Chord Electronics Hugo TT 2 unveiled – High End 2018

Chord Electronics has revealed the Hugo TT 2, its next-generation Table-Top (TT) DAC/headphone amplifier at the Munich High-End audio show.

The new Hugo TT 2 boasts “unrivalled technical performance” and is based upon new Artix 7 FPGA chip. That chip has been uniquely custom-coded by Chord Electronics’ Digital Design Consultant, Rob Watts.

Chord Hugo TT 2

The new Hugo features a new super-capacitor-based power supply unit. This has been designed to drive even the most difficult headphones, including high-impedance IEMs/CIEMs. There’s even enough power to drive efficient compact loudspeakers!

Amazingly, the new unit offers five times the processing power of the original Hugo TT which was no slouch. Additionally, it also benefits from an extremely low noise floor of -178dB with no measurable noise floor modulation. Basically, you can expect greater detail resolution and perception of soundstage depth.

A high-power discrete output stage with distortion-reducing second-order noise-shaping is integrated into the DAC output amp and filter.

Ditching the battery supply used in its predecessor, the new Hugo uses six super caps in the power supply unit.

Improved outside too

As well as all the internal tech, the outer of the Hugo TT 2 has been reworked. The number of digital inputs has risen to six. There is also extended-range aptX Bluetooth. Three headphone outputs are also included: 2x 6.35mm and one 3.5mm, capable of simultaneous operation.

Further outputs include balanced XLR and unbalanced RCA analogue connections, plus dual BNC DX outputs for use with future Chord Electronics’ devices.

The casework has been significantly redesigned to include front-panel buttons (Menu, Set and Power) to cycle between and select filtering and crossfeed modes, plus switch inputs and control power. The new design also includes a larger, top-mounted viewing window for the internal circuits, a larger volume control sphere, plus an improved LED display.

Connection compatibility

The Hugo TT 2’s comprehensive digital connectivity suite includes a galvanically isolated HD USB-B connection capable of decoding 768kHz PCM data and DSD 512.

The unit’s two optical TOSLink inputs are 24-bit/192kHz-capable (with the appropriate source and cabling) and the dual BNC coaxial inputs are 24-bit/768kHz-capable for connection to Chord Electronics’ M-Scaler technology as seen in the BLU MKII digital/CD transport.

Flexible

Hugo TT 2 can be used in pure DAC mode, enabled for high-power (incl. low- and high-gain modes) when headphones are connected or used in amp mode for use as a digital preamp or when directly driving efficient loudspeakers.

Despite its technical complexity and powerful output, the unit’s topology remains simple with just two resistors, two capacitors and one global feedback path, so the connection from the digital domain to analogue is very direct for maximum transparency.

Price and availability

The Hugo TT 2 will available in the autumn priced at c.£3,996