Chord Electronics Hugo 2 DAC Review & Comments

daveyu

Hugo and Hugo 2 certainly great dacs for the money, I have a Hugo but digital does not come close to my Vinyl setup, just wondering if spending more would be worth it and what it would bring, yes for the price the MSB Analog or similar would have to be spectacular to even consider it

Collusion

As a digital converter MSB is the closest thing to an actual LP player I have ever heard. It shares many traits with the 'LP signature sound' (if you can call something that) but it never sounds bloated nor is it prone to other unwanted characteristics of LPs.

Schiit Yggdrasil is based on similar conversion technology as MSB, but is much cheaper at ~2600 euros. I have not heard it yet, but it surely seems like an interesting product.

psikey

Should have one to try soon as part of the Head-fi UK Hugo 2 Tour. Will see if its 4x better than my £399 Mojo. I'm sure its going to be better but will it be worth spending 4x as much? Maybe not for just IEM use.

Will be testing purely with my Shure SE846's as not really a headphone person.

KDoggy

I don't think it quite works like that. The Dave would have to be 21 times as good as the Mojo ; )

psikey

Exactly! Which is why I would never buy one. Even a Hugo2 is pushing it for my cost acceptance level but couldn't turn down a free trial so will give it a try.

daveyu

I do wonder how they justify the price of the Dave

psikey

All individually made, low volume items plus a decent profit. Not forgetting Rob Watts needs paying for all his excellent work.

daveyu

True, but most dacs (and other hifi gear) are low on part count, I can buy a car for the price.

Southern soul

i'm not being funny but who wants to carry around an £1800 theft magnet? i can just imagine thieves eyes lighting up when they see this!

Chord need to concentrate on more affordable static dacs with better connections and aftermarket power supplies.

I will stick with what i have!

psikey

Not really. Most opportunistic thieves wouldn't have a clue what it is or to its value. How do you think we get these purchases past out wives !!