Hugo TT 2 by Chord Electronics - The Official Thread

[mammal]

Owning all three, I don't have a problem with it. Having the balls at all is its signature. I had no problem understanding all of the features without having to read the manual.

To me, TT2 was the worst, had to read the tiny menu to know what setting I had, definitely liked coloured balls more.

 

[CaptainFantastic]

I just wish Chord digital gear had more consistent UX. Take their balls for example. Mojo's balls rotate on all axis and glow in colour, like Hugo 2's, except those only rotate on 1 axis, and TT2 rotate on all axis, but don't glow. Why don't all of them have Mojo's balls, I don't understand.

Well, not entirely correct.

Mojo - Balls essentially act as buttons, you press them. The fact that they rotate serves no purpose and you may like it (I kind do) or not (you might feel they bring dust into the interior)

Hugo 2 - Volume ball does not rotate on all axes, just left and right to control volume. So it is fully functional in what it does, albeit it is not as smooth and easy to operate as the TT2's. The other 4 balls are buttons, you press them. They don't rotate like the Mojo's do, but function in the same way that they just need a press to do their work.

TT2 - One single, massive ball. Controls volume, moves left and right like on the H2 volume ball, not on all axes. Super smooth and satisfying to play with.

So, in the conclusion of this exercise in idiocy - only the Mojo balls are non-sensical in rotating on all axes when they don't really need to.

 

[TopQuark]

To me, TT2 was the worst, had to read the tiny menu to know what setting I had, definitely liked coloured balls more.

If only Chord comes out with a rounded acrylic display mod we can install ourselves, that will solve the problem.

 

[mammal]

TT2 - One single, massive ball. Controls volume, moves left and right like on the H2 volume ball, not on all axes. Super smooth and satisfying to play with.

You forgot that TT2 has tiny metalic balls, that serve as buttons, yet they rotate on all axis.

 

[Malevolent]

Congrats on the purchase!

Thanks!

So, when are you getting Dave then?

Now, let's not go there... yet.

 

[Malevolent]

Me too. I just bought a Chord Hugo TT2 and I absolutely love it. I, too, started with a Chord Mojo and Hugo 2. This is so well designed and the sound is phenomenal. Seriously thinking about picking up an m scaler as well now.

When I was auditioning the Hugo TT 2, I tried it with and without the M Scaler. The latter works as intended - it adds a tinge of clarity and detail throughout; this is most apparent in the treble - there was a greater projection of air and sizzle. Sadly (or thankfully, in this case), the added treble presence was a little too much to bear; I'm a little sensitive to hyper-prominent highs.

I'm not discounting the purchase of an M Scaler in the near future. However, at this current juncture, I'll put some of that extra funds into purchasing an amplifier instead.

Still, the M Scaler is a fantastic piece of technology - for those seeking to extract that last % points of detail from your Hugo TT 2 (or a compatible Chord device), this is a must-buy.

 

[Sense]

Alright. I have a D90. I have no problem with it but have nothing to compare it to. I don't think the Mscaler will ever enter this house...is the Hugo TT2 worth the large price jump between it and what I paid for the D90? Specifically without the Mscaler.

 

[DJJEZ]

Alright. I have a D90. I have no problem with it but have nothing to compare it to. I don't think the Mscaler will ever enter this house...is the Hugo TT2 worth the large price jump between it and what I paid for the D90? Specifically without the Mscaler.

I have owned both and think it was worth it for sure. The D90 is extremely neutral, extremely detailed and a little sterile i would say. the TT2 is a thicker and warmer sound. can you home demo a TT2? thats the best way to know

 

[robo24]

I just wish Chord digital gear had more consistent UX. Take their balls for example. Mojo's balls rotate on all axis and glow in colour, like Hugo 2's, except those only rotate on 1 axis, and TT2 rotate on all axis, but don't glow. Why don't all of them have Mojo's balls, I don't understand.

I didn't even realize the silver buttons on the TT2 are actually balls and the main volume control on mine as on my Hugo1 just goes left or right. There seems to be no reason for the silver ones to be balls since moving them around does nothing.
Also made the Mojo-Hugo2-TT2 progression and have been amazed by each jump in performance, then recently got an original Hugo for my now rare travel and a backup in case the TT2 ever has a problem. I've not had the Mojo for over 2 years now, but I'm surprised at how wonderful the Hugo is.

 

[Ragnar-BY]

I owned Chord products for years and realised that some buttons are actually rotating balls only after I read about it here

 

[Sense]

I didn't even realize the silver buttons on the TT2 are actually balls and the main volume control on mine as on my Hugo1 just goes left or right. There seems to be no reason for the silver ones to be balls since moving them around does nothing.
Also made the Mojo-Hugo2-TT2 progression and have been amazed by each jump in performance, then recently got an original Hugo for my now rare travel and a backup in case the TT2 ever has a problem. I've not had the Mojo for over 2 years now, but I'm surprised at how wonderful the Hugo is.

As a UX professional…I find everything about their interfaces to be anti-user (based on interface walkthroughs)…that said..I’ve spoke to Rob briefly and he clearly doesn’t care about user interface or user needless/wants…which is fine I suppose…it’s not like he has a large user base.

 

[rkt31]

Unlike what hi fi review, tt 2 steel ball user interface and control I found to be extremely easy to use. It takes only once to understand after that it's so so convenient. In fact if you compare with rme dac's horrible menu system tt2 is one of the most clean user experience I have found.

 

[Arnold Schwartz]

I use the remote 99.9% of the time and there is an on-board display so I haven't had any issue with the controls, balls, colours.

 

[rkt31]

I use the remote 99.9% of the time and there is an on-board display so I haven't had any issue with the controls, balls, colours.

Tt2 imo is more evolved product. U still think volume ball can be replaced with more robust button system in future. Volume can pose problem if something gets into the gap. May be chord's decision to use billet aluminum housing prevents them to use regular button system. Tt2 one of the bestest dac around still some issues like power failure and constant clicking can be addressed in future. Idea of using seperate supply I would say is winning one and in future should be resorted to in all dacs even in dave replacement. Though 15v can take 12v too but standard 12v would be better so that other alternative 12v battery power can safely be used. Reverse polarity protection diode should be a welcome. Btw did anybody use r70x and susvara or arya directly out of tt2 ? I found he400se with hidizs s8 too good to be true so I can imagine how a ultra clean dac like tt2 will sound with a flat planar transducer like susvara or arya.

 

[nicholas1213]

I just got my mojo early July. I was so pleased with mojo and decided to pull the trigger on Hugo2 last week. Now I am peeking into this thread.. Whaaattt...