Ian (
xeroian)
On its way RMSD. Delivery by 1pm tomorrow and needs signature.
Enjoy and please confirm in thread once received.
Enjoy.
My mini review
I'm really glad I got to demo the CH2 as its convinced me that for my usage requirement (just using SE846's), I don't need to be chasing the "White Rabbit" any longer when it comes to DAC's. Its certainly the best audio output I've ever heard through my SE846's but the improvement over the Chord Mojo doesn't justify me going from a £280 Mojo (bought as a "Like New" in Amazon Prime sale) to ~ £1800 (or £1650 if haggle for discount) for the CH2. I'm sure with demanding headphones or a high-end home sound system it will be more justifiable.
I must not have "Golden Ears" as I can't detect differences with the filter settings.
I was surprised how good audio can sound over standard aptx Bluetooth. Best I'd heard prior to this was the B&W P7 Wireless which itself was great.
With my Shure SE846's and with nothing playing I'm hearing background hiss. If I use the IEMatch it clears that noise up but was surprised the SE846's would pick anything up from the Hugo 2 as near silent with Mojo (with or without a source connected). Nothing serious but for those with sensitive low impedance earphones who want a total black background its fine with an iFi IEMatch. Didn't notice any interference from phones Wifi or cellular which you can get with the Mojo.
Other DAC's/DAP's used or owned are: Dragonfly Red, Mojo, HA-2SE, ZX2, X5III. Personally I'm perfectly happy with Spotify 320ogg files but do have a selection of Hi-def FLAC and DSD files plus currently a 3 month trial of Tidal HiFi/Master.
Now if best audio at any price is your main driver and you can't afford a Chord Dave or equivalent then the Hugo 2 is perfect.
One word to describe its audio quality.........beautiful.
Only thing that disappoints on build quality is the cheap looking plastic remote rather than the Aluminium one shown in early marketing shots. The Hugo 2 itself is quality as you'd expect at this price.
If money not a consideration, just buy it. Compared to Mojo, everything is slightly better without any negatives I could hear (other than slight hiss without using IEMatch)
My photo shows a Z5 compact using UAPP app set to bit perfect connected to CH2 USB with Penon pure silver cable. Output to my SE846's with iFi IEMatch adapter using a Fidue silver plated 7N OFC cable. Tack playing is a 24bit 192kHz track.