SQ. Very very happy with the purchse. Their support is also top notch.

 

[Womaz]

Picking up a TT2/MS tomorrow, will initially use direct via usb from a roon rock, what streamers are you all using? Looking for a roon ready pure streamer no dac etc! Anything recommended that pairs well and can stream without limitations to fully take advantage of the m scaler?

I think your replies may be better if you give some sort of budget. There is such a vast array of options out there and the price differences can be huge.
Congratulations on your purchase.

 

[Widell]

I think your replies may be better if you give some sort of budget. There is such a vast array of options out there and the price differences can be huge.
Congratulations on your purchase.

Yes, ofc thinking not more than euro 3000…but mostly thinking what you already have and are very satisfied with. Also buying used is always an option..

 

[jarnopp]

Yes, ofc thinking not more than euro 3000…but mostly thinking what you already have and are very satisfied with. Also buying used is always an option..

Way cheaper than that, I am very happy with Roon ROCK on a NUC to a RaspberryPi using the HiFiBerry OS and Digi+ Pro hat and optical into mScaler, ferrited DBNC from there to TT2.

 

[bpcans]

Picking up a TT2/MS tomorrow, will initially use direct via usb from a roon rock, what streamers are you all using? Looking for a roon ready pure streamer no dac etc! Anything recommended that pairs well and can stream without limitations to fully take advantage of the m scaler?

@Widell, congratulations on getting an HMS/TT2 combo. I use a ROON Nucleus Rev B music streamer in my hp system. I enjoy it because it’s plug and play simple, the software updates are done automatically, and the sound is optimized for streaming services like Tidal and Qobuz, of which I use both.

 

[Toonartist]

Yes, ofc thinking not more than euro 3000…but mostly thinking what you already have and are very satisfied with. Also buying used is always an option..

That's a good budget. From Rpi4, Auralic G2. I've had the Naim ND5 XS2, Auralic G1 and now the OpticalRendu + Uptone Js-2 + Tellurium Q Silver Diamond USB. I'm also using a Roon Nucleus as a server + Mac mini M1 as a HQPlayer server.

To feed an MScaler though, maybe the Auralic G1 would be a good option. Lovely bit of kit and the digital outs inc USB, Coax & Optical. If you go with a streamer that only has USB out, look at adding an SRC.DX to convert the USB to coax. The USB inputs on the MSCaler, TT2, Qutest are not their strongest points and certainly not as good as the coax/optical. I noticed a big difference going from USB to dual coax into the TT2 from the oR / HQplayer.

In any event, loads of options with that budget.

 

[Widell]

That's a good budget. From Rpi4, Auralic G2. I've had the Naim ND5 XS2, Auralic G1 and now the OpticalRendu + Uptone Js-2 + Tellurium Q Silver Diamond USB. I'm also using a Roon Nucleus as a server + Mac mini M1 as a HQPlayer server.

To feed an MScaler though, maybe the Auralic G1 would be a good option. Lovely bit of kit and the digital outs inc USB, Coax & Optical. If you go with a streamer that only has USB out, look at adding an SRC.DX to convert the USB to coax. The USB inputs on the MSCaler, TT2, Qutest are not their strongest points and certainly not as good as the coax/optical. I noticed a big difference going from USB to dual coax into the TT2 from the oR / HQplayer.

In any event, loads of options with that budget.

Thanks you all, will start with roon nuc usb out and experiment from there…

 

[bpcans]

Thanks you all, will start with roon nuc usb out and experiment from there…

@Widell, that sounds like a plan. If you’re going ROON NUC direct to M Scaler via USB, it really helps if you’ve got a decent USB cable. Moon Audio makes some pretty good USB cables and BNC interconnects for your HMS/TT2 pairing. They’re not crazy expensive.

 

[Spawn300Z]

@Widell, that sounds like a plan. If you’re going ROON NUC direct to M Scaler via USB, it really helps if you’ve got a decent USB cable. Moon Audio makes some pretty good USB cables and BNC interconnects for your HMS/TT2 pairing. They’re not crazy expensive.

Agreed. That’s what I use. Hard to imagine it can sound any better.

 

[bpcans]

Agreed. That’s what I use. Hard to imagine it can sound any better.

@Spawn300Z, when I was using Moon Audio Silver Dragon BNC’s between my HMS and TT2 I thought it couldn’t sound much better either. That was until I demoed a pair of WAVE High Fidelity‘s BNC cables. I’m just adding the link so that you’ll pass out from sticker shock. https://www.wavehighfidelity.com/storm-1/wave-storm-bnc-cable

 

[Spawn300Z]

@Spawn300Z, when I was using Moon Audio Silver Dragon BNC’s between my HMS and TT2 I thought it couldn’t sound much better either. That was until I demoed a pair of WAVE High Fidelity‘s BNC cables. I’m just adding the link so that you’ll pass out from sticker shock. https://www.wavehighfidelity.com/storm-1/wave-storm-bnc-cable

I’m aware of them. I’m just not sure if spending that much for them is that much of a difference maker. I would have to demo them 1st.