DAC Chord Electronics Hugo
To celebrate the 20th anniversary of our ground-breaking and game-changing DAC 64, we have launched Hugo - the world's most advanced DAC/headphone amp. Based on the same FPGA DAC technology that has helped establish Chord Electronics as an authority in digital audio, Hugo is a reference-level portable - a world first in audio history. Discover why What Hi-Fi? Sound and Vision awarded if five stars here
Called Hugo (because you can take Hugo wherever "you-go"), the new device offers studio-master-tape sound quality, advanced connectivity and uncompromising file playback capability, all from a palm-sized player. Hugo is the world's most advanced headphone amp/DAC and the most advanced 32-bit DAC we have ever made, offering five digital inputs including A2DP aptX Bluetooth, plus advanced 384kHz PCM and DSD 128 playback for today's high-resolution DXD (Digital eXtreme Definition) music files. See the video here
Crucially, Hugo can be used as both a portable headphone amp/DAC as well as a reference-level standalone DAC in a static system. Hugo DAC brings the renowned digital audio expertise of Rob Watts and Chord Electronics to serious headphone listening, enabling music lovers to experience a world of super-high-resolution music via their headphones or suitable loudspeakers. It offers unsurpassed performance and technology and is unrivaled in the marketplace, thanks to its bespoke technology, FPGA circuitry and advanced file-playback capability.
DAC Chord Electronics Hugo is ready to take advantage of today's advanced studio-master-quality (DXD) music files. It can decode sample rates ranging from 44.1kHz to 384kHz (PCM), allowing audiophiles to experience music in true high definition, along with the best possible reproduction of CD-quality music. Hugo also benefits from two advanced USB inputs: one for legacy USB devices, plus a high-definition USB port for operation up to 384kHz. Thanks to two additional digital inputs, coaxial and optical, any connected component with a digital output will also benefit from Hugo's advanced technology.
Building on the strengths of the (two years' running) What Hi-Fi? Sound and Vision 'Best DAC' the QuteHD , the new Hugo also has A2DP Bluetooth capability and uses a custom-made module with the aptX codec to feed a digital signal directly into the DAC circuitry, so even without cables, high-quality music can still be enjoyed.
In addition to 384kHz PCM files, the Hugo can also process DSD 128 data using the latest DSD-over-PCM standard (DoP). Whether using Mac OS or Windows OS, Chord Electronics' own proprietary driver software is provided, removing the restrictions of current operating system audio playback.
Hugo has a built-in battery-charging circuit giving 10 hours' play time, with a full charge reached in approximately two hours. Hugo takes no power over its USB input (as this is severely limited with many partnering products) and only takes signal data, therefore, it is fully compatible with all iPhone, iPad and Android devices. Further features include an advanced reference-grade digital volume control that does not lose bits and changes colour with volume changes.
Like all Chord Electronics products, Hugo is built to last. The casework is precision- machined from aircraft-grade aluminium, with a bright silver hard-anodised finish. Complementing the design is a top-mounted 'porthole' that gives users an intriguing insight into the internal circuitry, which changes colour with differing incoming sample rates.
What the press are saying
Hugo has an incredible number of great press reviews, including recommendations from The Daily Telegraph, T3 magazine and several leading hi-fi magazines. You can discover them all here.

You can also download a technical presentation on Hugo below and we've also put the Hugo manual online below.
Hugo is a multi-award-winning mobile DAC and headphone amplifier of unrivalled quality. It uses Chord Electronics' bespoke technology to deliver class-leading sound quality from your music collection, however it is stored. A What Hi-Fi? Sound and Vision 'Grouptest Winner' and revered by the world's leading technology magazines, Hugo is a revolutionary product in high-performance audio, winning more than ten press awards to date.                      

•     Reference-level mobile DAC/headphone amp
  
•     Unrivalled proprietary Chord Electronics' technology
  
•     Mobile and home-system use
  
•     Five digital inputs, including aptX Bluetooth
  
•     Sets a new benchmark in sound quality
  
•     Plays all file types, incl. DSD 128 and 384kHz PCM
  
•     High-performance battery: 10-hr playback, 2hr charge
  
•     Can be used as a high-quality digital preamp
  
•     Connect up to three pairs of headphones
  
•     Sleek design, built to last
  
•     Silver and Satin Black finish options
  
•     Best DAC (1k+) What Hi-Fi? Sound and Vision
  

Whether you have your music on a phone, tablet or laptop, or regularly use a CD player, Hugo's advanced, reference-level technology will transform the sound of the music you love. It is the world's most advanced mobile DAC and headphone amplifier, and can be used both on-the-go with up to three pairs of headphones, and at home in your audio system.
With five digital inputs, including two USB and aptX Bluetooth, Hugo's 10-hour battery life makes it the ideal travel companion, plus home users can connect Hugo directly to their hi-fi systems to add the latest DAC technology to their set-up. Hugo has won countless critical acclaim, call our sales team now or use our retailer locator tool opposite to see what Hugo can do for the music you love.

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