Hugo 2

I've started a new topic as the old Hugo 2 topic was closed.

After over three months of waiting my new Chord Hugo 2 arrived today. I thought I'd post my inital thoughts here as I know a few people around here are interested in Hugo 2.

On unboxing the packaging feels like it hides a premium and special product, very well designed. When do you ever get Duracell Ultra batteries included with a remote?! Even the instructions are soft touch material. Very well thought out and quality first. It's the little touches count.

I get to the Hugo 2 itself. For some reason, it looks smaller than I was expecting, that's a good thing as it's meant to be portable yet suitable for desktop home use. Again, very well designed and oozes quality from its black anodized CNC machined aluminum case, a big improvement on original Hugo. Symmetry is beauty. There are rattles that seem to come from the push buttons but I guess this is normal and nothing to worry about.

I switch it on and see that the batteries are low so I plug the charger in. My Chord Shawline RCA to XLR fit okay, as does my Belkin 1m USB C to B micro cable. Set filter to 1 (Incisive Neutral). Right, all set.

After an initial listen, a few of my questions are answered. Do I regret selling my Hugo TT? No. Is this Dave in small form factor? No. Do I prefer this to Mojo and original Hugo? Yes.

It’s so easy to listen to, it’s like my brain doesn’t have to work as hard to hear the music, it’s very organic and natural sounding. Lovely deep three dimensional soundstage, instruments sound even more lifelike with better separation. Not a hint of any noise or distortion. The filter options are subtle, I prefer to keep it on 1.

It’s difficult to make comparisons with Dave and Hugo TT as I heard those with different speakers and prior to installing acoustic treatment in my room.  Please take what I say with a pinch of salt. Hugo 2 is no Dave. I heard things with Dave that I’m just not hearing with Hugo 2. It doesn’t quite render the same gigantically deep and three dimensional, yet strange, soundstage that Dave seemed to muster up. Dave, from what I can remember, also tonally sounded warmer. Hugo 2 certainly gives a taste of Dave and will not leave you wanting.

atb