Chord Electronics Hugo 2 DAC / Headphone Amplifier, Black - Secondhand

Full Description

2018-2021 Best DAC Over £1200

"There isn’t another DAC around at anywhere near this sort of price able to communicate so torrentially, so unambiguously or so effortlessly. We like it a lot."

Best Product 2018-2019 - DAC

"Chord’s original battery-powered DAC/headphone amplifier was a hard act to follow, but the new Hugo 2 is a giant leap forward. Inside its ultra-modern aluminium case is a custom-coded digital converter and filter that sounds like nothing else around. Comfortably able to see off any conventional DAC at its price, it’s astounding for a compact music machine, with a vibrant and rhythmic sound."

Best Buy

"The Hugo 2 does everything that the original Hugo does with improvements in every department. This is a truly outstanding piece of digital equipment – one that offers performance that is utterly unfazed by whatever you choose to play on it."

Next-Generation DAC Performance

At the heart of Hugo 2 is a custom-designed digital-to-analogue converter built around advanced FPGA technology. This allows it to process digital files with exceptional accuracy, unlocking rich textures and fine detail in your music. Supporting up to 768kHz PCM and DSD512, it can handle even the most demanding high-resolution tracks. Whether you’re streaming or using a physical source, the sound stays clean, open and true to the original recording.

Versatile Connectivity

Hugo 2 fits seamlessly into your listening setup thanks to a wide range of input options. It includes optical, coaxial, high-resolution USB, and Bluetooth aptX, giving you plenty of ways to connect. That means you can pair it with everything from your smartphone to a full hi-fi system. On the output side, you get both RCA and dual headphone jacks (3.5mm and 6.35mm), making it just as practical for casual listening as it is for serious setups.

Crossfeed for Natural Headphone Listening

Headphones often create an isolated, inside-your-head sound. Hugo 2 includes a clever crossfeed feature that recreates the feeling of listening to speakers in a room. By blending a small amount of each audio channel into the other, it adds depth and space to the soundstage. It’s based on research into how we naturally perceive sound, and helps reduce fatigue during long listening sessions—especially when using headphones for extended periods.

Designed for Home and Travel

While Hugo 2 offers the performance of a desktop DAC, its compact size and internal battery make it fully portable. You can use it at your desk, plug it into your main system, or take it out with a pair of headphones. Battery life lasts up to six hours, and recharging is easy with the dedicated USB charging port. The robust build and sleek design make it equally at home in a hi-fi rack or travel bag.

User-Friendly Controls and Display

Hugo 2 features four illuminated spherical buttons that let you control power, input, filter, and crossfeed settings. Each button uses colour-coded lighting to show the current mode, giving you clear feedback at a glance. A remote control is also included for easy use from a distance. Whether you’re switching sources or tweaking the sound, the intuitive interface makes everything simple to access—even if you’re new to this level of audio gear.

Customisable Sound Filters

Everyone hears music differently, and Hugo 2 helps you tune the sound to your taste with four selectable digital filters. These let you shape the tone and presentation, offering either a softer, warmer feel or a sharper, more analytical sound. Whether you’re diving into delicate acoustic tracks or high-energy electronic music, the filters allow you to match the playback style to your preference, all with the flick of a button.

Key Features

• Hi-res DAC supporting up to 768kHz PCM and DSD512 for ultra-detailed playback across all formats
• Proprietary FPGA-based digital decoding delivers accurate timing and natural sound reproduction
• Four digital inputs, including USB, optical, coax and Bluetooth aptX for versatile connectivity
• Digital crossfeed function recreates speaker-style listening with headphones for improved spatial realism
• Filter selection modes tailor the sound signature to suit different genres or preferences
• Built-in headphone amp drives high-impedance headphones with clarity and dynamic control
• Remote control compatibility and illuminated interface enhance desktop and home listening ease
• Rechargeable battery offers up to seven hours of portable use without compromising performance
• Robust CNC-milled aluminium chassis provides durability and excellent electromagnetic shielding
• Line-level output enables use as a standalone DAC into hi-fi or studio gear

What's in the Box?

• Hugo 2 user manual
• Safety instructions
• Drawstring bag
• 5V 2A Switching Micro USB power supply
• IR remote control
• Micro USB to Type-A USB cable
• Micro to Micro USB OTG cable
• Optical cable
• Optical to 3.5mm optical cable
• 2x AAA batteries

Specifications