Note that this is a discontinued product. You may want to visit the brand's page here to browse their newer products.
What reviewers think
Bloggers and YouTubers have tried this product—so we've summarized their strongest opinions below. Links to full reviews follow.
Product Strengths
- Awesome detail and clarity in sound reproduction
- Excellent selection of inputs and outputs, making it versatile for both portable and desktop setups
- Filters allow users to shape the frequency curve to tailor the sound based on listening preferences
- Solid construction with top-quality components and craftsmanship
- Fantastic dynamics—isolating moments of silence beautifully and giving them more room to breathe between notes
Product Considerations
- The colored-ball control design can be confusing and requires decoding the instruction manual
- It's a big box, making it a struggle to get behind Chord's suggestion that the Hugo 2 displays "obvious portability"
- Some reviewers find the treble a little too sharp and punchy, and the balance is simply off
- Some reviewers mention the Micro USB ports are flimsy
- The default setting sound doesn't sound musical, and is cold and inhuman, according to some reviewers
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs original Hugo: The Hugo 2 has huge improvements in dynamic range, overall power, noise reduction, and timing accuracy
- Vs Benchmark DAC3 HGC: The Chord Hugo 2 doesn't quite deliver the best sound in this price range
- Vs Chord Mojo: The Hugo 2 is undefeatable in resolving image, and has greater emotion and musicality and better soundstage and imaging
- Vs Schiit Yggdrasil: The Hugo 2 is a more attractive and versatile package that sounds better
- Vs Astell&Kern A&ultima SP1000: The Hugo 2 clearly wins on resolution, instrumental placing, soundstaging, and imaging
- Vs ALO Audio Continental Dual Mono: The Hugo is more resolving and neutral than the CDM
Takeaway: The Hugo 2 is a well-equipped DAC/Amp combo capable of delivering a premium hifi sound quality with features, functionality, and sound quality. It offers awesome detail and clarity, and it has the determination to dig deep and hit hard.
What are hifi reviews useful for? (1) Identifying products you should demo in person at a dealer. (2) Learning which products reviewers unanimously praise as the best they've heard (this means they probably are legitimately great). (3) Identifying a product's attributes that satisfy your idiosyncratic needs and tastes. Beyond that, we often discount what reviewers say because they heap praise on most products—and are often apprehensive about publishing strong criticism or comparisons between products. Further, they seldom have more than a few products on-hand, often relying on their memories to compare past products. Always listen for yourself.
All
Hugo 2
reviews
[{"title":"Chord Hugo 2 Review: Still Relevant in 2023?","link":"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3XFaP3fmiGo","source":"Amplify Audio Reviews","datePublished":"2024"},{"title":"CHORD HUGO 2 REVIEW. A complete desktop and portable amp DAC set up?","link":"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LOmQGJ8mFNU","source":"ConvinceMeAudio","datePublished":"2024"},{"title":"What Gear is My Gear? Part 7: Chord Hugo 2 Transportable DAC/Headphone Amp - Great Staying & Going","link":"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uuSOYjFtcvY","source":"Reviews By WaveTheory","datePublished":"2024"},{"title":"Chord Hugo 2 Review Part 2 - Is this the greatest portable audio DAC/amp in the world?","link":"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=igXnopWRVP8","source":"Currawong","datePublished":"2018"},{"title":"LONG TERM REVIEW OF THE CHORD HUGO 2","link":"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GQfqTFRtfgo","source":"phototristan","datePublished":"2021"},{"title":"Review: Chord Hugo 2","link":"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rx5RIdjp5Jw","source":"The Master Switch","datePublished":"2019"},{"title":"Chord Hugo 2 DAC Review and Demonstration","link":"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kfHVlrAY6kc","source":"Frank Harvey Hi Fi Excellence","datePublished":"2018"},{"title":"Chord Hugo 2 Transportable Headphone Dac/Amp [My Transportable Setup Part 2]","link":"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=95i00hn4-Cs","source":"Reviews By WaveTheory","datePublished":"2022"},{"title":"Chord Hugo 2 Review vs Schiit Yggdrasil DAC comparison","link":"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_CqI4ZH1oF0","source":"The Audiofool","datePublished":"2020"},{"title":"Chord Hugo 2 Review Part 1","link":"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-9nth4ej-a4","source":"Oak Forest Audio","datePublished":"2018"},{"title":"The Highly Resolving Chord Hugo 2 Transportable FPGA DAC/Headphone Amp","link":"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RfoOkc1hy1Y","source":"phototristan","datePublished":"2018"},{"title":"Chord Electronics Hugo 2 - Worlds Most High-End Portable USB DAC - Review","link":"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9pMch0CTRDk","source":"Najam Reviews Tech","datePublished":"2021"},{"title":"Chord Hugo 2 review","link":"https://www.whathifi.com/chord/hugo-2/review","source":"What Hi-Fi?","datePublished":"2022"},{"title":"CHORD HUGO VS HUGO 2 REVIEW","link":"https://www.headfonia.com/chord-hugo-vs-hugo-2-review","source":"Headfonia Reviews","datePublished":"2020"},{"title":"REVIEW: CHORD HUGO 2","link":"https://www.themasterswitch.com/review-chord-hugo-2","source":"The Master Switch","datePublished":"2018"},{"title":"Chord Electronics Hugo 2","link":"https://the-ear.net/review-hardware/chord-electronics-hugo-2-portable-dac-preamp-and-headphone-amp","source":"the ear hifi music gear","datePublished":"2020"},{"title":"The Chord Hugo 2 is the worst kind of audiophile equipment","link":"https://www.theverge.com/2018/4/24/17273218/chord-hugo-2-review-dac-headphone-amplifier","source":"The Verge","datePublished":"2018"},{"title":"REVIEW: CHORD ELECTRONICS HUGO 2 – RULER OF SOUND 3","link":"https://www.headfonia.com/review-chord-hugo-2-ruler-of-sound/3","source":"Headfonia Reviews","datePublished":"2017"},{"title":"AWARD WINNING OLDIE BUT GOODIE | CHORD ELECTRONICS HUGO 2 AND 2GO REVIEW","link":"https://bloomaudio.com/blogs/articles/award-winning-oldie-but-goodie-chord-electronics-hugo-2-2go-review?srsltid=AfmBOorTN4-KrV5w3_aUFdKS_pEOCLviqKgiikblSJjj6td5j-s9V6dW","source":"Bloom Audio","datePublished":"2020"},{"title":"REVIEW: CHORD ELECTRONICS HUGO 2 – RULER OF SOUND 1","link":"https://www.headfonia.com/review-chord-hugo-2-ruler-of-sound","source":"Headfonia Reviews","datePublished":"2017"},{"title":"Original Chord Hugo vs Chord Hugo 2 Review (Update 2019)","link":"https://audiobacon.net/2017/04/11/original-chord-hugo-vs-chord-hugo-2-review","source":"Audio Bacon","datePublished":"2017"},{"title":"Chord Hugo 2 Review: Part 2","link":"https://www.hear.audio/2017/09/04/chord-hugo-2-review-part-2","source":"hear.audio","datePublished":"2017"},{"title":"Chord Electronics Hugo2 Review","link":"https://soundnews.net/sources/dacs/chord-electronics-hugo2-review","source":"Soundnews","datePublished":"2019"},{"title":"Top of the pops: Chord Electronics’ outstanding Hugo 2","link":"https://darko.audio/2017/09/top-of-the-pops-chord-electronics-outstanding-hugo-2","source":"Darko Audio","datePublished":"2017"},{"title":"CHORD HUGO 2 REVIEW: AUDIO EXCELLENCE AT A PRICE?","link":"https://homestudiobasics.com/chord-hugo-2-review","source":"Home Studio Basics ","datePublished":"2023"},{"title":"Chord Hugo 2 – HiFi Review","link":"https://hifiandmusicsource.com/2021/02/chord-hugo-2-hifi-review/#comments","source":"HiFi and Music Source","datePublished":"2021"},{"title":"Chord Electronics Hugo 2 Review","link":"https://headfonics.com/chord-electronics-hugo-2-review","source":"Headfonics","datePublished":"2017"},{"title":"Hugo 2 DAC From Chord: A Man of Moods And Not Enough Parts","link":"https://theaudiophileman.com/hugo2","source":"The Audiophile Man","datePublished":"2017"},{"title":"Chord Hugo2 – Portable DAC/Headphone Amplifier – Review","link":"https://headmania.org/2018/09/15/chord-hugo2-portable-dac-headphone-amplifier-review","source":"HeadMania","datePublished":"2018"},{"title":"Chord Hugo 2 Digital to Analog Converter/Headphone Amplifier Review","link":"https://gnd-tech.com/2018/08/chord-hugo-2-digital-to-analog-converter-headphone-amplifier-review","source":"GND Tech","datePublished":"2018"},{"title":"Chord Hugo 2 review - A. 'Reddog' Jones","link":"https://www.headpie.net/2017/11/chord-hugo-2-review-reddog-jones.html","source":"Headpie","datePublished":"2015"},{"title":"Chord Electronics Hugo 2 DAC/AMP Review","link":"https://www.samma3a.com/tech/en/chord-hugo-2-dac-amp-review/?srsltid=AfmBOop5K7JVqtxlXFRWl87aI4rYpeKH1Yyd1_ebXj2lELCUlEFr1zgQ","source":" Samma3a","datePublished":"2017"},{"title":"Chord Electronics Hugo 2 Review","link":"https://www.thespeakershacks.co.uk/2019/09/chord-electronics-has-been-great-source.html","source":"The Speaker Shack","datePublished":""},{"title":"Hugo 2 Review","link":"https://www.audiosciencereview.com/forum/index.php?threads/review-and-measurements-of-chord-hugo-2-dac-and-headphone-amplifier.2349/post-64968","source":"audiosciencereview.com","datePublished":""}]
An excellent review of a great product
/
Publisher
/
3/1/2022
An excellent review of a great product
Publisher
/
3/1/2022
Video Review
Manufacturer details
Features
Specifications
- Materials: Precision-machined aluminium casing with polycarbonate buttons, acrylic signal window, and glass viewing portal
- Battery: 2x Rechargeable custom Enix Energies 3.7v 9.6Wh Li-ion (2600mAh)
- Playtime: 6 hours (Avg.time)
- THD: <0.0001% 1kHz 3v RMS 300Ω
- 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: 365g
- Dimensions: 2.1cm (H) x 10cm (W) x 13cm (D)
Description
In 2014, we introduced Hugo, a revolutionary portable DAC and headphone amp that became a landmark product in the audio landscape. Advances in digital technology, including the latest FPGAs and WTA (Watts Transient Aligned) filters, have enabled us to introduce a next-generation version, Hugo 2, featuring flexible new features, plus next-generation technical and sonic performance.
Release Timeline
Manufacturer Site
Brand highlights
Taking a step back to look at reviewers' thoughts of the brand's entire lineup—not just this product—what stands out most is the following:
- Chord Electronics distinguishes itself with its unique Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) DAC implementation, custom-coded by Rob Watts, offering a tap-length filter far exceeding typical DAC chips for precise digital-to-analog conversion.
- They incorporate a fully transparent custom UHD DSP in their devices, enabling comprehensive lossless tone adjustments across the frequency range, providing unrivaled sound customization without sonic degradation.
- The brand's designs incorporate highly sophisticated switch-mode power supplies with advanced cross-coupling, and high-voltage MOSFETs that create exceptionally clean, stable power delivery which enhances amplifier performance.
- Chord Electronics's distinct design language and high-quality aircraft-grade aluminum casing are featured in their products, setting them apart with unique aesthetics.
Select products
Select product comparisons
Mojo 2
- Positioning: The most advanced portable DAC and headphone amplifier in Chord Electronics' lineup.
- Description: Features world-first lossless DSP, offering excellent compatibility with a wide range of headphones and equipment. Unlike the Hugo 2, it features a new USB-C input and improved battery management, making it ideal for portable use and budget-conscious buyers seeking high-quality sound without the need for a full-sized setup.
Hugo 2
- Positioning: A transportable DAC and headphone amplifier designed for both home and mobile use.
- Description: Features advanced FPGA technology and four-function switch filter, providing flexible sound shaping. Compared to Mojo 2, it offers extended-range Bluetooth and a remote control.
Qutest
- Positioning: A standalone DAC designed to improve system sound quality without a built-in headphone amplifier.
- Description: Features compact design and FPGA technology, offering high-quality sound. Unlike Hugo 2, it lacks a headphone amp but provides galvanically isolated inputs.
Hugo TT 2
- Positioning: A high-end table-top DAC, preamplifier, and headphone amplifier, positioned just below the flagship DAVE.
- Description: Features a powerful FPGA with 98,304-tap filters, offering significant sonic improvements over Hugo 2. It includes a high-power output stage and super capacitors for dynamic performance.
DAVE
- Positioning: The flagship DAC, headphone amplifier, and preamplifier in Chord Electronics' lineup.
- Description: Features unmatched processing power and advanced FPGA technology, delivering exceptional audio fidelity. It surpasses Hugo TT 2 with its extensive connectivity options and superior noise-shaping capabilities.
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Avg. Product Price
$1,001-$2,500
Used For Sale
140
Available (Scroll Down)
Brand Popularity
18
of 900+
Badges
Top 50 Brand
Top 250 Brand
Products Listed
22
Founding Year
1989
Our take on the brand
Chord Electronics designs and manufactures all their products in Great Britain, setting themselves apart by using proprietary FPGA technology instead of off-the-shelf DAC chips found in most competitors' products. Their DACs and portable audio devices, featuring distinctive color-changing buttons and portholes, deliver studio-grade performance through unique technologies like the Watts Transient Aligned filter, which provides more natural and detailed sound reproduction.
Look inside the brand
Brand Page
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iFi
iDSD Diablo 2
1299
/
Released
2023
Surging with infernal power. Sporting cutting edge xMEMS and Lossless Bluetooth technology, the flagship iDSD Diablo leads the charge with future-proof features and raw power - take your most demanding headphones wherever you go, we dare you.
iFi Audio specializes in portable hifi audio players, offering compact DACs and headphone amplifiers for audiophiles seeking quality sound on the go. The brand also provides affordable audiophile gear, making quality hifi audio accessible to more people.
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Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Delivers a vividly detailed and balanced sound, handling complicated mixes with skill
- Able to extract a lot of information from digital audio files with apparent ease
- A volume lock prevents accidental volume adjustments when the device is in a pocket or bag
- Extensive specification including Bluetooth 5.4 with aptX Lossless compatibility and multiple inputs/outputs for versatile connectivity
Product Considerations
- Some reviewers feel the device is not very pocket-friendly due to its size and sharp edges, making it better suited as a transportable—rather than a truly portable—device
- The gain is set too high, making precise volume control difficult, especially with sensitive IEMs
- Using IEMatch adds output impedance, which can negatively affect the tonal balance and dynamics of some IEMs
- The length of the included USB-C cable is short, making it difficult to position the device on a desk
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Compared to the iDSD Diablo 1, the Diablo 2 offers slight sonic improvements and better build quality, but at a higher price
- Compared to the iDSD Signature, the iDSD Signature is considered by some to offer a better result for less money, with a more realistic instrument and vocal timbre, larger soundstage, and customizable features like crossfeed and bass boost
- Compared to the FiiO Q7, the iDSD Diablo 2 has a vivid sound, where the FiiO Q7 has a smooth and wide sound
Takeaway: The iDSD Diablo 2 is a powerful and versatile DAC/amp that enhances headphone listening with its detailed sound and extensive features. It is a good choice for users who want a high-quality audio experience on the go or at their desk.
Video review
Our take on the brand
iFi Audio specializes in portable hifi audio players, offering compact DACs and headphone amplifiers for audiophiles seeking quality sound on the go. The brand also provides affordable audiophile gear, making quality hifi audio accessible to more people.
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