Chord’s Table Top Hugo DAC

The new larger desktop-orientated device offers wider connectivity including a USB-B input, XLR outputs, two ¼-inch headphone outputs, plus improved performance and features.

The original Hugo released just one year ago has enjoyed worldwide success, and it didn't take long for Hi-Fi enthusiasts to demand a more 'home-friendly' device.

Hugo TT gains a new larger chassis, remote control, an alphanumeric LED display with input/sample rate data, and according to Chord, "improved sonic performance thanks to supercapacitors".

Hugo TT benefits from a high-quality asynchronous B-type USB connection for both the SD and HD USB input, with two further digital inputs: a (new) BNC coaxial and optical (TOSLink).

With a growing trend towards studio-master-quality (DXD) music files, Hugo TT supports up to 32-bit/384kHz audio via coax and USB, and 24-bit/192kHz over optical, plus DSD64 on all inputs and DSD128 via coax or USB (all via DoP).

For convenience, and to integrate with today’s digitally stored media, like the original Hugo it also has A2DP Bluetooth capability and uses a custom-made module with the aptX codec to feed a digital signal directly into the DAC circuitry, so even without cables, music can still be enjoyed. We were particularly impressed with the A2DP sound quality when we reviewed the original Hugo last year.

The Hugo TT retains the same Spartan 6 FPGA as the original Hugo, however benefits from improved batteries and 'Supercap' energy storage. A technology seen in Formula1 where supercacitors back-up the car’s batteries by sharing the load and charge demands, they serve a similar purpose in the Hugo TT. Chord says this technology extends the battery life as well as improving dynamics and demanding transients in recorded music.

Features:

• Remote control allowing input (source) selection and volume control
• Alphanumeric LED display to show settings
• Double the battery capacity of Hugo
• 10,000,000uF (microfarads) of supercapacitor energy storage
• Fully balanced outputs using XLR connectors
• Single-ended RCA outputs
• BNC coaxial digital input
• Optical TOSLink input
• Full-sized B-type USB inputs for both SD USB and HD USB feeds
• Full galvanic isolation on the HD USB input right up to 384kHz
• Improved analogue stage output current for low distortion into low impedance loads
• 2 x ¼-inch jack headphone outputs
• 1 x 3.5mm jack headphone output

Specifications:

• Advanced digital volume control
• Crossfeed filter network
• Battery-powered for power supply isolation 
• Input selection identification and remote volume up or down indication is via alphanumeric display and colour-changing LED display
• 26K tap-length filter
• THD: 140dB
• Headphone output: 110dB SPL into a 300ohm headphone load

Chord Electronics Hugo TT will be available in February for $6199.00 RRP.

Chord Electronics is distributed in Australia by Radiance Audio Visual.