Source for Hugo

James

you can just Blu Tooth the ipod to Hugo. Simples.

Graeme

You need Apples camera adapter kit to connect iPods/Ipads to Hugo . Bluetooth works fine too. 

I'm looking to buy a Hugo for portable use, so this answer is based on my online research only:

The short answer is yes, no problem to play from any iOS device via USB. However, if you are looking to make full use of the Hugo's potential sound quality, there are, on paper, a couple of shortcomings:-

Firstly, there are 2 USB inputs on the Hugo, one driverless, intended for use with portable devices, and another 'HD' input that requires drivers if using a PC. You can only use the lower spec input with your ipod. If you're only playing CD quality files, maybe this doesn't matter? Any Hugo users care to enlighten us?

Secondly, how good will it sound via Bluetooth? Especially given that Apple devices do not use aptX bluetooth. 

Sorry James, I've given you more questions than answers here! But it would be a shame to splash out on a Hugo and not benefit from its full potential.

I haven't tried an ipod but my iphone 5 works fine through the lower res usb input, my ipad 2, however, can also drive the hires usb input. Worth trying on an ipod if you get chance. I have to say the the Hugo is so good with standard res music that its no real detriment not to be able to play 24 bit in my view. As pointed out above you need the camera converta thingy in ordercto connect, available on a well known auction site for a couple of quid

James I do this occasionally (with iPhone & iPad) - it sounds very good - I think I prefer it to a connecting USB to MacBook. I use the Hidef USB socket on the Hugo.

However I do prefer SPDIF from my NDX to both.

Apple's implementation of audio on iOS over Bluetooth is poor and I don't bother with it.

Simon

Thanks chaps appreciate your thoughts - that's really useful info.

Just thinking of ideas for Christmas 

What software are you using on the MBPro?

You might want to try your STA on it Frank. The Hugo get's even better after about 100hrs. you might want to lower the volume output as this can affect SQ, mine is set about the dark turquoise colour on the volume wheel.

Enjoy

Steve

It is indeed a wonderful little box. Mine has brought me incredible pleasure in the few months I have owned it. You might want to check out Rob Watt's posts elsewhere - if you do you'll see he advocates using an Olimex USB isolator on the SD input of the Hugo rather than USB into the HD input. Seemingly the Olimex does a better job of keeping RF and ground plane noise away. It only works up to 24bit/48kHz, but that's enough for nearly all most folks music; you can just wire up the HD input when you need to play hi-res. 

+1 on turning volume down, definitely makes a difference

Frank,

IME White is way too high. Try it lower. I use Audirvana which bypasses iTunes Audio Midi and sounds even better. You might want to try the trial version.

Steve

The suggestion to use SD is only on the basis that you also use an Olimex USB isolator. They're not at all expensive. google "Rob Watt Olimex isolator" for his posts on the issues. If you do read them, you'll come across other posts of his where he recommends not using a pre-amp with a Hugo - just connect it straight to your power amp. 

Just knocked mine back from the fixed level to Steve's suggestion and there is an improvement

cheers

There's a new review of the Hugo on digitalaudioreview dot net.

" Takeaway #4: If you’re going to run the Hugo in a main two-channel system then the coaxial input will yield more satisfying results."

I run my Hugo at dark turquoise into my 282, and that sounds optimum for me. I use the Hiline interconnect which really is outstanding with the Hugo into my NAC, and use a DC1 with rca connector for the SPDIF from my NDX. I run a choke on the DC1

There is a downside though... Your credit cards start to get hammered with CDs and downloads ... It all becomes so addictive... Mrs SinS had to have words.....

Simon

I have mine so that it just turns blue into an sn2, other positions still have good sq but provide a slightly different tonal balance to my ears

I have found fine tuning can be very sensitive and you should let your ears decide. The higher frequencies certainly become more tamed and balanced as the volume control is reduced but I have found there is a critical level when you think your nearly there when the bass response becomes more focussed. It may only be a slight adjustment between the bass being a little smeared to being well defined.

Steve

'Bypass' for me from NDX into SN2 & PMC .23 gives best results.

G

Anyone bought an Astell & Kern portable player to use with their Hugo? Seems a bit of an overkill, in that there are 2 DACs that are orphaned, but it is a very portable device. The A&K allows a lot of music to be stored.

I've read that an iPod Touch into the Hugo runs circles around an Astell & Kern.

I can't get excited by the A&K. Seems a poor execution, based on online reviews and discussion. 

There is a solution to this problem. I have agreed with myself some time ago that I wouldn't buy music for some time, and that has given me the reflection to only get the good stuff and avoid some impulse buying.

Why would you avoid the joy of high res when you have a Hugo or any other Dac, or streamer solution ? I think the Apple products form a limited source.

They are OK on the move with headphones. Hi res isn't all it's cracked up to be though. Some are very good but a lot are mediocre.