DACs — Chord Hugo TT2

The Hugo TT2 is an accomplished FPGA-based digital-to-analogue converter from Chord Electronics, a well-established British manufacturer known for distinctive, mathematically-derived FPGA conversion engineering, built around the Xilinx Artix 7 FPGA chip with near-immeasurable distortion. The Hugo TT2 brings Chord's most storied FPGA engineering heritage to a portable-yet-capable digital conversion format.

Key specs that matter

The conversion architecture uses a distinctive FPGA-based design built around the Xilinx Artix 7 chip, running Chord's proprietary custom filter code rather than a conventional off-the-shelf conversion chip. DSD compatibility reaches DSD512 (native, Windows-only) or DSD256 via DoP, with PCM support up to 32-bit/768kHz. Total harmonic distortion plus noise is a near-immeasurable 0.00008% at 22kHz - a remarkable figure. At 52 x 235 x 238mm and 2.53kg, the Hugo TT2 maintains a compact, portable-capable DAC chassis reflecting Chord's considered British engineering standards.

Sound and use context

Expect exceptionally clean, detailed conversion reflecting the near-immeasurable 0.00008% distortion figure, consistent with Chord's broader distinctive FPGA-based engineering philosophy.

Pairing

Chord's own ÉTUDE power amplifier offers a natural, brand-coherent pairing within the same broader catalogue.

Alternatives

Other manufacturers' comparable FPGA-based DACs offer alternatives for buyers wanting to compare conversion architectures at a similar price point.