Hugo TT 2 by Chord Electronics - The Official Thread

[GuiltyRocker]

I was at canjam London this year, and met RW in person.
I also listened to the TT2. Now, I do have a Hugo2 and I had it with me. What surprised me, was the fact that TT2 was clearly superior sounding!
I didn't think it would be, or if there were any differences, they'd be minor, but No! it was clearly better.
My problem is, I don't need a table top DAC, I need it to be portable (OK transportable).
So I shall wait for a possible Hugo3, that sounds like a TT2, that I can take it with me.
Anybody listening ? ?
If you're gonna do it, do it soon, while I can still hear good, I am 63!

You need to strap a Bix power battery on yourself and carry the TT-2 with you everywhere! Just joking

 

[Kentajalli]

You need to strap a Bix power battery on yourself and carry the TT-2 with you everywhere! Just joking

And get arrested at airport!
Either as a terrorist, or worse, a crazy terrorist!

 

[GuiltyRocker]

And get arrested at airport!
Either as a terrorist, or worse, a crazy terrorist!

Haahhahahahahahahaha, true. Even though Rob Watts gets the Bix power banks through security, he's a pro at it

 

[Thompsonkirk]

Do we need a stand for TT2 and HMS?

When I added an M Scaler to my TT2, it seemed natural to stack them, as Chord designed them and as they're displayed by dealers. But when I looked on the internet for set-up tips, I found advice to the contrary: posters said sound quality would improve if the components weren't stacked, but placed some distance apart.

Chord's instructions, in this one instance, seem awkwardly written. They say: "Whilst the Hugo M Scaler operates normally within a stack of Chord Electronics Table Top (TT) components, such as the Hugo TT 2, it is recommended that you allow the device [or do they mean the stack?] to breathe. Allocating 10cm [or 4"] of space around it to convection-cool during operation is advised."

Whether they mean 10cm around the device or the stack, the point seemed to be about cooling, not about interference and SQ. But some users had apparently experimented with increasing the distance between the units and concluded that SQ improved.

I tried this, and thought I heard a difference. I'm never sure about things like this, where there's no direct A/B and you have to stop and move things around to form an impression. But with high-quality LPSs and connections, it seemed like a difference was audible, though your mileage and listening experience may vary.

I wonder if others have found that the advice I followed and my experience of listening with the components separated is valid. If so, it would be desirable to have a stand for TT2 and M Scaler, just as there are stands for the Qutest and Dave levels of components.

It has to be a stand, not just horizontal distance, lest the TT (tabletop) configuration be undone.

I've looked for stands. If one wanted a 10cm/4" distance in height, Amazon offers an Oguard Acrylic one, and Etsy a JMK Displays option. Topping offers acrylic and aluminum stands of the right width, but lower in height. (An Australian audio shop makes a TT2 / M Scaler stand, but they say high shipping costs prohibit export.)

If you think you hear an improvement with the units separated, you might end up with something like I'm currently using, from Etsy / JMK Displays: 2x 4x4x8" acrylic for $78 incl. shipping, but safe only in the absence of large pets, children, or grandchildren.

What do other listeners / experimenters think about this issue?

 

[jarnopp]

Do we need a stand for TT2 and HMS?


When I added an M Scaler to my TT2, it seemed natural to stack them, as Chord designed them and as they're displayed by dealers. But when I looked on the internet for set-up tips, I found advice to the contrary: posters said sound quality would improve if the components weren't stacked, but placed some distance apart.

Chord's instructions, in this one instance, seem awkwardly written. They say: "Whilst the Hugo M Scaler operates normally within a stack of Chord Electronics Table Top (TT) components, such as the Hugo TT 2, it is recommended that you allow the device [or do they mean the stack?] to breathe. Allocating 10cm [or 4"] of space around it to convection-cool during operation is advised."

Whether they mean 10cm around the device or the stack, the point seemed to be about cooling, not about interference and SQ. But some users had apparently experimented with increasing the distance between the units and concluded that SQ improved.

I tried this, and thought I heard a difference. I'm never sure about things like this, where there's no direct A/B and you have to stop and move things around to form an impression. But with high-quality LPSs and connections, it seemed like a difference was audible, though your mileage and listening experience may vary.

I wonder if others have found that the advice I followed and my experience of listening with the components separated is valid. If so, it would be desirable to have a stand for TT2 and M Scaler, just as there are stands for the Qutest and Dave levels of components.

It has to be a stand, not just horizontal distance, lest the TT (tabletop) configuration be undone.

I've looked for stands. If one wanted a 10cm/4" distance in height, Amazon offers an Oguard Acrylic one, and Etsy a JMK Displays option. Topping offers acrylic and aluminum stands of the right width, but lower in height. (An Australian audio shop makes a TT2 / M Scaler stand, but they say high shipping costs prohibit export.)

If you think you hear an improvement with the units separated, you might end up with something like I'm currently using, from Etsy / JMK Displays: 2x 4x4x8" acrylic for $78 incl. shipping, but safe only in the absence of large pets, children, or grandchildren.

What do other listeners / experimenters think about this issue?

I think separation can’t hurt. I have a similar cabinet to yours, but I keep mScaler on the lower shelf and have drilled holes in back to run the heavy ferrited cables. I also have a couple of large cup hooks screwed in the back top to support the cables coming out of the TT2 which sits on top. I would recommend some support for those Wave cables so they aren’t putting all that pressure on the BNC connections. Also, I wouldn’t rest the stand on the mScaler itself. Seems unstable and the whole thing could topple over.

 

[alekc]

And get arrested at airport!
Either as a terrorist, or worse, a crazy terrorist!

@Kentajalli no kidding, I'have been once question by security officer at the airport in Spain about Mojo 2 when he asked me to unpack my cabin luggage.

 

[Jawed]

It has to be a stand, not just horizontal distance, lest the TT (tabletop) configuration be undone.

Put HMS in auto input-switching mode if you have more than one input. Put it into auto video mode if you also play video through HMS.

Then put HMS on the floor, under your cabinet, or place it so that it stands vertically behind the cabinet. There is no reason to interact with it on a regular basis. My HMS is in a cupboard.

You want to get HMS far from TT2. As far away as the cables will let you

 

[Kentajalli]

@Kentajalli no kidding, I'have been once question by security officer at the airport in Spain about Mojo 2 when he asked me to unpack my cabin luggage.

A nurse at hospital asked what my Mojo was!
The DAC that is, nothing rude

 

[Thompsonkirk]

Put HMS in auto input-switching mode if you have more than one input. Put it into auto video mode if you also play video through HMS.

Then put HMS on the floor, under your cabinet, or place it so that it stands vertically behind the cabinet. There is no reason to interact with it on a regular basis. My HMS is in a cupboard.

You want to get HMS far from TT2. As far away as the cables will let you

It certainly never dawned on me to orient the M Scaler vertically! Both my USB and my Farad cables are short, so I could try that.

I'm pleased to have this and previous good advice, but still wonder if anyone else has actually experimented with stacking, distance, and sound quality?

 

[kkrazik2008]

It certainly never dawned on me to orient the M Scaler vertically! Both my USB and my Farad cables are short, so I could try that.

I'm pleased to have this and previous good advice, but still wonder if anyone else has actually experimented with stacking, distance, and sound quality?

Yes, I’ve experimented with separating and had them on separate shelves on my hi-fi rack. No discernible difference on my system, both chassis are built with rfi/emi shielding protection. Look on page 6 in the manual.

 

[alekc]

A nurse at hospital asked what my Mojo was!
The DAC that is, nothing rude

@Kentajalli I can imagine that conversation: "Sir what is this - nurse asked lowering her voice - is this you personal pocket defibrillator of some sort or something worst?"

 

[Jawed]

It certainly never dawned on me to orient the M Scaler vertically! Both my USB and my Farad cables are short, so I could try that.

I'm pleased to have this and previous good advice, but still wonder if anyone else has actually experimented with stacking, distance, and sound quality?

Why not experiment yourself? It's "free"

Oh and this article about the proximity of HMS should be interesting:

https://audiowise-canada.myshopify.com/blogs/news/sound-quality-vs-measured-rf-energy-part-2

Remember, this is all generated by RF noise radiated across open air - there is no signal or power connection between the two.

 

[Nisachar]

Do we need a stand for TT2 and HMS?


When I added an M Scaler to my TT2, it seemed natural to stack them, as Chord designed them and as they're displayed by dealers. But when I looked on the internet for set-up tips, I found advice to the contrary: posters said sound quality would improve if the components weren't stacked, but placed some distance apart.

Chord's instructions, in this one instance, seem awkwardly written. They say: "Whilst the Hugo M Scaler operates normally within a stack of Chord Electronics Table Top (TT) components, such as the Hugo TT 2, it is recommended that you allow the device [or do they mean the stack?] to breathe. Allocating 10cm [or 4"] of space around it to convection-cool during operation is advised."

Whether they mean 10cm around the device or the stack, the point seemed to be about cooling, not about interference and SQ. But some users had apparently experimented with increasing the distance between the units and concluded that SQ improved.

I tried this, and thought I heard a difference. I'm never sure about things like this, where there's no direct A/B and you have to stop and move things around to form an impression. But with high-quality LPSs and connections, it seemed like a difference was audible, though your mileage and listening experience may vary.

I wonder if others have found that the advice I followed and my experience of listening with the components separated is valid. If so, it would be desirable to have a stand for TT2 and M Scaler, just as there are stands for the Qutest and Dave levels of components.

It has to be a stand, not just horizontal distance, lest the TT (tabletop) configuration be undone.

I've looked for stands. If one wanted a 10cm/4" distance in height, Amazon offers an Oguard Acrylic one, and Etsy a JMK Displays option. Topping offers acrylic and aluminum stands of the right width, but lower in height. (An Australian audio shop makes a TT2 / M Scaler stand, but they say high shipping costs prohibit export.)

If you think you hear an improvement with the units separated, you might end up with something like I'm currently using, from Etsy / JMK Displays: 2x 4x4x8" acrylic for $78 incl. shipping, but safe only in the absence of large pets, children, or grandchildren.

What do other listeners / experimenters think about this issue?

Here’s mine.
I just thought to provide space for adequate cooling, never mind interference.

 

[ObjectiveSubjectivist]

Do we need a stand for TT2 and HMS?


When I added an M Scaler to my TT2, it seemed natural to stack them, as Chord designed them and as they're displayed by dealers. But when I looked on the internet for set-up tips, I found advice to the contrary: posters said sound quality would improve if the components weren't stacked, but placed some distance apart.

Chord's instructions, in this one instance, seem awkwardly written. They say: "Whilst the Hugo M Scaler operates normally within a stack of Chord Electronics Table Top (TT) components, such as the Hugo TT 2, it is recommended that you allow the device [or do they mean the stack?] to breathe. Allocating 10cm [or 4"] of space around it to convection-cool during operation is advised."

Whether they mean 10cm around the device or the stack, the point seemed to be about cooling, not about interference and SQ. But some users had apparently experimented with increasing the distance between the units and concluded that SQ improved.

I tried this, and thought I heard a difference. I'm never sure about things like this, where there's no direct A/B and you have to stop and move things around to form an impression. But with high-quality LPSs and connections, it seemed like a difference was audible, though your mileage and listening experience may vary.

I wonder if others have found that the advice I followed and my experience of listening with the components separated is valid. If so, it would be desirable to have a stand for TT2 and M Scaler, just as there are stands for the Qutest and Dave levels of components.

It has to be a stand, not just horizontal distance, lest the TT (tabletop) configuration be undone.

I've looked for stands. If one wanted a 10cm/4" distance in height, Amazon offers an Oguard Acrylic one, and Etsy a JMK Displays option. Topping offers acrylic and aluminum stands of the right width, but lower in height. (An Australian audio shop makes a TT2 / M Scaler stand, but they say high shipping costs prohibit export.)

If you think you hear an improvement with the units separated, you might end up with something like I'm currently using, from Etsy / JMK Displays: 2x 4x4x8" acrylic for $78 incl. shipping, but safe only in the absence of large pets, children, or grandchildren.

What do other listeners / experimenters think about this issue?

Please support these BNC cables that are going into TT2. Waves are heavy cables.
They are screaming for the support.

 

[thePhones]

Then put HMS on the floor, under your cabinet, or place it so that it stands vertically behind the cabinet

I am pretty sure it sounds better when it sits where I am able to see it