Alongside Poly the Chord Hugo 2 was also officially unveiled at CES 2017. The new Hugo 2 features the latest WTA filters, better performance. This new breed of Hugo kicks off from where the original outstanding Hugo was. Increased performance and new filters take the Hugo series up another notch.

The Hugo 2 has been dramatically redesigned with all-new casework, flexible new features, plus next-generation technical and sonic performance at £1,800. Chord have announced both the Hugo 2 Silver and Hugo 2 Black

The precision-machined aircraft-grade aluminium case has a sharper, lower profile design than the original Hugo and four spherical control buttons. The spheres, which are top-mounted, allow for future expansion side-modules. The top-mounted volume-control sphere that was found on the original Hugo has been retained and made larger for more intuitive operation.

The stylish new design and additional functionality has further made the Hugo a device for both indoor and outdoor usage and with the inclusion of a full-function remote control adds further flexibility and the practical line-level output mode of the original has also been retained.

New levels of technical performance

All areas of the original Hugo have been improved upon with performance gains having been made in timing accuracy, noise reduction, headphone amp power and dynamic range.

Four digital inputs

Akin to Hugo the Hugo 2 offers four digital inputs (optical, coaxial and HD USB) plus extended-range Bluetooth, with high-resolution file playback up to 768kHz and up to DSD512 (Octa DSD), via its HD USB input. Analogue outputs include 2x RCA, plus 3.5mm and 6.35mm headphone outputs.

User-selectable filtering option

A new addition comes in the form of four-function switch filter, operated by its own control sphere. This offers the user a useful degree of user-selectable frequency-shaping, bringing warm and soft or transparent and incisive presentations, giving additional flexibility and user control.

Battery life improved

Battery playing time has increased to c.14 hours and USB fast charging over micro has been included: fast (1.8 amperes) and slow (less than one ampere). An indicator shows charging and battery-charge status.

Lower distortion, better output stage

To further improve of the output stage and reduce distortion even more brand new digital DC servos have replaced the inline capacitors which helps power-drive performance and capability of the output stage.

Technical specifications

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 (1/4 inch) headphone jack
• 1x (pair) stereo RCA phono output

Specifications

• Frequency response: 20Hz – 20kHz +/- 0.2dB
• Total Harmonic Distortion: <0.0001% 1kHz 3V RMS 300 ohms
• THD and noise at 3V RMS Ref 5.3V: 120dB @ 1kHz 300 ohms A Wt
• Noise 2.6 uV A Wt: no measurable noise floor modulation
• Signal to noise ratio: 126dB A-weighted
• Channel separation: 135dB @ 1kHz 300 ohms
• Maximum output level (to clipping at 1% distortion): 94 mW 300 ohms; 740 mW 33 ohms; 1050 mW (8)
• Output impedance: 25 milliohms (0.025 ohms)

Technical features

• Advanced digital volume control
• Crossfeed filter network
• Four-stage frequency-shaping filter
• Fast-charging batteries via Micro USB giving c.14 hours operation
• 49,195K tap-length filter (near double the original the Hugo)

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