Hugo TT 2 by Chord Electronics - The Official Thread

[Amberlamps]

What if i say i already designed one?

Lol, bro’s already started

 

[Meridian7]

ReaChord

 

[Reactcore]

ReaChord

® © ™​

 

[GreenBow]

Hello,
TT2 thread.

I have not been reading since June 2023, and probably missed something important. ... I have a question though.

Has anyone been using the Eversolo DMP A6, A6 Master, or A8, DAC streamers as file sources? I keep thinking about getting one to use a file source, and running it bit-perfrect out, to TT2 or Qutest.

However, I read in one of the Eversolo DMP threads that some people hear differences in digital out to DACs. From what I read, I concluded that streamers impart their own sound signature on digital out, suggesting it's not bit-perfect. E.g. the DMP-A6 and DMP A8 in comparison, has the A8 sounding warmer and fuller by theri own internal DACs. Yet some folks are saying they hear the same warmness and more fullness over digital out.

Can anyone advise if these DAC streamers are bit-perfect, or if they are claiming to be - but aren't really?

 

[Daorom]

Hello,
TT2 thread.

I have not been reading since June 2023, and probably missed something important. ... I have a question though.

Has anyone been using the Eversolo DMP A6, A6 Master, or A8, DAC streamers are file sources? I keep thinking about getting one to use a file source, and running it bit-perfrect out, to TT2 or Qutest.

However, I read in one of the Eversolo DMP threads that some people hear differences in digital out to DACs. From what I read, I concluded that streamers impart their own sound signature on digital out, suggesting it's not bit-perfect. E.g. the DMP-A6 and DMP A8 in comparison, has the A8 sounding warmer and fuller by theri own internal DACs. Yet some folks are saying they hear the same warmness and more fullness over digital out.

Can anyone advise if these DAC streamers are bit-perfect, or if they are claiming to be - but aren't really?

Transfer Bit-perfect depends on the playback program.I doubt it's in very good software Eversolo there may be problems And besides, you can always install your player on that Android device and tune Bit-perfect.

 

[jjazzy]

Hello,
TT2 thread.

I have not been reading since June 2023, and probably missed something important. ... I have a question though.

Has anyone been using the Eversolo DMP A6, A6 Master, or A8, DAC streamers are file sources? I keep thinking about getting one to use a file source, and running it bit-perfrect out, to TT2 or Qutest.

However, I read in one of the Eversolo DMP threads that some people hear differences in digital out to DACs. From what I read, I concluded that streamers impart their own sound signature on digital out, suggesting it's not bit-perfect. E.g. the DMP-A6 and DMP A8 in comparison, has the A8 sounding warmer and fuller by theri own internal DACs. Yet some folks are saying they hear the same warmness and more fullness over digital out.

Can anyone advise if these DAC streamers are bit-perfect, or if they are claiming to be - but aren't really?

I own the tt2+mscaler and can speak out of experience the a8 sounds better than then the a6, very noticable. With the lhy lps upgrade it betters even more.

I don’t know if the a6 betters that much as well with the lhy lps upgrade, but a6 and a8 standard, the a8 wins. And I mean digital not analogue

The a8 in general sounds digital calmer and less digital glare than the a6 has.

 

[jjazzy]

Transfer Bit-perfect depends on the playback program.I doubt it's in very good software Eversolo there may be problems And besides, you can always install your player on that Android device and tune Bit-perfect.

There is no problem at all with eversolo’s software, just because it is affordable, doesn’t mean it is bad. Upgrading the lps with a lhy is all it’s need.

I mean a aurender 10000 euro streamer and a 17000 euro grimm mu1/2 did not even recogzine a tt2 or mscaler…

 

[Daorom]

There is no problem at all with eversolo’s software, just because it is affordable, doesn’t mean it is bad. Upgrading the lps with a lhy is all it’s need.

I mean a aurender 10000 euro streamer and a 17000 euro grimm mu1/2 did not even recogzine a tt2 or mscaler…

I can't imagine how a digital signal (if it is not corrupted by interference during transmission) can affect the sound.Especially through such a cleansing as M-scaler. Even without M-scaler, denouement USB in Qutest & TT2.
Which Android streamer can you recommend? (Without dac).

 

[jjazzy]

I can't imagine how a digital signal (if it is not corrupted by interference during transmission) can affect the sound.Especially through such a cleansing as M-scaler. Even without M-scaler, denouement USB in Qutest & TT2.
Which Android streamer can you recommend? (Without dac).

Don’t imagine you should listen… but seriously it matters. It is whole chain of the device itself, internal components, powersupply etc… yes even with a mscaler it matters.

 

[559938]

Hello,
TT2 thread.

I have not been reading since June 2023, and probably missed something important. ... I have a question though.

Has anyone been using the Eversolo DMP A6, A6 Master, or A8, DAC streamers are file sources? I keep thinking about getting one to use a file source, and running it bit-perfrect out, to TT2 or Qutest.

However, I read in one of the Eversolo DMP threads that some people hear differences in digital out to DACs. From what I read, I concluded that streamers impart their own sound signature on digital out, suggesting it's not bit-perfect. E.g. the DMP-A6 and DMP A8 in comparison, has the A8 sounding warmer and fuller by theri own internal DACs. Yet some folks are saying they hear the same warmness and more fullness over digital out.

Can anyone advise if these DAC streamers are bit-perfect, or if they are claiming to be - but aren't really?

It’s not about bit perfect or data corruption. It’s about electrical noise is mixed signal systems. Any noise that travels from the streamer to the DAC will eventually find its way into the analogue stages of the DAC and onto the amplification in the chain.
All streamers sound the same, bits are bits, DACs are a solved technology…these statements don’t hold true. A streamer and DAC combo is not a digital system, it’s a mixed signal system, digital and analogue. Dealing with noise is just like dealing with noise in amplifiers. SINAD doesn’t really represent how the noise of a product will impact sound, because different types of noise are more and less benign.
There’s also the problem of self-noise, which every electrical appliance has. Even the noise created by capacities and such as they vibrate when current is applied. It’s why different materials and geometries used as supporting feet can sound so different, as they drain internal vibration differently. Apparently, everything matters.

The degree to which all of these things matter to you will depend on plenty of different considerations, and some may not be audible to you at all. However, experience tells me that the M Scaler/TT2 combo is easily resolving enough to tell you the difference between streamers, so try different ones and find what suits your tastes. John Franks mentioned recently that there’s a TT family streamer about to released, which might be of interest?

Best of luck!

 

[hypnos1]

Still loving my mscaler/TT2 combo after a good few years now, and not in the slightest tempted by any of the competition. IMHO, anyone finding the slightest thing to criticise the combo simply hasn't (yet) managed to assemble the rest of the system to maximise its potential.

My own (enlightening) journey has progressively taken performance from extremely good to outstanding...via :

1. Upgrading ALL cables, including power, to DIY Neotech solid UP-OCC silver and copper wires in various combinations and in well shielded dual configuration - separate for pos/neg, signal/return.

2. From budget Chinese LPSs that outperformed the stock SMPSs to now a Ferrum Hypsos PSU feeding both units, which brought a greater sound performance boost than I ever expected...(more on that later).

3. Going from Naim UnitiCore then Antipodes DX server/players as source to (much superior IMHO) modded Denon DCD1600NE (SA)CD/DVD-/+R player (as transport) and now their DCDA110. After the latter especially, I can no longer go back to streaming for serious listening!

4. A Ferrum OOR hp amp (with Hypsos PSU) initially gave improved performance over TT2 direct out in my system, but a game changer has now come from upgrading to a Cen.Grand 9i-906 "Silver Fox", with significant boosts to its already superb performance by firstly replacing its (good quality) internal Kimber PBJ hp out wiring with (once again) Neotech Teflon coated solid UP-OCC silver and copper, and secondly bypassing the IEC socket, fuse and main on/off switch - taking power directly to the amp's internal wiring.

This second project brought improvements way above expectation...so much so that I'm repeating this with every piece of equipment possible. I could understand the results from dispensing with the fuses - even that in the Hypsos PSU feeding the Chord duo... but I was equally surprised by the hit to performance from IEC connections.

With respect to fuses, after the boost from removing the 16A(F) one in the Silver Fox (as better protection comes anyway from the 12A Circuit Breaker in my ASF3000 Balanced Mains Conditioner/Filter supply), I have found similar boosts from using suitably rated MCBs connected in-line of the pos wires in my DIY cables, and in place of equipments' fuses. The results easily surpass using any fuse at any price (such as SR's £250!) and even much more expensive SDFB alternatives, that also need additional (good) cables. In comparison, good quality 'pre-owned' but looking like new MCBs can be had easily for £5 to £10. This must represent the best bang-for-buck mod one could ever hope for lol! .

At each of the above stages, performance boosts have included : deeper, more solid/detailed/textured bass; more detailed/extended/intricate and sweeter treble; greater clarity and precision from better separation and distinct placement within an expanded soundstage which, combined with enhanced decay/sustain/reverb and echo, give a 3 dimensionality from this SS amp to at least match that from any of my best NOS tubes of the past...but with superior control, linearity and free from excessive 'coloration'.

In addition, the Silver Fox, especially along with removal of IEC connections and fuses have together highlighted Rob Watts's mammoth achievement in mscaler's transient handling and upscaling - the final effect on PRaT, definition, dynamics etc is profound indeed....not to mention supreme resolution of the most delicate micro details, especially in the upper frequencies.

Overall, the above have transformed delivery from my 'lowly' Empyreans (w/Angled Alcantara pads) to a level I never thought possible...such that I'm no longer interested in changing to Elites. Especially as my system is now streets ahead of my friend's T&A HA200/Elite combo.

ps. For anyone interested in further info re MCB fuse replacement and IEC experiences here's a link to the DIY-Audio Grade Fuses thread : https://www.head-fi.org/threads/audio-grade-fuses.419939/page-77

Edit : pps. Very important qualities I forgot to mention are now a surprisingly smooth (but still dynamic) richness and depth of sound overall, along with creamy mids that aren't in any way infected by the enhanced bass, and which make female voices especially even more seductive. There's a purity and organic nature to the sound that is more analog and belies an all digital SS system.

 

[jjazzy]

Still loving my mscaler/TT2 combo after a good few years now, and not in the slightest tempted by any of the competition. IMHO, anyone finding the slightest thing to criticise simply hasn't (yet) managed to assemble the rest of the system to maximise its potential.

My own (enlightening) journey has progressively taken performance from extremely good to outstanding...via :

1. Upgrading ALL cables, including power, to DIY Neotech solid UP-OCC silver and copper wires in various combinations and in well shielded dual configuration - separate for pos/neg, signal/return.

2. From budget Chinese LPSs that outperformed the stock SMPSs to now a Ferrum Hypsos PSU feeding both units, which brought a greater sound performance boost than I ever expected...(more on that later).

3. Going from Naim UnitiCore then Antipodes DX server/players as source to (much superior IMHO) modded Denon DCD1600NE (SA)CD/DVD-/+R player (as transport) and now their DCDA110. After the latter especially, I can no longer go back to streaming for serious listening!

4. A Ferrum OOR hp amp (with Hypsos PSU) initially gave improved performance over TT2 direct out in my system, but a game changer has now come from upgrading to a Cen.Grand "Silver Fox", with significant boosts to its already superb performance by firstly replacing its (good quality) internal Kimber PBJ hp out wiring with (once again) Neotech Teflon coated solid UP-OCC silver and copper, and secondly bypassing the IEC socket, fuse and main on/off switch - taking power directly to the amp's internal wiring.

This second project brought improvements way above expectation...so much so that I'm repeating this with every piece of equipment possible. I could understand the results from dispensing with the fuses - even that in the Hypsos PSU feeding the Chord duo... but I was equally surprised by the hit to performance from IEC connections.

With respect to fuses, after the boost from removing the 16A(F) one in the Silver Fox (as better protection comes anyway from the 12A Circuit Breaker in my ASF3000 Mains Conditioner/Filter supply), I have found similar boosts from using suitably rated MCBs connected in-line of the pos wires in my DIY cables, and in place of equipments' fuses. The results easily surpass using any fuse at any price (such as SR's £250!) and even much more expensive SDFB alternatives, that also need additional (good) cables. In comparison, good quality 'pre-owned' but looking like new MCBs can be had easily for £5 to £10. This must represent the best bang-for-buck mod one could ever hope for lol! .

At each of the above stages, performance boosts have included : deeper, more solid/detailed/textured bass; more detailed/extended/intricate and sweeter treble; greater clarity and precision from better separation and distinct placement within an expanded soundstage which, combined with enhanced decay/sustain/reverb and echo, give a 3 dimensionality from this SS amp to at least match that from any of my best NOS tubes of the past...but with superior control, linearity and free from excessive 'coloration'.

In addition, the Silver Fox, especially along with removal of IEC connections and fuses have together highlighted Rob Watts's mammoth achievement in mscaler's transient handling and upscaling - the final effect on PRaT, definition, dynamics etc is profound indeed.

Overall, the above have transformed delivery from my 'lowly' Empyreans (w/Angled Alcantara pads) to a level I never thought possible...such that I'm no longer interested in changing to Elites. Especially as my system is now streaks ahead of my friend's T&A HA200/Elite combo.

ps. For anyone interested in further info re MCB fuse replacement and IEC experiences here's a link to the DIY-Audio Grade Fuses thread : https://www.head-fi.org/threads/audio-grade-fuses.419939/page-77

Agree totally, just heared them last week on sonus faber amati’s and accuphase e-800s as dac, my life this is dac was shining. The power is it also so versitale.

Even the shop owner used to 15000/20000 euro streamers and dacs, never heared the mscaler+tt2, he was shocked how good it was.

To be honest I have heared more dacs I don’t like then I do since I am used to chord dacs with mscaler.

I was there to audit the accuphase e-800s

 

[Nick76]

Just got my new TT2 in! There is some high-pitch ringing coming from the unit whenever the screen is on, is this a normal finding?

 

[SteveHulk]

Just got my new TT2 in! There is some high-pitch ringing coming from the unit whenever the screen is on, is this a normal finding?

This is not at all normal. I have never heard of this before from a TT2.

In general terms such whining sounds come from reactances - capacitors or inductors - in a device when they are subjected to an oscillating electrical current. Such oscillations can result from poor grounding or ground loops.

I suggest the following: disconnect all input and output cables and try again, if the ringing (whining?) persists then take it to another socket in your house and try that. If still no success then maybe try it at a friend's house.

If this all fails, then I suggest you send it back for a replacement.

If you succeed in silencing the unit then that would imply that the TT2 is fine and that you need to pay attention to the way your devices are grounded in your setup.

 

[Nick76]

This is not at all normal. I have never heard of this before from a TT2.

In general terms such whining sounds come from reactances - capacitors or inductors - in a device when they are subjected to an oscillating electrical current. Such oscillations can result from poor grounding or ground loops.

I suggest the following: disconnect all input and output cables and try again, if the ringing (whining?) persists then take it to another socket in your house and try that. If still no success then maybe try it at a friend's house.

If this all fails, then I suggest you send it back for a replacement.

If you succeed in silencing the unit then that would suggest that the TT2 is fine and that you need to pay attention to the way your devices are grounded in your setup.

Seems to happen with nothing else but power cable plugged in, from my power conditioner and through any other outlet in the house directly, typical coil whine type of noise