2014 was a pivotal year for Chord Electronics. The release of the first-generation Hugo helped put Chord on the map since it was one of the best-received and best-sounding portable DAC amps on the market. Three years later Chord released an even better product that is still one of the pillars of the best portable sound today, the Hugo 2. Yes, we know it’s been over 5 years since the Hugo 2 was first introduced, but the fact that it’s still a great-selling portable DAC amp even today made us want to revisit one of our favorites here at Moon Audio. Just what is it about the Hugo 2 that makes it sound so good? Why is it still so popular today? Let’s try to answer some of these questions as we take a further look at the renowned Hugo 2 Portable DAC Amplifier from Chord Electronics.
Chord Electronics
Hugo 2 DAC Headphone Amp
$2,175.00 USDFeatures
Battery: 2x Rechargeable custom Enix Energies 3.7v 9.6Wh Li-ion (lithium-ion (2600mAh) batteries*
Tap length filter: 49,152 – 10 element Pulse Array design
Playtime: 6 hours (Avg.time)
Charging: Nominal six (6) hours via Micro USB at 1.8amps (fast charge) – Nominal eight (8) hours at 1amp (slow charge)
Connectivity (input): Micro USB (White): 44.1kHz to 768kHz – 16bit to 32bit
Coax via 3.5mm jack (Red): 44.1kHz to 384kHz – 16bit to 32bit
Coax via (same) 3.5mm jack (Dual data mode: Yellow): 44.1kHz to 768kHz – 16bit to 32bit
Optical (Green): 44.1kHz to 96kHz – 16bit to 24bit
Connectivity (input wireless): Bluetooth® (APTX) (Blue): 44.1kHz to 48kHz – 16bit
Connectivity (output): 1x ¼” jack headphone output
1x 3.5mm jack headphone output
1x stereo (L & R) RCA output
PCM support: 44.1kHz, 48kHz, 88.2kHz, 96kHz, 176.4kHz, 192kHz, 352.8kHz, 384kHz, 717.6kHz, and 768kHz. 16 – 32bit
DSD support: Native playback supported. DSD64 (Single) to DSD512 (Octa-DSD)
Volume control: Digital, activated in 1dB increments. Last known state saved upon shutdown, with exception of line-level mode
Line-level mode: Activated via dual press of middle ‘Source’ and ‘Crossfeed’ buttons. Line level = 3v via all outputs. Reset by power cycle
Power saving mode: Auto-shutdown after ten minutes of input inactivity
Driver support: Driverless with Mac OS X and Linux, driver required for Windows OS
What's in the Box?
Warranty
Introducing the next step in Chord Electronics' Hugo digital to analog converter (DAC) and portable headphone amplifier with the Hugo 2. The Hugo 2 brings tremendous advancements from the original in every way possible, making it the perfect device for high-resolution on-the-go music listening. Small enough to take with you but powerful enough to integrate into a desktop system, the Hugo 2 represents the best portable sound Chord has to offer. With a rechargeable battery, the Chord Hugo 2 is both a portable DAC and capable of being a desktop DAC too, perfect for headphone listening everywhere.
Hearing is believing. Even after 5 years on the market the Hugo 2 still manages to impress audiophiles. It's a substantial upgrade from the original Hugo in both sound and internal components. The Hugo 2 DAC/Amp doesn't depart much from the Chord Electronic's house sound, being analytical and detailed, and it has some of the best dynamic range we've heard in a small package. Don't let the size fool you either, the Hugo 2 can pull its weight even in larger desktop setups too, offering a great selection of inputs and outputs to fit in almost any audio system (headphones, IEMs, and desktop setups). You don't always get what you pay for, but in this case, you get much, much more. Check out our Chord Hugo 2 Review for more information.
Dragon Cable Recommendation: The Silver Dragon USB Cable is our best-selling cable at Moon Audio and the perfect companion for the Hugo 2 DAC Amp. The Silver Dragon USB transfers digital audio from a computer or portable device such as a Phone, Tablet, or DAP (digital audio Player) to a USB-capable DAC. The Silver Dragon Interconnect is another great option depending on your existing setup. Also consider the Black Dragon Mini Coax Digital Cable for Chord.
Adding the 2GO for Full Streaming Functionality
With the Chord 2Go you can turn your Chord Hugo 2 into a high-performance, high-end streamer and server via a wi-fi or ethernet-enabled device. The 2GO is very similar to what the Chord Poly is for the Chord Mojo, but the Hugo 2 and 2GO is next level when it comes to sound and performance.
In addition to its wireless music streaming abilities, the 2GO offers wi-fi and Bluetooth WLAN as well as wired LAN for a much more stable connection. Let's face it, no wireless connection is flawless and can have blips and drop outs. We always recommend a wired connection if at all possible.
The Chord 2GO also expands the ability to add micro SD cards, with 2 slots for expandable storage, for a total of up to 4TB of external storage (x2 2TB micro SD cards). This makes the 2GO and Chord Hugo 2 pairing function as a high-capacity digital music server using MPD. When powered from its battery alone, the Hugo 2 and 2GO deliver the ultimate performance and pure sound quality in a portable format.
The 2GO is controlled by the same Go Figure App used to control the Poly. 2GO contains highly advanced, miniaturized electronic engineering and is the most technically and sonically advanced compact music streamer available today. The 2Go combines wireless convenience (2.4GHz Wi-Fi and A2DP Bluetooth) and plug-and-play operation with the stability and performance of wired (Gigabit) Ethernet connectivity.
The 2GO also benefits from comprehensive audio interfacing and offers Tidal, Qobuz, and internet radio playback with Spotify and other services. Earmarked for the future, the 2GO is also Roon Ready, offers gapless audio and DoP/Bit Perfect support, as well as being fully DLNA-compliant (server/renderer) and AirPlay-ready.
Adding the 2YU to the 2GO
The Chord 2YU is a digital interface that connects to the Chord 2GO, effectively turning the 2GO/2YU into a fully-functional, standalone music streamer and server. It is only a direct interface for the 2GO, however, the digital outputs can be used to provide a WLAN or LAN connection when combined with other DACs form Chord Electronics or other manufacturers. Note that the 2YU does not connect directly to the Hugo 2, but rather the 2GO, giving the 2GO an effective interface with digital outputs.
The Chord 2YU offers four digital outputs so it can be connected to Chord's own Hugo M Scaler or Hugo TT2 to create a state-of-the-art streaming system. We would recommend the Black Dragon 75ohm Mini Coax Cable to connect the 2GO-2YU together with the Hugo 2 as it enables you to connect the 2GO-2YU to multiple DACs in a 2 channel setup. For example, you can use the Hugo 2 as your primary headphone amplifier and send another digital output to your 2 channel or Home Theater system.
Chord’s Hugo 2 digital to analog converter (DAC) and headphone amplifier continues to inspire a revolutionary high fidelity in portable music listening from the innovative makers at Chord Electronics in Kent England. There are tons of performance improvements with headphones such as timing accuracy, noise reduction, and dynamic range. Stereo and speaker listeners will feel just as much as they hear with the Chord Hugo 2 DAC and amplifier.
The Chord Hugo 2 features the most advanced field-programmable gate array (FPGA) and highly advanced watts transient aligned (WTA) filters which brings vast improvements to the Hugo 2's sound with headphones, IEMs, or speakers.
Digital Inputs and Outputs
The Chord Hugo 2 has four digital inputs: optical, coaxial, HD USB, and extended-range Bluetooth with file playback up to 768kHz and DSD512 (Octa DSD) via HD USB input. High-resolution audio coming into the Hugo 2 means great sound going out. Two RCA (L and R), 3.5mm and 6.35mm single-ended headphone analog outputs make the Hugo 2 compatible with just about every headphone, IEM, or preamp out there (minus balanced connectors).
Hugo 2 Filters
The Chord Hugo 2 brings the ability to tailor your sound to the way you like it, whether it be a warm and precise presentation or precise and dynamic, the Hugo 2 provides a four-function filter to change the sound according to how you want to listen to your music. Simply push a button to switch the filter. The Hugo 2 creates listening power and flexibility for the user - allowing you to make your music sound the best to your ears, and giving you all the control to do so.
Crossfeed for Headphones
The Hugo 2 retains the original Hugo's popular digital crossfeed function with three variations for settings. The Hugo 2 crossfeeds a 400-millisecond delay in shaping music from both the left and right outputs to the different channels based on advanced binaural audio research to emulate the effect of listening to music in a room with a stereo and speakers. Crossfeed is one of the shining features of the Hugo lineup, and if you prefer the presentation of a speaker setup, then the Hugo 2 can do it for you.
The Portable DAC That Can Stay Home Too
The Chord Hugo 2 features a new precision-machined aircraft-inspired aluminum case. A sharper lower profile with four now larger but still round control buttons makes the Hugo 2 a more portable DAC and headphones amp than its predecessor. Clearly, the new Hugo 2 design speaks to the portable DAC success achieved by the Chord Mojo DAC. The company anticipates greater “indoor” usage too by including a full-featured remote control. The Hugo 2 has the power and connectivity to be easily integrated into your home hi-fi desktop system, but with the internal battery, you are also free to take it on the go. It's this versatility that makes the Hugo 2 one of the best portable DAC headphone amps on the market.
Battery Life
Battery life makes a significant contribution to any portable DAC or headphone amplifier. Chord Hugo 2 battery life is around seven hours with two “automatic charging” modes via a dedicated Micro USB charging port: fast or 1.8 amperes and slow coming in at less than one ampere. The Hugo 2 includes a battery charge indicator and status gauge.
Moore’s Law
"It's very impressive how Moore's Law is giving Chord more powerful, less power-hungry FPGAs year by year and they are taking great advantage of it. The technology in the regular DAC chips, such as ESS, isn't progressing at such a rapid rate. I listened to the audio recording that Chris put up of John Franks and Rob Watts talking about the new kit. It was incredible to hear that Rob Watts dreamed of a million tap filter in the early 80s and never believed it would be possible, and now 35 years later he's able to announce a product with such a thing in it."
Richard Dale on Head-fi.org
Chord Hugo 2, Smartphones and Dragon Audio Cables
Now that the Chord Mojo isn’t the only portable high fidelity digital to analog converter (DAC) and headphones amplifier buyers and listeners will be glad to know the Chord Hugo 2 adds new depth, soundstage, and intimacy to music via iPhones, iPads, or Android smartphones and tablets. Apple iPhones and iPads will need a camera adapter (CCK) via USB since Chord Electronics continues to balk at paying Apple licensing fees.
We recommend our Apple CCK + Silver Dragon USB for customers who love precision and detail when listening to their music and Apple CCK + Black Dragon for music lovers look for more warmth and better lower and mid-tones in their portable DAC listening experience.
Android phones and pads can connect directly to the new Chord Hugo 2. We recommend Silver Dragon USB for Android smartphone listeners who look for precision and detail and Black Dragon USB for those seeking warmth and robust low to mid-tones.
The Power of Upscaling with the Chord M Scaler
To upgrade your Chord Qutest to the next level, we recommend adding the Chord Hugo M Scaler. Using technology first seen in the flagship BLU MKII digital/CD transport, the Hugo M Scaler is a standalone upscaling device containing the world’s most advanced digital filter. When used with a dual-BNC-input Chord Electronics DAC, it is capable of redefining digital audio sound quality.
The Hugo M Scaler is a highly advanced standalone upscaler capable of redefining sound quality from digital audio. It uses Rob Watts’ unique filter technology, the most advanced in the world, to upscale standard 44.1kHz digital audio up to 705.6kHz (16x CD’s 44.1kHz native resolution), ready to be passed to a suitable DAC; Hugo M Scaler extends its upscaling performance to 768kHz (from 96kHz input data) for Chord's dual-BNC-input DACs: DAVE, Qutest and the Hugo TT 2. The Hugo M Scaler brings the unrivaled advantages of our ground-breaking FPGA-based WTA (Watts Transient Alignment) filtering technology to digitally connected audio devices, dramatically improving sound quality. Although optimized for use with selected Chord Electronics DACs (for the maximum 768kHz upscaling/decoding benefit), the Hugo M Scaler can be used with other DACs with suitable inputs, subject to their decoding capability.
The Hugo M Scaler’s compact form factor aligns with the TT (Table Top) series and has been designed to be stackable with other units in the range, including the TToby stereo power amp and the Hugo TT 2, to form a highly advanced yet space-saving system. In line with other models in the Hugo and Hugo TT series, the device features a number of illuminable fascia-mounted spherical controls, governing input selection, output sample rate, and video mode for lower latency. The control spheres display data visually including the input source and the incoming sample rate, using a polychromatic scale. When partnered with either of Chord Electronics’ 768kHz-capable dual-BNC-input DACs, the Hugo M Scaler sets an astonishing technical benchmark for digital audio performance at its price point, redefining sound quality from digital audio.
FAQ
Can you fit the Hugo 2 in your pocket?
In most cases, no. The Hugo 2 is still fairly sizable as a portable so you will need some kind of external carrying case of cargo pants with large pockets to walk around with the Hugo2 while in use.
What makes the Hugo 2 different than the Mojo/Mojo 2?
The Hugo 2 is the bigger brother to the Mojo Series. More power outputs, headphone jacks, filter controls, taps, etc. It's a very significant upgrade for when you want one of the best portables on the market.
Can you connect the Hugo 2 to your phone/table?
Like many other DAC/Amps you can use USB connections from your phone/tablet to the USB input on the Hugo 2.
Is it possible to use the Hugo 2 off of just wall power, like for a desktop setup?
Yes, the Hugo 2 has a desktop mode that will kick in after 2 hours of being powered on.
Does the Hugo 2 support Bluetooth/Wireless?
The Hugo 2 does not natively support Bluetooth or wireless connections, but with the addition of the 2Go (purchased separately) you can use Bluetooth, DLNA wireless, Airplay 2, and it is Roon to control your unit as well.
Chord Hugo 2 Buzz
"There isn't another DAC around at anywhere near this sort of price able to communicate so torrentially, so unambiguously, or so effortlessly. It's expensive, but the boost in performance is worth every penny."
What HiFi?, Best DAC £1000+
"The finest DAC I've ever seen/heard/used."
John Darko, Knock Out Award
"If I sound deeply impressed by the Chord Hugo2, that’s because I am. At this moment in time I really can’t think of any other transportable headphone amp/DAC that can directly compete with Hugo2, or that even comes close."
Chris Martens, HIFI+
Chord Hugo Features
Hugo 2 includes the latest FPGAs and WTA (Watts Transient Aligned) filters with new features:
- 7 Hour Battery Life
- 49,152 Taps
- 768kHz Micro USB Input
- 384kHz Coax Jack Input
- 192kHz Optical Input
- Bluetooth Apt X Input
- 1x 1/4" Headphone Output
- 1x 3.5mm Headphone Output
- Unbalanced RCA Outputs
- DSD512 (8x) Native
- Native DSD Support
- 4x Playback Filters
- 3x Crossfeed Function
What's in the Box?
- Hugo 2
- IR remote control
- 2amp USB Charger
- 1.2m Micro USB Cable
- 1m optical cable
- 15cm Micro USB to Micro USB OTG Cable
- User Manual
- Cotton Drawstring Bag
Chord Electronics Hugo 2 DAC Amp Review
The Best Portable Sound Has to Offer?
PROS:
- Awesome Chord detail and clarity
- Feature-packed
- 2GO pairing adds more features and streaming functionality
CONS:
- Pricey
- You either love or hate the spherical controls
Materials & Quality
The Hugo 2 fits right in that sweet spot of being small enough to be able to take with you but still powerful enough that it will seem right at home in a desktop setup as well. The chassis is made from aircraft-grade aluminum, giving it great strength and durability, and comes in both a silver and back color variation. The silver version has a nice silver sheen to it, giving it a premium feel. Let’s be honest, it’s Chord Electronics, so it’s built like a tank and everything that goes into the production of making the Hugo 2 is top-quality components and craftsmanship. You’ll see that Chord shows off their colored-ball control design, which is functional enough in this format, giving you control over the filter select, input select, crossfeed settings, and power. On the top of the unit is where you’ll find the volume control wheel, which rolls up or down depending on how you adjust the volume.
Inputs and outputs (I/O) on the Hugo 2 are excellent. Inputs consist of an optical Toslink (24-bit/192kHz capable), an RCA coax input (24-bit/384kHz capable), and an HD USB input (32-bit/768kHz and DSD512 capable). Bluetooth is also included as an input option via the aptX codec. Outputs on the Hugo 2 include a 3.5, headphone jack (unbalanced), a 6.35mm headphone output (unbalanced), and a pair of stereo RCA phono outputs.
Again, the quality of the DAC is unmistakable. It’s a solid construction with a great selection of I/O for both portable and desktop usage scenarios. Chord has also developed an add-on to the Hugo 2, the 2GO, that connects directly to the Hugo 2 via dual micro-USB connections. When connected, the two devices are practically integrated seamlessly, making for a complete high-resolution music streaming system. We’ll talk more about the 2GO later in the review, but Chord always gets an A+ in our book for design and product integration. The DAC is still small enough to be palmable, and with the included internal battery, you’re looking at around 7 hours of battery life for music playback. It’s a capable hi-fi device that we’d argue, at least here at Moon Audio, has hardly been topped yet when it comes to superb portable audio quality.
Sound Quality
We’ve already said it numerous times before, the Chord Hugo 2 is some of the best portable sound you can get. Let’s take a look at why that is.
First off, the big upgrade from the original Hugo is that the tap-length has now been doubled to 49,152 and ups the 4-element Pulse Array design to 10-elements. The previous Hugo only had 26,368 taps, and although we’re not going to get into here in this review, many will argue that on a fundamental level, more taps mean better sound quality. The other element to the equation is Rob Watt’s engineering and the upsampling filters that affect the quality of the audio playback. Like many of Chord’s products, the Hugo 2 DAC signature leans to the analytical side, providing an astounding amount of detail in clarity in the sound reproduction. The tight and accurate bass response is impressive, though in all honesty, it might be a bit on the light side for bass heads and people looking for some major slam. Mids are well articulated and the resolution and dynamics across the board stand out well among the competition.
As mentioned in the previous section, the Hugo 2 has a great selection of inputs and outputs, and depending on how you are connecting the DAC to your system, will determine the resolution of your audio playback.
- 1x Optical TOSLink 24-bit/192kHz-capable
- 1x RCA coaxial input 24-bit/384kHz-capable
- 1x HD USB input 32-bit/768kHz and DSD512-capable
It says a lot to me when I plug in a piece of gear and I'm already hearing new things in songs I've listened to literally thousands of times before. You can see the test songs below, but I was pinpointing new bits in the first playthrough. The Hugo 2 is an absolutely detail beast machine. That being said, some people get the impression that when something is analytical that it's devoid of low-end - and that's simply not the case. Your bass response will be more so affected by your set of headphones, but the Chord Hugo 2 does a great job of outputting some accurate low-end with excellent extension. Those hyper-details extend to all frequencies - from the crispness of the hi-hat and crashes to the intonation of the plucking or slapping on the bass guitar strings. Feel the difference between a 20" and a 22" kick drum - the details of your music extend to all ranges - and that's a great thing.
When it comes to comparing the Hugo 2 to the original Hugo, to make it simple, there are huge improvements in dynamic range, overall power, noise reduction, and timing accuracy. You can watch Drew Baird, P.E. talk more about these differences and improvements in his video below.
The filters and crossfeed settings are effective, so spend some time finding the one that sounds right to you. Crossfeed is a nice feature that is included, and it's been so popular that Chord has even included it on their newer and smaller Chord Mojo 2. I'm of the opinion that it's nice to have options, even if you don't end up using them that much, which was my case for the crossfeed settings. It's hard to get better sound from a device as portable as the Hugo 2. Even after 5 years now since its release, the Hugo 2 is still one of the best options on the market for those wanting a DAC amp that can easily go with you and hang with the big desktop boys at the same time. You have to hear it to believe it.
The Hugo 2 is an absolute detail beast machine.
Features
There are a number of high-end features that makes the Hugo 2 a capable and portable DAC amp with a few tricks up its sleeve.
Filters
The Hugo 2 offers 4 different filtering options. Filters allow you to shape the frequency curve to tailor the sound based on your listening preferences. Keep in mind that these are not major EQ changes to the sound, rather, they are micro-shaping the curve to affect roll-off and attack. They're subtle, yet effective changes that can make a difference in how low and high frequencies in particular are perceived (depending on the type of music you are listening to).
Filters - Offering user-selectable frequency-shaping
- Hugo (Ultimate Reference) (White)
- Hugo HF+ (High Frequency roll off) (Green)
- Mojo (‘Smooth’) (Orange)
- Mojo HF+ (High Frequency roll off) (Red)
Crossfeed
Chord implements Crossfeed settings as well into the Hugo, allowing the user to have a speaker-like performance when listening to music. The effect can be adjusted based on the amount of crossfeed you want in each driver, simulating the amount of space between speakers and the relative imaging.
Crossfeed - The system duplicates the effects of listening to speakers
- Level I - Light
- Level 2 - Medium
- Level 3 - Heavy
Input Select
The Hugo 2 has a great selection of I/O, giving the user a number of ways to connect to listen to their music. You can select from four digital inputs: optical, coaxial, HD USB, and extended-range Bluetooth. For analog outputs, the Hugo 2 has two RCA (L&R), 3.5mm, and 6.35mm headphone out, giving you the option to plug it into just about anything. The even better part of this is that Chord has developed an additional product that plugs right into the Hugo 2, giving you even more features like streaming. We'll introduce you to the Chord 2GO now.
The Chord 2GO
The 2Go is a neat little device that easily makes the Hugo 2 into one of the best-sounding all-in-one portable streaming devices. The 2Go connects seamlessly to the Hugo 2 DAC amp, allowing it to stream directly from a high-resolution source via Wi-Fi. For the best audio quality, you can also connect the 2Go to your network via the ethernet jack, making it a great solution for wireless streaming either on the go or in your home desktop system. That being said, the 2GO offers a lot more than just great streaming. One of my favorite features is the dual microSD slots, which basically means today you can plug in 2TB worth of high-resolution audio files and use the 2GO as a network streamer. It adds a ton of additional features to an already versatile device, so in my book, the 2GO is a perfect match with the Hugo 2 (much like the popular Mojo and Poly duo). It'd be hard to have one without the other.
About the 2GO
The 2go is a high-performance streamer/server that transforms the Hugo 2 into a full-featured Wi-Fi- and Ethernet-enabled device. In addition to its music streaming abilities, because 2go has up to 4 TB of SD card music storage it also functions as a high-capacity digital music server (using MPD). When being powered from its battery alone the Hugo/2go delivers the ultimate in purist audio. The 2go contains highly advanced miniaturized electronic engineering and is the most technically and sonically advanced compact music streamer available today.
Wireless convenience (2.4GHz Wi-Fi and A2DP Bluetooth) combine with the stability and performance of wired (Gigabit) Ethernet connectivity, the latter offering set-up-free plug-and-play operation. 2go also benefits from comprehensive audio interfacing and offers Tidal, Qobuz, and Internet radio playback with Spotify (and others) earmarked for the future. 2go is also Roon Ready, offers gapless audio and DoP/Bit Perfect support, as well as being fully DLNA-compliant (server/renderer) and AirPlay-ready.
A key feature of 2go is its auto-switching input function: every audio interface is always on, therefore switching between inputs is as easy as hitting ‘play’ on the chosen control point app; 2go conveniently switches between all its inputs automatically, giving a seamless user experience when playing music from different sources or even streaming services.
Compatibility: In order for 2go to perform as a fully functional streamer, a connection with Hugo 2 (DAC/Preamp/Headphone amp) or 2yu is required.
Wireless Connectivity: Long-range 2.4GHz WiFi allows 2go to connect to an existing 2.4GHz WiFi network. Hotspot mode (activated within the Gofigure app), allows 2go to broadcast its own WiFi network with SSID and password in the eventuality that the device cannot connect to a static network. 2go can also be connected via Bluetooth 4.1 A2Dp.
Dragon Cables
The Chord Hugo 2 and Dragon Cables go together like peanut butter and jelly. Now that the Chord Mojo isn’t the only portable high-fidelity digital to analog converter (DAC) and headphones amplifier buyers and listeners will be glad to know the Chord Hugo 2 adds new depth, soundstage, and intimacy to music via iPhones, iPads, or Android smartphones and tablets. Apple iPhones and iPads will need a camera adapter (CCK) via USB since Chord Electronics continues to balk at paying Apple licensing fees.
We recommend our Apple CCK + Silver Dragon USB for customers who love precision and detail when listening to their music and Apple CCK + Black Dragon for music lovers who look for more warmth and better lower and mid-tones in their portable DAC listening experience.
Android phones and pads can connect directly to the new Chord Hugo 2. We recommend Silver Dragon USB for Android smartphone listeners who look for precision and detail and Black Dragon USB for those seeking warmth and robust low to mid-tones.
Generally, stock audio cables are manufactured with subpar materials, metals with impurities, poor geometries, and an overabundance of layers to make them look and feel like a fire hose. Inconsistency and lack of quality control in stock cables can lead to poor sound quality and a veiled sound vs what the musician intended for you to hear and feel from the music. Dragon cables are handcrafted with the highest standards and made to order according to your specific needs. At Moon Audio, we create a custom cable for you using the highest quality UP-OCC silver or copper conductors that can be manufactured. UP-OCC metals are void of impurities and are optimized for signal transfer and sound quality. We have one of the largest collections of audio and headphone connection options available online and we create limitless audio cable options depending on your specific gear and needs.
Silver Dragon Sound Signature: The Silver Dragon is the original cable. Silver strands clarify instrument separation, increase the soundstage, and find previously lost high and mid-frequency sounds. Transients appear more cohesive and the bass is tighter for a more controlled sound. The detail and clarity of the Silver Dragon make it a perfect match for classical music and other genres with many nuanced instruments.
Black Dragon Sound Signature: The Black Dragon is warm and smooth with a musical presentation. Copper strands enhance the body, shape, and immediacy of the music. The detail and expansiveness of the Black Dragon make it a flexible fit where a broad range of musical genres are played. It can also improve bass frequencies on bass-light headphones. The smooth, musical quality makes it a perfect fit for headphones that tend to sound a bit edgy or bright. Despite its warmth, the Black Dragon does not have a laid-back, lush sound. It is much closer to neutral, making it a very natural-sounding cable. For more information on finding your signature sound, visit our Sound Signature Guide.
Hugo 2 Connections
Inputs:
- 1x Optical TOSLink 24-bit/192kHz-capable
- 1x RCA coaxial input 24-bit/384kHz-capable
- 1x HD USB input 32-bit/768kHz and DSD512-capable
- 1x aptX Bluetooth (extended range)
Outputs:
- 1x 3.5mm headphone jack
- 1x 6.35mm (¼ inch) headphone jack
- 1x (pair) stereo RCA phono output
The Verdict
Hearing is believing. Even after 5 years on the market the Hugo 2 still manages to impress. It's a substantial upgrade from the original Hugo in both sound and internal components. The Hugo 2 doesn't depart much from the Chord house sound, being analytical and detailed, and it has some of the best dynamic range I've heard in a small package. Don't let the size fool you either, the Hugo 2 can pull its weight even in larger desktop setups too, offering a great selection of inputs and outputs to fit in almost any audio system (headphones, IEMs, and desktop setups). Yes, it's on the expensive side, but be assured that you'll get much more from your music. You don't always get what you pay for, but in this case, you get much, much more.
Featured Products
Videos
Chord Hugo 2 - The Legend Remastered
Chord Hugo 2 Review, Features, & Specs
Chord Hugo 2 & 2GO: Need to Know
Technical Features
- Materials
- Clamshell precision machined aluminium casing with polycarbonate buttons, acrylic signal window, and glass viewing portal. Available in a choice of two colours – natural silver, and satin black
- Battery
- 2x Rechargeable custom Enix Energies 3.7v 9.6Wh Li-ion (lithium-ion (2600mAh) batteries*
- Tap length filter
- 49,152 – 10 element Pulse Array design
- Play time
- In excess of seven (7) hours
- Charging
- Nominal four (4) hours via Micro USB at 1.8amps (fast charge) – Nominal eight (8) hours at 1amp (slow charge)
- Connectivity (input)
- Micro USB (White): 44.1kHz – 768kHz – 16bit – 32bit
Coax via 3.5mm Jack (Red): 44.1kHz – 768kHz – 16bit – 32bit
Optical (Green): 44.1kHz – 192kHz – 16bit – 24bit - Connectivity (input wireless)
- Bluetooth (Bluetooth 2.1 +EDR with APTX) (Blue): 44.1kHz – 48kHz – 16bit
- Connectivity (output)
- 1x ¼” jack headphone output
1x 3.5mm jack headphone output
1x stereo (L & R) RCA output - PCM support
- 44.1kHz, 48kHz, 88.2kHz, 96kHz, 176.4kHz, 192kHz, 358.8kHz, 384kHz, 717.6kHz, and 768kHz.
- DSD support
- Native playback supported. DSD64 (Single) to DSD512 (Octa-DSD)
- Volume control
- Digital, activated in 1dB increments. Last known state saved upon shutdown, with exception of line-level mode
- Line-level mode
- Activated via dual press of middle ‘Source’ and ‘Crossfeed’ buttons. Line level = 3v via all outputs. Reset by power cycle
- Power saving mode
- Auto-shutdown after ten minutes of input inactivity
- Driver support
- Driverless with Mac OS X and Linux, driver required for Windows OS
- Chipset
- Chord Electronics custom coded Xilinx Artix 7 (XC7A15T) FPGA
- Tap-length
- 49,152
- Pulse array
- 10 element pulse array design
- Frequency response
- 20Hz – 20kHz +/- 0.2dB
- Output stage
- Class A
- Output impedance
- 0.025Ω
- THD
- <0.0001% 1kHz 3v RMS 300Ω
- THD and noise at 3v RMS
- 120dB at 1kHz 300ohms ‘A’ wighted (reference 5.3v)
- Noise 2.6 uV ‘A’ weighted
- No measurable noise floor modulation
- Signal to noise ratio
- 126dB ‘A’ Weighted
- Channel separation
- 135dB at 1kHz 300Ω
- Power output @ 1kHz 1% THD
- 94mW 300Ω
740mW 33Ω
1050mW 8Ω - Weight
- 450g
- Dimensions
- 130mm (L) x 100mm (W) x 21mm (H)
- Boxed Dimensions
- 220mm (L) x 122mm (W) x 85mm (H)