Update 2/23/2017: Chord Hugo 2 is now available for pre-order at a price of $2195 USD. Audio 46 is taking orders now for both color options (black, silver). Hugo 2 will begin shipping April 2017.
Fresh out of CES and Chord, the maker of fine portable DAC amplifiers like Mojo, announced the release of an amazing new DAC-amp combo. Meet Chord Hugo 2.
New Release: Chord Hugo 2 DAC and Headphone Amp
Aren’t you excited?! The new iteration takes everything you loved about the Chord Hugo and makes it even more portable and user-friendly. Hugo 2-point-oh is optimized to improve upon line-level operation and adds a full-function remote control for real flexibility in full-size and desktop systems.
It now offers four digital inputs (optical, coaxial and HD USB) as well as new extended-range Bluetooth complete 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 new four-function switch filter offers a useful degree of user-selectable frequency-shaping, said to bring “warm and soft or transparent and incisive presentations, giving additional flexibility and user control.” For headphone-listening, Chord Hugo 2 retains the popular digital crossfeed function of the original meaning you hear the utter best.
Hugo 2 features Chord’s custom coded FPGA, 49,152 Taps, 7 hour battery life, 768kHz Micro USB input, 384kHz Coax Input, Native DSD support, DSD512 Native and supports headphones up to 800 Ohms.
You can expect Chord Hugo 2 to ship in April 2017 with an anticipated US retail price of $2,300.
