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. Winner of Best DAC (£1,500+) in the What Hi-Fi? Awards 2022, and a What Hi-Fi? Best DAC winner every year its inception (2017-2022), Hugo 2 is a proven class leader. 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 add real flexibility to full-size and desktop systems. The device offers four digital inputs (optical, coaxial and HD USB) plus extended-range Bluetooth® wireless technology, 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. Hugo 2 features four spherical control buttons, which illuminate with colour-coding information and control power, input, filtering, plus the unit’s crossfeed functions. Battery playing time is around 6 hours + (depending on headphones) and two modes of automatic charging are included using the dedicated Micro USB charging port; an indicator shows charging and battery-charge status.
FPGA chipset
Proprietary digital technology for greater resolution, power and efficiency. Uniquely custom-coded, with a 98,304 tap-length WTA filter
Preamp/DAC
Selectable as a preamp and DAC for direct use with a power amp or just a DAC for use with existing preamps/integrated amps
Four-stage filter
User-configurable filters to fine-tune the TT2’s output to taste
Three-stage crossfade
For a more speaker-like presentation from headphones.
Up to 768 kHz* (DSD up to 512)
Allows the playback of high-resolution digital music, up to 768kHz and
DSD 512
Dual BNC input Can connect to the Hugo M Scaler for (very) high-resolution upscaled audio (up to 768 kHz) from standard music files.
Super-capacitor energy storage
Smaller in size but greater in number to provide a quick charge/discharge giving on-demand power for dynamic musical peaks
USB Galvanic isolation
Prevents noise from source components entering the DAC
