The Hugo 2, from Chord Electronics

Hugo 2 can be used both at home and on-the-go, either with headphones or within a conventional audio system. Its line-level output and full-function remote control adds real flexibility in full-size and desktop systems.

The device 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.

A four-function switch filter offers a useful degree of user-selectable frequency-shaping, bringing warm and soft or transparent and incisive presentations, giving additional flexibility and user control. For headphone-listening, Hugo 2 retains the popular digital crossfeed function of the original and offers three operation modes. The system duplicates the effect of listening to speakers and is based on advanced binaural audio research.

Specifications...

• 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 32Ω

• 1050mW 8Ω

• Weight: 450g

• Dimensions (H x W x D): 2.3 x 10 x 13.1 cm

Or check out this review - Chord Electronics Hugo 2 Review Chris Martens