Hugo TT 2 by Chord Electronics - The Official Thread

[TheMiddleSky]

Having the TT1, TT2/Mscaler, Mojo 1 and Mojo 2 I can confirm that when paired with the right iem the TT1 has a magic that enables hours of continuous listening. If you want to push the Mojo 2 to it’s max try this with 768k files of your choice:

Literally one of the most (if not the most) complicated use of Mojo 2 lol

 

[ZappaMan]

I have a set of female xlr to speaker socket converters, that fit tt2 xlr and allow you to drive speakers.

Just collecting dust, if anyone wants a set at a reduced price.

From flash back sales and as good as new.

2 x 3 pole Female XLR -

Speaker Sockets - 4 x 4mm -
In-Line Sockets Cable Set

 

[TheMiddleSky]

Any tt2 owner here that had compared chord to cen grand dsdac deluxe?

 

[alekc]

Any tt2 owner here that had compared chord to cen grand dsdac deluxe?

@TheMiddleSky not exactly what you are looking for but I've a had chance just last Friday to audition Cen Grand dac in speaker setup. It is great dac IMHO, but I fail to see a reason to switch from TT2 to it. Definitively both have their strengths and Chord isn't the best dac to handle DSD files but other than that I must say Cen Grand did make me wanted to listen to it more while definitely didn't make me wanted it.

 

[TheMiddleSky]

@TheMiddleSky not exactly what you are looking for but I've a had chance just last Friday to audition Cen Grand dac in speaker setup. It is great dac IMHO, but I fail to see a reason to switch from TT2 to it. Definitively both have their strengths and Chord isn't the best dac to handle DSD files but other than that I must say Cen Grand did make me wanted to listen to it more while definitely didn't make me wanted it.

Wah nice, what do you think the differences in term of sound character?

I listened to the Superclock version for few times. Impressive DAC for the price, still below TT2, but the price also much cheaper with Cen Grand. That's what makes me wonder about their flagship DAC.

Is that the Deluxe version that you tried?

 

[ericx85]

So after much patience I was able to get a used TT2 for a price I was happy with. Will say I do wish I tried this thing a little sooner but I was always against it due to it coming out a few years ago. But at the same time nothing new has really been coming out aside from standard ESS/AKM dac rehashes every couple of months. I was also turned off from the TT2 not having a balanced HP out and no i2s input. The i2s part didn't play that big of a factor once I learned it's usb input was isolated.

Im not going for the MScaler since I rather just stick with HQPlayer for its flexibility. The bump is noticeable but not drastic (using LS15/Sinc-L if anyone wants to recommend some filters).

I didn't expect much difference coming from the Gustard A26/Holo Bliss combo. What I got was something very similar sounding, but a little less flat once I hooked up the TT2 to the Bliss. The sound was more holographic and a bit more spacious without a hit to details. I previously tested a Wavelight, and while I loved its massive sound width and depth, there was too much of a hit on the details for me. The TT2 and Bliss brought me a little closer to that Wavelight stage without taking the details hit I didn't like.

I then remembered a couple of people saying the TT2 sounds it's best direct(the seller also said this) vs using an external amp unless you just want to change the sound completely with tubes. I checked my Susvara box and saw I had the stock 1/4 connection cable still. I went direct into the TT2's front HP out(I know people recommend the rear XLRs for the Susvara, more on this later)and heard a much more noticeable change. Compared to running off the Bliss, the stage seems smaller, but still very 3d/holographic. The Bliss sounds a little veiled compared to the TT2 direct. I can't really say which is better but I'm having a hard time justifying keeping the Bliss when the TT2 is running the Susvara plenty loud for me with room to spare from its front HP out. What benefit would I get running Susvara from the XLR out? I also have the DCA Stealth I'm looking forward to trying with the TT2 direct, but need to get the 1/4 cable for it. Would a xlr -> 1/4' adapter be fine?

 

[Kentajalli]

So after much patience I was able to get a used TT2 for a price I was happy with. Will say I do wish I tried this thing a little sooner but I was always against it due to it coming out a few years ago. But at the same time nothing new has really been coming out aside from standard ESS/AKM dac rehashes every couple of months. I was also turned off from the TT2 not having a balanced HP out and no i2s input. The i2s part didn't play that big of a factor once I learned it's usb input was isolated.

Im not going for the MScaler since I rather just stick with HQPlayer for its flexibility.

I am glad you are enjoying your TT2 .
regarding HQplayer comment, it reminded me of a story:
There is a Harley Davidson service centre/mod shop close to my office, the owner is a friend.
He told me, that a lot of people bring in their Harleys, to mod and replace all the good bits that makes the bike a Harley.
I take their money and do it!

 

[559938]

So after much patience I was able to get a used TT2 for a price I was happy with. Will say I do wish I tried this thing a little sooner but I was always against it due to it coming out a few years ago. But at the same time nothing new has really been coming out aside from standard ESS/AKM dac rehashes every couple of months. I was also turned off from the TT2 not having a balanced HP out and no i2s input. The i2s part didn't play that big of a factor once I learned it's usb input was isolated.

Im not going for the MScaler since I rather just stick with HQPlayer for its flexibility. The bump is noticeable but not drastic (using LS15/Sinc-L if anyone wants to recommend some filters).

I didn't expect much difference coming from the Gustard A26/Holo Bliss combo. What I got was something very similar sounding, but a little less flat once I hooked up the TT2 to the Bliss. The sound was more holographic and a bit more spacious without a hit to details. I previously tested a Wavelight, and while I loved its massive sound width and depth, there was too much of a hit on the details for me. The TT2 and Bliss brought me a little closer to that Wavelight stage without taking the details hit I didn't like.

I then remembered a couple of people saying the TT2 sounds it's best direct(the seller also said this) vs using an external amp unless you just want to change the sound completely with tubes. I checked my Susvara box and saw I had the stock 1/4 connection cable still. I went direct into the TT2's front HP out(I know people recommend the rear XLRs for the Susvara, more on this later)and heard a much more noticeable change. Compared to running off the Bliss, the stage seems smaller, but still very 3d/holographic. The Bliss sounds a little veiled compared to the TT2 direct. I can't really say which is better but I'm having a hard time justifying keeping the Bliss when the TT2 is running the Susvara plenty loud for me with room to spare from its front HP out. What benefit would I get running Susvara from the XLR out? I also have the DCA Stealth I'm looking forward to trying with the TT2 direct, but need to get the 1/4 cable for it. Would a xlr -> 1/4' adapter be fine?

Yes to the adapter. Also it’s an interesting exercise, running your headphone from the XLR outs with an appropriate adapter. There’s more power available and it might provide you a little more control in the bass on the Susvara? I’m not sure, having not tried it.
However, the Chord DACs are native single ended and the balanced signal is created utilising more circuitry than is present in the single ended pathway.
I’m sure there are some who wouldn’t use the XLR for that reason alone, but balanced connection seems the popular thing. As always, check it out and make up your own mind.
Sometimes balanced is better, sometimes it’s the same as single ended, and sometimes it’s worse.

 

[Thompsonkirk]

I can't really say which is better but I'm having a hard time justifying keeping the Bliss when the TT2 is running the Susvara plenty loud for me with room to spare from its front HP out. What benefit would I get running Susvara from the XLR out?

Just to be sure I'm understanding your question:

You're saying that using TT2 alone, on High Gain, Susvara is "pretty loud for me" through the front headphone outputs; and you wonder if an auxiliary amp is desirable after all?

Using TT2 alone, you detect no difference in Sus's sound quality?

And your further concern is whether or not you'd hear improved SQ (not just more power / higher volume) using rear balanced outputs?

 

[TheMiddleSky]

I then remembered a couple of people saying the TT2 sounds it's best direct(the seller also said this) vs using an external amp unless you just want to change the sound completely with tubes.

I lost interest completely with any solid state amps once I acquired TT2. Recent modern SS amps that I like are Silver Fox and Enleum 23R, but still, for the budget, there are plenty option of great Tube Amps out there.

Susvara is one of the most "amplifier dependable" headphone in the market, one high end amp that synergise well (with your preference), will take it to the next level. Direct from TT2 it sound decent, but not awesome.

 

[Thompsonkirk]

Chord has given an answer today by announcing BerTTi amp, to mate with TT2 and M Scaler. It’s presumably pronounced ‘Berty,’ like the nickname for Albert. Replaces TToby?

 

[musickid]

I'm running single ended tt2 into my kef metas speakers with great results. I want to connect a d110 jl audio powered subwoofer from the tt2 using two xlr to rca cables. Is it simply a matter of using any 2 x 3 pole female xlr connectors? I've never used xlr before so this is new territory for me.

I've been given this advice by Rob:

use pins 1 (gnd) and pins 2 (hot or signal).

so will any xlr connector numbered as follows work?

 

[SteveHulk]

I'm running single ended tt2 into my kef metas speakers with great results. I want to connect a d110 jl audio powered subwoofer from the tt2 using two xlr to rca cables. Is it simply a matter of using any 2 x 3 pole female xlr connectors? I've never used xlr before so this is new territory for me.

I've been given this advice by Rob:

use pins 1 (gnd) and pins 2 (hot or signal).

so will any xlr connector numbered as follows work?

Those are the standard numberings on all xlr plugs and sockets.

The way they are used depends on the specific device and/or cable.

I think Rob was just confirming how the pins are used on the tt2 xlr output, which is in accord with the usual convention and which I assume is pin 1 for ground, pin 2 for signal +ve, and pin 3 for signal -ve.

What you have to do is to ensure that the cable and other device that you use are wired so the pin usage agrees with how the tt2 uses them ie its "pinout" - otherwise you will have a (possibly hot) mess.

 

[musickid]

If i'm using 2 xlr to rca cables from tt2 to line level right and left in on sub how do i go about doing this?

I've spent a fair while reading about xlr connections online but i cant physically visualise what to actually do.

I know that pins 1 (gnd) and pins 2 (hot or signal) is what i'm aiming for. Can anyone simplify this for me?

I've read back through the forum and so is it a simple question of ordering a dual 3 pin female XLR "Y" connector to rca cable? A member used that to connect tt2 to his abyss headphones.

 

[SteveHulk]

If i'm using 2 xlr to rca cables from tt2 to line level right and left in on sub how do i go about doing this?

I've spent a fair while reading about xlr connections online but i cant physically visualise what to actually do.

I know that pins 1 (gnd) and pins 2 (hot or signal) is what i'm aiming for. Can anyone simplify this for me?

I've read back through the forum and so is it a simple question of ordering a dual 3 pin female XLR "Y" connector to rca cable? A member used that to connect tt2 to his abyss headphones.

That kind of cable should do as long as it is twin 3-pin xlr to twin rca.

However, should you see a future with two subs then a pair of 3-pin xlr to single rca cables would be the same but could be used in that future as well.