Where has the NDX into Hugo thread gone?

Hugo owners, 

May I ask if I were to splurge on a new Hugo to replace my nDAC/TXPS, what is the recommended coxial and interconnects (RCA to RCA)? 

Is there a huge difference in sound when we use different make of cables on the Hugo?

I was on a limited budget so went for a Mark Grant coax - recommended on these pages - and have been very happy with it (only £25).

I started off with budget RCA to RCA with din adaptor and found the sound quality much below what I experienced when I auditioned the Hugo so now have a Chord Chorus RCA to Din which made a huge difference.

I'm sure cables such Chord Signature or DC1/Hiline would be even better, but they are beyond my means at present.

Hugh 

I am using the supplied USB cable (connected to SB Touch) and also an AR Lunar RCA to DIN from Hugo to 552. Sounds excellent.

I use an RCA-Din Hiline and it sounds very good. I haven't tried any other cables. I am trying to decide which (micro) USB cable to buy to replace a bog standard Apple cable. It sounds fine but I think it's possibly holding back the SQ of the hi res files. I haven't heard anything back from Wireworld.

Is there much choice around for micro USB Steve ?

Naim DC1 BNC-RCA & Chord Anthem2 RCA-DIN works well between NDX-Hugo-SN2.

G

Mikapoh

Good to hear from you again..

I use a DC1 as the SPDIF interconnect between NDX and Hugo (BNC to RCA) with a large ferrite choke.

I use Morrow Audio MA6 interconnects which really seem to work fantastically well when connecting the Hugo to my 282. I use RCA to RCA directly (Copper Eichmann bullet connectors) - no adapter.

I did use a Hiline RCA to DIN but there is something about the MA6 that just seemed to sound and flow more naturally when connected to the Hugo

The Hugo is a remarkable piece of kit - and it does deserve a really neutral and transparent  audio interconnect.

Having gained so much removing one adapter my attention has turned to another . I almost forgot that I have an Audioquest BNC adapter on my TQ blue digital cable . I got this cable for a steal on auction which is why i didn't buy a dedicated BNC-RCA cable. I wonder whether adapters have the same effect on digital cables ? 

Peter.

I found the RCA to BNC one I had temporarily on a cheapish QED whilst awaiting the DC1 to muck up the sound - One plug gold plated and the adapter steel.  Awful.

G

Thanks Graeme , I thought that would be the case . I thought i had everything sorted but it seems not . I think i know what happens next ... £££ . I am very happy to keep my streamer as a transport but i may wait to buy a new cable until we know whether the next software update has similar connectivity options like the Mu-so ? Future proof (ish).

Peter.

Hugo really does shine the higher up the cable ladder you go and that includes the USB.

Beg, borrow or steal from a dealer and give different ones a try.  I have heard USB Signature TA (unbelievable upgrade) with adaptor, and Anthem TA RCA.  I will be trying Signature TA RCA the weekend.  Other brands of course are available

The USB was a game changer, and transformed Hugo into another animal.

I've already made the call to see if i can borrow one . I'm looking at the TA anthem i think?

Peter. 

That's the current problem James. I would have thought the cable companies would jump at providing a micro USB cable given the success of the Hugo. I don't know whether to wait or use a type A with a micro adaptor.

Let us know how you get on?

Peter.

Will do Peter.  I also will have another adaptor (more secure !) that my dealer is lending me to try for the USB Signature, so will report back on that as well

Anthem is my own lead, but interested to hear how the Signature RCA performs !  If the Signature cable is white, I am in trouble... as he sent me Sarum instead

Yep - they'd make a killing with the current hugo mania

Hi Simon

Did you or others come to any conclusion over whether there was any benefit to adjusting the volume output of Hugo

Graeme

I've gone back to the 'bypass' setting into SN2 as it gives the best balance of volume range - very similar to that of the NDX direct.

G

Graeme, what are your thoughts comparing the hugo sound with av bypass on and off? I've only had opportunity to have a short listen but I think I'm leaning towards av bypass on - seems slightly less emphasised/forced to my ears but I will need to listen again. I only had a hugo on loan and sadly after today have it no more (black version on order). It seems the power amp gain of the SN2 is quite high as the Hugo was just past red for moderate listening levels when av bypass was on.

Can I please pick your brain Simon - I use Supernait 2 with Input Sensitivity quoted at 130mV - what the optimum setting colour on the Hugo for me?

That's a great question.  I've been struggling with ny sn2 since I got it but once I lowered the output from the hugo sll my concerns vanished. Mines on bkue and it sounds great but I didn't like it at all with the volume bypass standard setting.

dayjay so you have the av bypass set to off? why did you not like the sound with it on?

I've not tried it with the sn2 av bypass on. I meant the hugo fixed volume setting

I also thought the Hugo line level out was too high for the SN2 preamp - somewhere between indigo - blue seemed better to me.

Try the SN2 'av bypass' switch, make sure you have the volume on the Hugo to low and see what you think.