[varadero xl1000v]

Now that I'm using the TT2 I'm wondering what my next move should be? Should I replace my Mac Mini with a 'proper' streaming like an Innuos Zen MK3 or get an Mscaler instead (while l keep using my Mac Mini as my music server)?

Hi Alex.
I read your questions with particular interest, and I'm thinking about what my next step should be after buying the Chord Hugo tt2. What I consider a priority is: 1. Improving the power supply with the purchase of an external Super Capacitor power supply, such as the following: https://faradpowersupplies.com/shop/en/

I think the right power supply for the device is a part that will greatly enhance Dac's capabilities. 2. Buying a Streamer could be the following:

a. https://us.auralic.com/products/aries-g1?variant=34539872387240

b. https://us.auralic.com/products/aries-g2-1?variant=34539988615336

After completing these, I would then consider whether I needed to buy the M Scaler.

PS 1: First I would start from the external power supply. For sure!!

PS 2: Unfortunately, the two Auralic streamers, mainly the Aries 2.1, cost a lot of money, but they are great solutions for straming music..

 

[alexl993]

Hi Alex.
I read your questions with particular interest, and I'm thinking about what my next step should be after buying the Chord Hugo tt2. What I consider a priority is: 1. Improving the power supply with the purchase of an external Super Capacitor power supply, such as the following: https://faradpowersupplies.com/shop/en/

I think the right power supply for the device is a part that will greatly enhance Dac's capabilities. 2. Buying a Streamer could be the following:

a. https://us.auralic.com/products/aries-g1?variant=34539872387240

b. https://us.auralic.com/products/aries-g2-1?variant=34539988615336

After completing these, I would then consider whether I needed to buy the M Scaler.

PS 1: First I would start from the external power supply. For sure!!

PS 2: Unfortunately, the two Auralic streamers, mainly the Aries 2.1, cost a lot of money, but they are great solutions for straming music..

Despite what some people promote here I have no interest in an external PS since Chord (& Robb Watts) specifically advise against it. I did look at the Auralic but I think they're more than I want to spend and offer features that are no use to me. I'm 100% Tidal + Roon so the Innuos meets my needs at a more 'reasonable' price. Also, I'm sure that Chord and other companies are working feverishly on Digital Transports based on the success of players like Innuos, Intel NUC, Rasberry Pi etc. so I'm thinking I could live with my current computer until more players enter the market. I feel that the Mscaler might be a better, longer-term 'investment'.

 

[Hooster]

Hi Alex.
I read your questions with particular interest, and I'm thinking about what my next step should be after buying the Chord Hugo tt2. What I consider a priority is: 1. Improving the power supply with the purchase of an external Super Capacitor power supply, such as the following: https://faradpowersupplies.com/shop/en/

The stock TT2 power supply is pretty much as good as it gets. Trying to upgrade it seems like a waste of time and money.

" A brand new high-power discreet output stage coupled with second-order noise-shaping integrated between the DAC output and filter is also employed to massively reduce distortion. Further improvements have also been made to the power delivery. Hugo TT 2 eschews the Li-Po battery power supply of the original and ushers in six super capacitors capable of delivering huge, linear dynamic currents when the music demands it with peak output of 5A, 9.3V RMS."
https://chordelectronics.co.uk/product/hugott2/

 

[NeoDiNardo]

I just ordered a Chord Hugo TT2 in silver with Focal Stellia headphones. My previous headphone gear from years ago consisted of an Oppo HA-2 with Oppo PM-3 planar magnetic headphones. Just how blown away will I be?

Since the Chord TT2 can perform as a one box high-end DAC, headphone amplifier, and preamplifier I’m now searching for a stereo power amplifier or dual monoblocks to use with loudspeakers. The TT2 has plenty of power and 1/4th inch stereo jacks for two demanding headphones, the Chord Hugo M Scaler DAC upgrade looks to be amazing, and the TT2 has XLR preamplifier outputs - although disappointingly no balanced XLR headphone out. And apparently a so-so remote I’ll look into upgrading via a high-end learning remote. Overall, I’m so excited to have my first listening session with Chord and Focal.

 

[InstantSilence]

I just ordered a Chord Hugo TT2 in silver with Focal Stellia headphones. My previous headphone gear consisted of an Oppo HA-2 with Oppo PM-3 planar magnetic headphones. Just how blown away will I be?

Since the Chord TT2 can perform as a one box high-end DAC, headphone amplifier, and preamplifier I’m now searching for a stereo power amplifier or dual monoblocks to use with loudspeakers. The TT2 has plenty of power for two power hungry headphones, the Chord M-Scaler DAC upgrade looks to be amazing, all with XLR preamplifier outputs, although disappointingly no balanced XLR headphone out. Super excited to finally hear what Chord and Focal brands sound like.

Oh man
Oh man... Blow away you will be young padawan!

 

[MatW]

I just ordered a Chord Hugo TT2 in silver with Focal Stellia headphones. My previous headphone gear from years ago consisted of an Oppo HA-2 with Oppo PM-3 planar magnetic headphones. Just how blown away will I be?

Since the Chord TT2 can perform as a one box high-end DAC, headphone amplifier, and preamplifier I’m now searching for a stereo power amplifier or dual monoblocks to use with loudspeakers. The TT2 has plenty of power and 1/4th inch stereo jacks for two demanding headphones, the Chord Hugo M Scaler DAC upgrade looks to be amazing, and the TT2 has XLR preamplifier outputs - although disappointingly no balanced XLR headphone out. And apparently a so-so remote I’ll look into upgrading via a high-end learning remote. Overall, I’m so excited to have my first listening session with Chord and Focal.

Congrats!
I am curious, what more would you want the remote to do? Volume up/down is all I use it for.

 

[NeoDiNardo]

Congrats!
I am curious, what more would you want the remote to do? Volume up/down is all I use it for.

Apparently, during a live YouTube video with Chord that I recently watched, “vocal” Chord fans really want a remote with a build quality more in line with Chord’s high-end products. A remote not made of inexpensive plastic. And I have to agree based on the pictures.

 

[MatW]

Apparently, during a live YouTube video with Chord that I recently watched, “vocal” Chord fans really want a remote with a build quality more in line with Chord’s high-end products. A remote not made of inexpensive plastic. And I have to agree based on the pictures.

Ok thanks for that. I can see that, but it is fine for me.

 

[andrewd01]

The included remote is fine. Don’t the learning remotes usually have millions of buttons?

 

[varadero xl1000v]

Apparently, during a live YouTube video with Chord that I recently watched, “vocal” Chord fans really want a remote with a build quality more in line with Chord’s high-end products. A remote not made of inexpensive plastic. And I have to agree based on the pictures.

I - let me say - did something else. I bought the following:
https://www.logitech.com/en-us/product/harmony-elite and I handle everything with it through routines that I have made and some key fixes. So I have a remote for everything !!

 

[varadero xl1000v]

..you can also fully control your smart phone:

 

[Progisus]

Oh man
Oh man... Blow away you will be young padawan!

Mscaler aware be. Draw you in the rfi force can.

 

[Mbarbieri]

sorry, wrong thread.

 

[Amberlamps]

The stock TT2 power supply is pretty much as good as it gets. Trying to upgrade it seems like a waste of time and money.

" A brand new high-power discreet output stage coupled with second-order noise-shaping integrated between the DAC output and filter is also employed to massively reduce distortion. Further improvements have also been made to the power delivery. Hugo TT 2 eschews the Li-Po battery power supply of the original and ushers in six super capacitors capable of delivering huge, linear dynamic currents when the music demands it with peak output of 5A, 9.3V RMS."
https://chordelectronics.co.uk/product/hugott2/

I agree, Rob has said numerous times that a lot of thought and testing went in to what smps to use on TT2 and the MScaler ( both use the exact same smps psu, not to be confused with the psu inside tt2 ) and, the one supplied is pretty much as good as it gets. Also, using a third party psu will void the warranty, that alone scare's me into not trying anything but the supplied smps.

 

[dawktah2]

I have found an absolute bargain priced CD-quality triple-album on Qobuz for £8.99.

The Music of Hans Zimmer: The Definitive Collection.

If you have an Amazon Prime subscription or Qobuz then you can listen to it first. However I say just buy it, then listen to it. (Well at least before they realise they are giving it away, then put the price up. Ha. )

You need Amazon Music Unlimited and not just Amazon Prime. Just checked.

Can somebody show me the diagram how I'm supposed to solder xlr to banana plugs in order to connect my speakers directly to tt2 ?

My soldering skills are ok but I just want to be sure I won't blow up anything.
Also which xlr, bana plugs and wires should I use ? I don't want to make it super expensive just reasonable choice. It suppose to be just an experiment.

Oh and I should also mention that I only care about balanced type of connection as my speakers are not so efficient. So I need that extra voltage.

I plan on using the Neutrik crimp connectors

https://www.neutrik.com/en/product/nc3fxx-ha
You can easily move wire within connector to switch from balanced to single ended if you dare!

I just ordered a Chord Hugo TT2 in silver with Focal Stellia headphones. My previous headphone gear from years ago consisted of an Oppo HA-2 with Oppo PM-3 planar magnetic headphones. Just how blown away will I be?

"Like having your brains smashed out by a slice of lemon wrapped round a large gold brick!"

I started this journey with both of those Oppo products.