My comparative listening is not performed in a controlled environment. My critical listening sessions focus on tuning the components to my liking rather than creating a repeatable set of events. And by “liking” I’m referring to the transient mood that’s created by any particular device or piece of work. The mood that’s created is not necessarily repeatable but nonetheless can still be compared to other moods in a subjective manner.
So, to provide some input to the discussion of combining the Hugo 2 with the Cayin; I find that using the Hugo 2 as a both a DAC and an Amp could satisfy my wants for music presentation for many years to come… if only I were not addicted to technology. But, because I’m willing to try out new devices on a whim or hunch I decided to order the Cayin HA-1A MK2.
I’ve connected the Cayin to a dozen different sources and the two stand-out favorites are the Chord Mojo and Hugo 2.
When I listen to some new material I play it through the Mojo/Cayin, the Hugo 2/Cayin, and through the WA7d Fireflies. I queue up the tracks and have the sources swapped, blind to me, until I’ve heard the new tracks on all 3 configurations. Almost without exception, my preference is the Mojo / Cayin combination regardless of the genre being played. That’s by no means a controlled test but it’s more than ample for my subjective listening.
Why does the Mojo / Caying combination excel every time. For my ears, it’s the “Live” effect of the presentation.
Whether the material was recorded in a studio or concert event, if the result is that I feel placed at the location of the performance then my time has been well spent. I attribute the bulk of that “Live” effect to the Cayin Amp. Of all the sources and Amps I’ve auditioned, adding the Cayin Amp into the stream has by far had the most discernible impact.
The Hugo 2 is a close 2nd place when used alone without the Cayin but there’s something vacant in the music… as though the instruments are not giving it their all. I’ve tried many combinations of the Hugo 2 filter & crossfeed settings but it doesn’t quite hit that premium level of delivery I get when I add the Cayin Amp.
Comparing the Hugo 2 / Cayin to the Fireflies; the Fireflies are outstanding at delivering material on almost every level. I wouldn’t keep them around if I were not truly impressed with them but the Hugo 2 / Cayin combo slays the Fireflies in overall presentation.
When I play material through the Fireflies I use the Crossfeed Audio Unit plug-ins because the DAC in those beauties displays too much channel separation for my tastes. Adjusting the crossfeed really makes the WA7 come alive.
I haven’t encountered any material played through the Hugo 2 / Cayin combo that needs the assistance of added crossfeed.
Again, a controlled environment is not a consideration for me. I enjoy the surprise and revelation of new material being played through a configuration that doesn’t disappoint. That’s exactly what the Hugo 2 / Cayin delivers.
