Why is a Chord Hugo better than a Naim DAC

Hooray a 2Qute fan

Another variable could be the inputs used as my system is dedicated to a CD player being the top-level source which serves as a transport wired in using Chord Signature BNC-BNC coaxial to the 2Qute.  This type of connection is possible with CD player to 2Qute.  But when experimenting with a Hugo it was only possible to try the same CD player by its optical TOSlink output.

The Hugo TT looks interesting for the reason of having BNC-BNC coaxial input, but whether its worth paying the price of three 2Qutes and a pub lunch?  Chord Elec. seem to have a regular release pattern of new DACs so apart from DAVE there may be others coming along and time flies when you're having fun

dunno about a 2Qute, but imo a Hugo TT is most definitely worth more than twice the price of a Hugo. It is just fantastic.

do a google for "Chord Mojo" for leaked details of their latest DAC (which they are announcing later today in any case).

Well clearly this is all rather subjective now, as I listened to a TT and was completely underwhelmed and actually felt disappointed - using SPDIF from Naim  and unbalanced audio outputs it brought nothing to the party over my Hugo - in fact to me it sounded less preferable.

I suspect if I used USB then it should be sounding better than the Hugo on USB..

Simon

I think you should maybe give the TT a longer listen. I've been more knocked out every day I've listened using USB in and balanced out. I tried the Hugo with spdif, galvanically isolated USB, and HD USB. Though if you think going up the Hugo range results in a less preferable sound, perhaps you should consider going down to a Mojo?! It'll be launched in an hour or so ..

Just crossed my mind, but what kind of sources do people use with Naim DAC? I guess that people mostly use Hugo with straight USB connection from PC/MAC but with Naim DAC you have to carefully choose a proper source between PC/MAC and the DAC to make it sing. I found this out recently when I compared two different USB to S/PDIF converters. There's huge differences there, especially in the detail/resolution which is described poor here (I disagree). 

So the 'MOJO' is the new kid on the block..... a great price to boot. Looking forward to trying this out, might even try it in the car

My Hugo default is mid range green not white (High)....    l suspect the problem with white is overloading of the preamp input: when I did use mine with preamp even at green setting required the preamp vol control to be used on lower settings than it had been with ND5XS direct as source.

Omitting  preamp entirely avoids any preamp overload risk entirely.

Am I the only one who bought a Hugo to use on the move, out of the house, with a decent(ish) source and headphones?

In those conditions it is certainly better than a Naim DAC. 

There is a 2qute review in this (last?) month's Hifi Choice.   It was judged to to be close to the Hugo in performance - with a bit more bass oomph - losing out in midrange detail though.  Could help explain preferences listed above.  

I'm off to China in a couple of weeks and repurchased a Hugo so divested myself of 2Qute knowing this is likely to be an ongoing commitment. I look forward to using it in transit!

Used SPDIF with a Naim DC1 RCA-BNC on 'Turquoise' it is sublime into SN2/HCDR.  The 2Qute noticeably edgier by comparison. This may be down to the higher and non-adjustable output of the 2Qute into SN2.

A local, and very reliable, dealer suggested to me that some find the 2Qute better however. Horses for courses at this level I guess.

G

At £399 have Chord just killed future Hugo sales?.  Now who does a high quality 3.5 to DIN cable....?

Chord don't seem to be afraid of undercutting their own products - so what the Hugo did to the QBD76 on the Hugo's introduction may well repeat with Mojo to Hugo, who knows. All good for the consumer.

Flashback Sales is your friend for the cable.

Thanks, not heard of them before.

Flashback are great if you want decent quality, reasonably priced cables. Great service, too.

As for the Mojo being a Hugo killer - I think that's just a bit over-optimistic! It would be nice, though...

A 2Qute killer perhaps .

G

I've been looking at headphone amplifiers to work with my SU, the Chord Mojo, might just be what I'm looking for. (The Hugo is a bit too pricey for me)

I wonder if it would work running the Coax S/PDIF output signal from the SU into the 3.5mm digital input on the Mojo?

If it does, I guess I'd have to get up to change the volume though! 

I would welcome your thoughts.

apparently Chord are also intending future plug in adapters for UPNP and SD Card transport.

There are already DLNA/upnp renderers that will run on your phone, and control points like the superb JRemote and iPend can be streamed to from J River and LMS respectively, so no need to wait (or pay) for Chords box of tricks - just get the right software on your phone for free or nearly so.

Not sure what you mean by "edgier" but the 2Qute had a treble harshness that never totally went away. I just never got used to it for extended listening sessions.

hi,

thats not my experience so I suspect it depends on other elements in the chain too. I had my SN driving Focal 816 fed by audiolab cd8200. I was suffering from a bright top end so tried the 2qute as an alternative. I didn't hear the huge improvement I thought I might but it has addressed the bright top end which was my goal. I spent a lengthy period listening to it with my wife before committing and we both heard a smoother top end so bought the 2qute. I haven't heard the Hugo so perhaps that is even smoother. But I am very happy with the balance I now have and would recommend folks judge for themselves. cheers

Returning to Hugo I agree.

G

Can we assume from your comment, you've now disposed of the 2Qute.