2Cute or Hugo?
Posted by: BigH47 on 22 May 2015
I'm looking to replace my Cambridge DAC magic.
I have been looking at the 2Cute but the dealer I was e-mailing mentioned that the output is a fixed 3v output.Normal analogue output is 2v isn't it?
Most of the Hugo threads have stated that the Hugo sounds better at a lower output than Max, is that also 3v?
Has anyone any real world experience or I guess any opinion as to whether this could be a problem
NAS - MacMini - USB - DAC -52/SC/250
Graham, yes will need a PC(windows, Unix, OSX) to connect via USB. It will use synchronous audio USB.
The Hugo USB has no ground or galvanic isolation so is prone to RF noise from the USB digi source. The 2Qute has this isolation inserted.
Coax and Toslink are galvanically isolated on both the Hugo and 2Qute alike.
Simon
Sounds like a bit of a footer. Our PC is nowhere near the audio and I'm so accustomed to Sonos Connect with the iPad I think I'll stick with that.
Cheers anyway,
G
im connecting 2qute using optical out from mac mini, i have not tried usb. i cannot say the sound quality of the 2qute is inferior to hugo using optical. i doubt there would be any real benefit to go usb at the moment as all my music is in app!e lossless format, perhaps if i aquire some hi res music then i may be tempted to try usb.
Anyone wondering about a linear PS for the 2Qute - no brainer.
G
Is Chord happy with using a third party supply?
I was wondering about warranty.
I know some 3rd supplies caused problems with Hugo.
Might be different with 2Qute
Probably not but, given the immediate and obvious gains, I'll keep using it.
G
Graeme, what gains has it brought, can you put some words to it. Many thanks
Graeme, what gains has it brought, can you put some words to it. Many thanks
Think of adding a PS to a Classic Naim component. Lower noise floor, wider & deeper soundstage and a more dynamic 'analogue like' presentation - more believable. I'm quite surprised tbh.
Another gain is I use a spare tail from the Hydra and I can earth from the PS directly to 2Qute. The latter eliminates the need to directly earth the SN2 from the ground screw.
Very happy!
G
That is interesting Graeme, as the designer took extensive care over design in terms of RF noise decoupling and then validated the prototypes himself, and he could not hear let alone measure any difference between a SMPS and set of external battery cells when powering the 2Qute. Apparently he undertook extensive listening tests.
Makes you wonder whether you are hearing something else.. Perhaps the ground paths to the Naim, or the feedback on the mains from the SMPS affecting other nearby components?
Simon
That is interesting Graeme, as the designer took extensive care over design in terms of RF noise decoupling and then validated the prototypes himself, and he could not hear let alone measure any difference between a SMPS and set of external battery cells when powering the 2Qute. Apparently he undertook extensive listening tests.
Simon
Perhaps the earthing and Hydra is making the difference then, I don't know.
Sounds great - that nice 'feel it through the belly' musical bass is there!
G
I posted above as you posted Simon. Yes, maybe.
G
Is Chord happy with using a third party supply?
I was wondering about warranty.
I know some 3rd supplies caused problems with Hugo.
Might be different with 2Qute
Probably not but, given the immediate and obvious gains, I'll keep using it.
G
From the 2Qute manual Graeme;
Power Connection
2Qute has been designed to be permanently connected to the AC power adapter. Plug in the supplied power adapter to 2Qute. Please ONLY use the power adapter supplied. Using an non-genuine power adapter may void your warranty.
Just for info.
Is Chord happy with using a third party supply?
I was wondering about warranty.
I know some 3rd supplies caused problems with Hugo.
Might be different with 2Qute
Probably not but, given the immediate and obvious gains, I'll keep using it.
G
From the 2Qute manual Graeme;
Power Connection
2Qute has been designed to be permanently connected to the AC power adapter. Plug in the supplied power adapter to 2Qute. Please ONLY use the power adapter supplied. Using an non-genuine power adapter may void your warranty.
Just for info.
Thanks - I've read it and spoken to the manufacturer of the PS direct about this. Lots of folks been using their PS on Chordettes etc for quite some time - he's a straight guy, I trust both him and now my ears.
If it goes belly-up then I'll have learned a lesson!
G
As long as you're happy Graeme. 
Still waiting for my 2Qute, and the SL IC to go with it. 
Graeme, what gains has it brought, can you put some words to it. Many thanks
Think of adding a PS to a Classic Naim component. Lower noise floor, wider & deeper soundstage and a more dynamic 'analogue like' presentation - more believable. I'm quite surprised tbh.
Another gain is I use a spare tail from the Hydra and I can earth from the PS directly to 2Qute. The latter eliminates the need to directly earth the SN2 from the ground screw.
Very happy!
G
Would you say it surpasses Hugo then
Is Chord happy with using a third party supply?
I was wondering about warranty.
I know some 3rd supplies caused problems with Hugo.
Might be different with 2Qute
Probably not but, given the immediate and obvious gains, I'll keep using it.
G
From the 2Qute manual Graeme;
Power Connection
2Qute has been designed to be permanently connected to the AC power adapter. Plug in the supplied power adapter to 2Qute. Please ONLY use the power adapter supplied. Using an non-genuine power adapter may void your warranty.
Just for info.
Steve i can understand this with Hugo and TT but why should it be with the 2qute
Just quoting the manual G.
Graeme, what gains has it brought, can you put some words to it. Many thanks
Think of adding a PS to a Classic Naim component. Lower noise floor, wider & deeper soundstage and a more dynamic 'analogue like' presentation - more believable. I'm quite surprised tbh.
Another gain is I use a spare tail from the Hydra and I can earth from the PS directly to 2Qute. The latter eliminates the need to directly earth the SN2 from the ground screw.
Very happy!
G
Would you say it surpasses Hugo then
I'll have a more exensive listen at the weekend and feedback.
G
Just quoting the manual G.
Fair enough, but would like to know if there is any real basis for this.
Graeme, what gains has it brought, can you put some words to it. Many thanks
Think of adding a PS to a Classic Naim component. Lower noise floor, wider & deeper soundstage and a more dynamic 'analogue like' presentation - more believable. I'm quite surprised tbh.
Another gain is I use a spare tail from the Hydra and I can earth from the PS directly to 2Qute. The latter eliminates the need to directly earth the SN2 from the ground screw.
Very happy!
G
Would you say it surpasses Hugo then
I'll have a more exensive listen at the weekend and feedback.
G
Cheers Graeme, be very interested
Now that's what i call favouritism, they never wrote to me. 
Graeme, what gains has it brought, can you put some words to it. Many thanks
Think of adding a PS to a Classic Naim component. Lower noise floor, wider & deeper soundstage and a more dynamic 'analogue like' presentation - more believable. I'm quite surprised tbh.
Another gain is I use a spare tail from the Hydra and I can earth from the PS directly to 2Qute. The latter eliminates the need to directly earth the SN2 from the ground screw.
Very happy!
G
Would you say it surpasses Hugo then
I'll have a more exensive listen at the weekend and feedback.
G
Cheers Graeme, be very interested
OK - New PS warmed up but 1st caveat - I'm now using a tail from a Grahams Hydra into PS and 2nd caveat - I'm now able to earth the 2Qute from the PS rather than running an earth from the ground screw of the SN2 to a spare socket.
Other than that the MCRU PS is the only change - allowing the 'wall wart' to come off the audio circuit.
The improvement is immediate and very obvious to the seasoned ear. Like putting an XPS on a CDX for example. Everything is more believable, it has its own space in the mix. Bass drops an octave to that 'feel it' level. Nice and tuneful too. Timbres are more precise, cymbals sound more 'brassy' and voices more credible. Dynamic swings have more potency too.
A bargain imho. I think it edges the Hugo now.
An example as I type is on Bad Company 'Wild Fire Woman' When the tambourine comes in. It sounds clear and 'metallic' not small and 'tizzy'. 'Anna' just started...big and blousy with lovely cymbal work.
Very happy
G