Chord Hugo TT2 DAC / Preamp / Headphone Amp

A Desktop DAC With Serious Processing Power

The Chord Hugo TT2 is a DAC, preamplifier, and headphone amplifier. It's built around a Xilinx Artix 7 FPGA. Chord programs that chip with its own WTA filter, running 98,304 taps across 86 parallel cores.

That's double the tap count of the smaller Hugo 2. It's also about five times the processing power of the original Hugo TT. The TT2 replaces that original model. It moves from battery power to six super capacitors, capable of delivering high, linear dynamic current on demand.

Illuminated spherical controls on the fascia display the input source and incoming sample rate. They do this using a color scale. A compact remote handles volume and source selection from your listening position.

Balanced and Unbalanced Outputs, Serious Headroom

Inputs cover USB Type-B, two coax BNC, and two optical connections. PCM decodes up to 768kHz at 16 to 32 bits. DSD support runs from DSD64 to DSD512 over DoP.

Outputs include balanced XLR and unbalanced RCA line stages. Two 6.35mm and one 3.5mm headphone jack round out the front panel. Two DX BNC expansion outputs sit unused today, reserved for future Chord products.

Headphone output reaches 7.3W RMS into 8 ohms unbalanced, or a substantial 18W RMS into 8 ohms balanced. Distortion measures just 0.00016% at 6W into 8 ohms. Dynamic range is rated at 127dB A-weighted.

A three-stage crossfeed function and four-stage filter selection are both user-adjustable through the menu system. Digital volume control keeps the signal path clean. Output impedance stays just 0.042 ohms, with a 30-watt maximum power draw. It measures 5.2 by 23.5 by 23.8cm and weighs 2.53kg.

What Reviewers Are Saying

Richard Barclay reviewed the Hugo TT2 for The Ear in September 2019. He found "breathtaking speed and clarity," matched with "variegated timbres." Together, he wrote, they "provide a highly detailed yet well-rounded listening experience with no hint of sterility."

He also praised its noise floor, noting the "TT2 offers an exceptionally quiet backdrop regardless of gain setting."

Andrew Simpson reviewed it for Audiograde in January 2024, as part of Chord's full Hugo Table Top range. "The clarity with which they present the music is exceptional for a recording at this sample rate," he wrote, "and would put many a hi-res recording to shame."

Simpson found that percussion in particular showed off the system's composure. "It's the attack which they bring to the start/stop nature of the percussion," he wrote, "that shows how unflappable this combination is."

Who Is This DAC Best For?

• Listeners who want one box to handle DAC, preamp, and headphone duty. Balanced and unbalanced line outputs sit alongside three headphone jacks.
• Owners of demanding, hard-to-drive headphones. Up to 18W RMS balanced output covers even power-hungry planar and dynamic headphones.
• Anyone building a desktop system with a power amp or active speakers. Digital volume control and balanced XLR outputs let the TT2 work directly as a preamp.
• Listeners who want proven, independently reviewed performance. Two named reviewers at established publications praised its clarity, timing, and quiet backdrop.
• Not the right fit for anyone who needs a portable, battery-powered DAC. The TT2 runs from super capacitors and mains power, not the battery used in Chord's smaller portable models.

How Does It Connect to Your System?

Connect a computer to the USB input, or a transport or streamer to one of the coax or optical inputs. Run the balanced or unbalanced output to your amplifier or powered speakers. Or plug headphones directly into one of the three headphone jacks.

Use the included remote to switch inputs and set volume, and cycle through the crossfeed and filter settings from the front panel to suit your headphones or recordings.

Pairs Well With

Building your system? Here are some great companions for the Chord Hugo TT2:

• Headphones that benefit from its high-power balanced output
• Power amplifiers or active speakers for a compact desktop system
• Digital cables to connect a transport or streaming source

Frequently Asked Questions

How is this different from the Hugo 2?

The TT2 runs double the Hugo 2's WTA filter tap count. It also adds balanced XLR outputs, higher headphone output power, and a desktop-sized chassis. The Hugo 2 stays more compact and portable, running on an internal battery.

Can I use this as a preamplifier?

Yes. Digital volume control and balanced or unbalanced line outputs let the TT2 connect directly to a power amplifier or active speakers.

What are the DX BNC outputs for?

They're reserved for future Chord products and aren't currently used. Think of them as forward compatibility rather than a connection you'll need today.

What's the warranty?

Chord Electronics covers the Hugo TT2 with a three-year warranty.

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Learn More

Want to learn more about DAC filters and crossfeed, matching a headphone amp to your headphones, or getting the most from your digital source? Visit our Learning Center for guides, tips, and expert advice.