Chord - Hugo 2

Portable DAC & Headphone Amp

Sale price₹ 179,999
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Color: Black

Expected to be restocked by August End

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Why Chord is Special

🇬🇧

Designed in UK

Established & Reputed

Trust us, our reputation speaks for itself 🏆!


I believe that when a brand has decades of proven excellence, you can invest with confidence knowing your purchase is backed by years of audio engineering expertise. These products come from manufacturers with extensive histories of innovation and unwavering commitment to sonic excellence. Think of them like luxury watch brands - their reputation has been earned through decades of consistent quality and innovation.


With their extensive history of innovation and countless satisfied customers worldwide, you can be confident your investment is backed by proven audio engineering expertise and industry leadership 📈.


When you see "🎖️ Established & Reputed" products, expect time-tested excellence from manufacturers who've consistently demonstrated mastery in audio engineering for generations.

Revered by Audiophiles

Audiophiles can be really picky 😤, and if the audiophile community says something sounds good, you can bet it's exceptional! I believe that earning audiophile reverence is like getting a standing ovation from music critics - it doesn't happen unless you've truly achieved something special. This audio gear has earned widespread acclaim from audiophiles worldwide, a community renowned for exacting standards and unwavering commitment to high-fidelity reproduction.


These discerning enthusiasts particularly value its extraordinary precision in sound reproduction and remarkable capability to create thoroughly immersive listening experiences. The audiophile community's endorsement carries significant weight because of their extensive experience with high-end equipment 🏆.


When you see "🙌🏻 Revered by Audiophiles" products, expect audiophile-grade excellence that satisfies even the most demanding listeners and consistently exceeds the highest standards.

🦩

Boutique Brand

Specialist

A masterpiece from experts who know audio inside and out 🔧!


I tend to describe specialist manufacturers as "audio artisans" who focus exclusively on perfecting specific categories of equipment. These products are meticulously crafted by dedicated experts who possess deep knowledge of sound reproduction, ensuring every technical aspect is refined to perfection. Think of them like master craftsmen who spend their entire careers perfecting one specific skill - their focused expertise shows in every detail.


These dedicated experts bring years of specialised knowledge to the design process, resulting in products that consistently achieve exceptional performance standards through focused engineering excellence 🎯.


When you see "🌟 Specialist" products, expect focused expertise from manufacturers who dedicate their entire efforts to perfecting specific audio equipment categories.

🐣

Born in 1989

Why we love this DAC/Amp

I Am Worth It

For the most passionate audiophiles who demand nothing less than audio perfection 💎, these exceptional products represent the absolute pinnacle of sound reproduction technology. When I designate something in this category, it means we've identified something truly extraordinary - a piece of equipment that transcends conventional standards of excellence. Think of these as the Rolls-Royce of audio - masterpieces that don't simply meet expectations but establish entirely new benchmarks for what's possible.


These aren't just premium products; they're timeless investments in musical excellence whose value transcends ordinary performance metrics. Each represents a fundamental redefinition of what's achievable in sound reproduction, incorporating innovations and craftsmanship that justify their exclusive status.


When you see "👑 I Am Worth It" products, understand that you're experiencing audio perfection - these masterpieces cater to those who recognise that true excellence knows no compromise.

Serious Audiophiles Only

For those who have ventured deep into high-fidelity audio 🎯, the pursuit of sonic excellence becomes an endless journey of discovery and refinement. I believe that serious audiophiles demand equipment that can satisfy the most exacting standards and deliver performance that pushes boundaries. These products represent the pinnacle of acoustic engineering, incorporating advanced technologies and meticulous craftsmanship that enable them to reproduce music with utmost fidelity.


Each product has undergone rigorous evaluation to ensure it delivers exceptional performance that discerning listeners demand, from precise frequency response to impeccable detail retrieval and sophisticated sound staging. These devices incorporate premium components and engineering excellence that justify their position at the apex of audio performance.


When you encounter "🦈 Serious Audiophiles Only" products, expect uncompromising performance that satisfies the most demanding requirements and elevates critical listening to new heights.

Cult Following

Cause some things just demand dedication 💫!


I believe that when passionate audio enthusiasts consistently praise something, you know it's genuinely special. This exceptional audio gear has cultivated a devoted and passionate fanbase that recognises its extraordinary qualities and consistently celebrates its outstanding performance. Think of it like that hidden gem restaurant that doesn't advertise but always has a line of people who know something amazing. These products have earned legendary status through years of delivering experiences that resonate deeply with audio connoisseurs.


These selections have earned their legendary status through consistent delivery of exceptional experiences, creating a community of enthusiasts who understand something truly distinctive. The passionate community endorsement carries significant weight because it comes from real-world experience and genuine appreciation 🎯.


When you see "🧑🏼‍🤝‍🧑🏼 Cult Following" products, expect to join an exclusive community of passionate enthusiasts who've discovered something that consistently exceeds expectations.

Use Wirelessly with Bluetooth

I tend to describe Bluetooth audio as wireless freedom with fewer strings attached — literally. When you see Use Wirelessly with Bluetooth, it means you can pair your headphones or IEMs with phones, laptops, or even TVs — all without reaching for a cable 🎶. It’s convenient, clutter-free, and great for everyday listening.


What’s happening behind the scenes is your gear is using Bluetooth codecs like SBC, AAC, LDAC, or aptX to compress and transmit your music wirelessly. Better codecs mean higher quality and lower latency. Of course, there’s a trade-off — Bluetooth won’t match the quality of wired gear, but today’s advancements have made the gap much smaller than before.


When you see '✂️ Use Wirelessly with Bluetooth' products, expect: tangle-free convenience and solid sound quality — great for commuting, workouts, or casual listening.


Battery Life

In my experience, battery life is one of those things that separates a good day from a frustrating one. It's like having a fuel gauge you can rely on — longer battery life means less charging and more uninterrupted music. Whether you're on a flight or just commuting across town, this is one spec you don’t want to overlook 🔋.


Technically, battery life refers to the hours your device can play music on a single charge. Today’s headphones and DACs can range from 4 to 40+ hours, depending on things like Bluetooth codec, volume, and active features like ANC. More battery life also means better travel and portability, though it might come at the cost of size or weight.


When you see '⏳ Battery Life' products, expect: longer listening sessions, fewer charging breaks, and stress-free portability for music that goes the distance.

Connect With Cable

In my experience, there’s still nothing like the dependability of a wired connection when it comes to audio 🎧. I love describing it as the direct flight of music — no delays, no turbulence. When a product says “Connect with Cable,” it means you’re getting the most reliable signal path, with zero wireless compression and minimal interference.


Here’s what’s actually happening: a physical cable transmits uncompressed analog or digital signals directly from your source to your gear. This results in lower latency, no signal drops, and consistently better sound — especially when paired with a good DAC or amp. It’s ideal for critical listening, gaming, and professional use. The trade-off? You’re tethered — but for a lot of audiophiles, that’s a small price to pay for sonic purity.


When you see '🔗 Connect With Cable' products, expect: pure, uninterrupted sound quality that lets your gear perform at its full potential — perfect for focused, high-fidelity listening.

Built like a Tank

Durability concerns? Rest assured 💪.


I tend to describe these products as audio equipment that's built to survive anything you can throw at them. These headphones incorporate high-grade metal components and reinforced design elements that ensure they can handle demanding conditions while maintaining structural integrity. Think of them as the military-grade vehicles of the audio world - over-engineered for reliability and built to last decades, not just years.


The metal construction provides exceptional strength and longevity while contributing to a premium feel that serious audio enthusiasts appreciate. Whether you're a professional who needs reliable daily-use equipment or someone who values long-term investment in audio gear 🏗️.


When you encounter "🪖 Built like a Tank" products, expect unmatched robustness and durability you can count on for years of intensive use.


Why it Sounds Amazing

DAC Chip

I like to say the DAC chip is the heart of any audio device — it’s the part that actually transforms digital files into music you can hear 🎧. Think of it like a chef decoding a recipe to create a delicious meal. The better the DAC chip, the more faithfully it translates your music. And in my experience, a great DAC can completely change how your headphones sound.


Now, here’s what’s actually happening: a Digital-to-Analog Converter (DAC) takes digital signals (your MP3s, FLACs, or streams) and converts them into an analog waveform your ears can enjoy. Different DAC chips — like those from ESS, AKM, or Cirrus Logic — offer their own sound signatures, levels of clarity, and noise performance. A good DAC ensures accurate timing, minimal distortion, and exceptional resolution.


When you see '⚙️ DAC Chip' products, expect: clean, detailed audio and better synergy with high-quality headphones — perfect for anyone upgrading from average sound to audiophile quality.

Power Output

I like to think of power output in audio gear like engine horsepower, it determines how much muscle your setup really has 💪. Whether you’re trying to drive a pair of power-hungry planar headphones or just want headroom for dynamic peaks, power output is the spec you want to check first.


Technically, it refers to the amount of electrical power (measured in mW or Watts) an amp or DAC/Amp combo can deliver to your headphones. More power means better control, improved dynamics, and the ability to handle demanding gear without distortion. But more isn’t always better, too much power with sensitive IEMs can introduce hiss or harshness.


When you see '🚀 Power Output' products, expect: strong driving capability, better dynamics, and optimal performance with headphones that need serious juice to shine.


Chord Electronic Introduces A Cutting-Edge Tech For The Next-Gen Performance - The Hugo 2

The Chord Hugo 2 features next-gen performance in terms of sound all thanks to its FPGA and WTA (Watts Transient Aligned) filters. It offers 49,152 taps. It can be used at home in a conventional audio system or on-the-move using the 7-hour battery life. You get 2 modes of automatic charging with its dedicated Micro USB charging port. Enjoy an immersive listening experience with Chord Hugo 2.

Features Advance Technology For High-Quality Audio

Chord Electronics Hugo 2 features recent advances in digital technology, including the latest FPGAs and WTA (Watts Transient Aligned) filters, a next-generation version that offers enhanced features along with improved technical and sonic performance.

Seamless Compatibility With Multiple Connectivity Options

You can connect the Hugo 2 to multiple devices with the optical, coaxial and HD USB inputs. The analogue outputs include RCA connectors, 3.5mm jack and 6.35mm headphone outputs. You can also stream audio wirelessly using Bluetooth with Qualcomm aptX. The USB connection supports hi-res file playback up to 768kHz and DSD512 while the remote control adds flexibility to full-sized desktop systems.

Choose Between Different Filter & Operation Modes

Choose between the 4 frequency-shaping switch filters. You can pick between a warm & soft presentation or a transparent & incisive sound. The Hugo 2 offers three operation modes for headphone-listening. It even retains the popular digital crossfeed function of the original Hugo. The system duplicates the effect of listening to speakers and is based on advanced binaural audio research.

Durable Aluminium Chassis With Stylish Control Buttons

Just like the Chord Mojo, the Hugo 2 can drive headphones up to 800Ω. All its cutting-edge tech is encased in a durable CNC-milled aluminium chassis. It features four spherical control buttons which illuminate in a different colour light to give you information about the power, input, filters and crossfeed functions.

Features Advance Technology For High-Quality Audio

Chord Electronics Hugo 2 features recent advances in digital technology, including the latest FPGAs and WTA (Watts Transient Aligned) filters, a next-generation version that offers enhanced features along with improved technical and sonic performance.

Seamless Compatibility With Multiple Connectivity Options

You can connect the Hugo 2 to multiple devices with the optical, coaxial and HD USB inputs. The analogue outputs include RCA connectors, 3.5mm jack and 6.35mm headphone outputs. You can also stream audio wirelessly using Bluetooth with Qualcomm aptX. The USB connection supports hi-res file playback up to 768kHz and DSD512 while the remote control adds flexibility to full-sized desktop systems.

Choose Between Different Filter & Operation Modes

Choose between the 4 frequency-shaping switch filters. You can pick between a warm & soft presentation or a transparent & incisive sound. The Hugo 2 offers three operation modes for headphone-listening. It even retains the popular digital crossfeed function of the original Hugo. The system duplicates the effect of listening to speakers and is based on advanced binaural audio research.

Durable Aluminium Chassis With Stylish Control Buttons

Just like the Chord Mojo, the Hugo 2 can drive headphones up to 800Ω. All its cutting-edge tech is encased in a durable CNC-milled aluminium chassis. It features four spherical control buttons which illuminate in a different colour light to give you information about the power, input, filters and crossfeed functions.

Headphone Outputs

Chord Hugo 2 features RCA connectors, 3.5mm jack and 6.35mm headphone outputs for seamless connectivity.

Meticulous Design

Chord Hugo 2 is encased in a durable CNC-milled aluminium chassis for durability & impeccable Aesthetics.


All You Need To Know About The Chord Hugo 2

Chipset
Chord Electronics Custom Coded Xilinx Artix 7 (XC7A15T) FPGA
Headphone Output
3.5mm (Single-Ended)
6.35mm (Single-Ended
Tap-length
49,152
Pulse Array
10 Element Pulse Array Design
Frequency Response
20Hz – 20kHz +/- 0.2dB
Output Impedance
0.025Ω


3 Year Warranty

Don't sweat it, this Chord - Hugo 2 comes with a 3 Year warranty from Chord Electronics that covers manufacturing defects. All products featured on Headphone Zone are backed by an original manufacturer's warranty.

Read more about Chord Electronics's warranty in India.

British Made Precision Designed since 1989

Chord Electronics, founded in 1998 and headquartered in East Farleigh, Kent, United Kingdom, is renowned for its commitment to delivering pure audio through its legendary DACs and amplifiers, all entirely designed and manufactured in England. Stemming from a background in aviation, where uncompromised standards were paramount, Chord Electronics has upheld this philosophy since its inception in 1989. Their amplifiers were initially supplied to prestigious institutions like the BBC and world-leading studios such as Abbey Road and Sony Music in New York.

Notably, Chord Electronics distinguishes itself through the use of FPGA technology in their DACs and amplifiers, ensuring studio-grade audio performance across their product range, including popular models like Mojo, Hugo, and DAVE.

Explore Collection
With the Hugo 2, Chord Electronics explores new dimensions of portable audio. The Hugo 2 presents next-level sound with a highly natural and accurate presentation of audio in an eye-catching device. Hugo 2 is powerful and highly capable.

RAGHAV SOMANI

What Hi-Fi? Awards
Best DAC over £1200
Oct, 2017

What Hi-Fi? Awards
Best DAC over £1200
Nov, 2018

Best DAC over £1200
What Hi-Fi? Awards
Nov, 2019

Best DAC over £1200
What Hi-Fi? Awards
Oct, 2020

I honestly can’t think of a single transportable DAC device out on the market today that can beat the Hugo 2 for pure sound. That bodes well for the end of the year awards.
There isn’t another DAC around at anywhere near this sort of price able to communicate so torrentially, so unambiguously or so effortlessly. We like it a lot.
Chord Electronics’ outstanding Hugo 2: On sound quality and utility – judging it as a complete package – Chord Electronics’ Hugo 2 is the finest DAC I’ve seen/heard/used to date.
The Hugo 2 is their best portable DAC at the moment and you won’t be disappointed in any way. There’s a reason the Hugo 2 also keeps its place in our Best DAC/Amp Recommendations list.
The Hugo 2 is excellent as a DAC and it comes with the ability to amplify some headphones and IEMs extremely well that can be picked up and moved about.
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Chord - Hugo 2 Portable DAC & Headphone Amp Sale price₹ 179,999
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DAC Chip

FPGA DAC Chip

Dual AK4499EX + AK4191EQ

Burr-Brown

Headphone Output

6.35mm (Single-Ended)
3.5mm (Single-Ended)

4.4mm (Balanced)
6.35mm (Single-Ended)
3.5mm (Single-Ended)

4.4mm (Balanced)
6.35mm (Single-Ended)

Output Power

740mW @ 32 Ohms

Upto 2360mW @ 32 Ohms

Upto 5180mW @ 32 Ohms

Bluetooth

Bluetooth codecs: aptX

Bluetooth Version: V5.0
Bluetooth codecs: LDAC / aptX HD/ aptX/SBC/AAC

Bluetooth Version: V5.4
Bluetooth codecs: aptX Lossless
aptX Adaptive
aptX
LDAC
LHDC/HWA
AAC
SBC

Battery Life

Upto 7 Hours

Upto 10 Hours

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Have a question? Get in touch!

Check out the most common questions our customers ask. Still have questions? Talk to our Headphone Gurus.

Our customer support is available Monday to Friday: 10.30am-6:30pm.Average answer time: 2-3 Hours

Other Details


Generic Name DAC & Amp
Country Of Origin United Kingdom
Importer Details Importers Name: Ferrari Video
Address: 63/18, 1st Main Road, Gandhi Nagar, Chennai - 600020
Contact No: 044-24420733
Dimensions 22 x 13 x 11 CM
Net Quantity 1
Manufacturer Details Name: Chord Electronics Ltd.
Address: The Pumphouse, Farleigh Bridge, Farleigh Lane, East Farleigh, Maidstone
Package Contents Chord Hugo 2
Hugo 2 User ManuaL, Safety InstructionS, Drawstring Bag
5V 2A Switching Micro USB Power Supply
IR Remote ControL, Micro USB To Type-A USB Cable
Micro To Micro USB OTG Cable
Optical Cable
Optical To 3.5 Mm Optical Cable
2x AAA Batteries

Manuals & Guides



User Manual | Hugo 2

Portable DAC & Headphone Amp



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Customer Reviews

Based on 9 reviews
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S
Sarabjit (New Delhi)
Fantastic piece of equipment!

What a synergy the Hugo 2 displays with the Sennheiser HD 820! Incredible! Absolutely loving this combo!

That’s an epic combo! The Hugo 2 and HD 820 truly bring out the best in each other. So glad you’re loving the synergy! Keep the music playing!

A
Aniel (New Delhi)
Most Satisfying Experience in Music Listening

I got the Chord Hugo from a fellow member just 4 months off the shelf cost, at a great deal with full 3 years warranty. It was purchased by him from HP-Zone. This is my 3rd Chord device with Mojo as my portable & Qutest already sitting on my desktop setup. Listening to Hugo2 is a very satisfying experience in music and drowns you in it for hours. Super great Soundstage, Excellent Timbre, & great Enjoyment. Very Resolving too. Cheers

Thank you so much for the fantastic rating and review! We're thrilled you enjoyed it keep the music playing!

S
Serge@SE (Shibin al Kawm)
Audio measurements of Hugo 2

Music-based audio measurements of Hugo 2 are very impressive. Best of all measured so far.

H
Harsha Vardhan (Coimbatore)
The only Music Device you'll ever need !!!

I Started my journey with the Chord Mojo, which converted me into a Chord Fanatic. Saved up and upgraded to the Hugo 2. Huge leap in sound quality. Utterly captivating and natural sound. When listening, you get the feeling that none of the frequencies are exaggerated or muted. Every sound is in line with one another and as a whole, it just pulls you into each song. Actually, It's difficult to put into words, the exact emotional pull it brings into your music listening experience. Highly recommended, it may seem pricey, and it definitely is. But If you can pony up, 1.7 Lacs, You'll treat yourself to world class sound which fits within your palm. What a device, Rob Watts..and what a service, Headphonezone. Special thanks to Mr. Salim for keeping me posted with every small product update.

Hi Dr. Harsha,

Thank you so much for your valuable review about the Chord Hugo 2. It feels amazing to have you around and we appreciate your kind words about us. People like you motivates us to continue doing the good work and improvise it every coming day.

Team Headphone Zone

A
Ashok Choutry P (Chennai)
Hugo 2 - Musical Bliss

I had Chord mojo earlier. The improvement that it made to my hi-fi system is top-notch. I had fiio x5, ibasso dx90, denon da 300 usb, oppo bdp 103 and 203, denon x7200W, Marantz av7703. The chord mojo defeated all these systems in sound quality. I had even purchased AK Kann and ifi dsd micro BL. They could't able to compete with the mojo in terms of pure emotion and musicality. When I heard about the chord hugo 2 release, I had planned to purchase it. When I first heard it, I was not fully satisfied with the sound quality. The main reason was Hugo2 was more transparent compared to Mojo. Compared to mojo, hugo 2 was slightly thinner, less warm, more detailed, reveals lots and lots of micro details, wider sound stage, ultimate instrument separation. Somehow my mind was not adjusted to Hugo 2 when I listened to mp3 songs. I had tried with CD quality WAV/Flac songs too and same results. It surprises you with more nuances, but the ultimate musicality that you got via Mojo was missing. I couldn't able to understand the problem. Suddenly, my mojo got repaired and sent it for service. I had to listen to Hugo 2 for 2 months. Now, I started understanding the reality. Like an AR Rahman song, Hugo 2 started growing inside you slowly. But once you are addicted to its musicality, you cannot use any other DAC/DAP forever. When I have got mojo, I came to know what I was missing via Mojo and what I have got via Hugo 2. Now, if you want to switch to any other DAC/DAP - It would be really difficult since your mind and heart both wants you to listen only to Hugo 2 since the sound is exceptional via Hugo2. Between Mojo and Hugo 2 - I am using Mojo for car listening and Hugo 2 for main hi-fi system listening.

A
Ankur Jain (Delhi)
Chord Hugo 2, great multi talented dac

Designed by rob watts of chord electronics, this dac sounds extremly close to works best chord Dave dac at a fraction of price. The first impression is of extreme clarity but with the refinement only possible with best analog gear. Sound instantly reminds of a vinyl record but with lot more bass extension. It works as a digital pre so one can attach a power amp directly saving the cost of high end pre and interconnects. Sound is neither warm nor cold, in fact it is on very slight warmer side as compared to Hugo 1. It is suited to all kind of music be it in lossless or lossy format. Vocals are extremely communicative and focused. Simply add a good power amp ( or even integrated amp ) and you have a system which can beat many much more expensive high end systems. It requires though 50 to 80 hours burn in , preferably with isotek burn in track.

V
Vinu Mohan (Kochi)
Live music in your pocket

Chord Hugo 2 is a gem in the audio world. The sound quality of CH2 is so pure, accurate and detail rich that it gets you real close to a live recording. Each note is refined and nuanced. The frequency response is even and balanced with great extension on both ends. As far as I can tell, it drives the notoriously fussy HD800S flawlessly in all its glory; the combo is an out of the world experience.

k
karthik divakaruni (Hyderabad)
Chord Hugo 2 as a Desktop DAC - Initial impressions

I have been looking for a dedicated DAC for my stereo setup (KEF Q900 floor-standing speakers, Naim NAIT 5Si stereo amplifier, Yamaha RN-602 Network receiver) to replace the mediocre build-in DAC on my network receiver. I initially auditioned some DACs to check how much improvement a dedicated DAC could make and needless to say, it was significant.

After a lot of research, I went with Chord Hugo2 (H2). I read that even with its small and portable form factor, H2 is highly capable of taking the role of a dedicated DAC in a proper home hifi stereo set-up. A shout-out to Headphonezone for delivering my DAC within 2 days of ordering !

There were a lot of questions in my mind initially - if H2 could drive an amplifier but Chord made sure that it does. H2 has a line-out mode that can be set by tapping the "XPHD" button during start-up. What it basically does is, it sets the output level to 3V RMS (indicated by appropriate color coding), which is more than enough to drive an amplifier. Another reason for choosing the H2 is its connectivity options. H2 has build-in Bluetooth with AptX support so I could quickly connect my phone to it if required. Another question was about the power supply. H2 is battery powered with USB charging. This seems unconventional if used as a tabletop DAC. But H2 has an intelligent power management feature that automatically detects that it is in the Desktop Mode after 24 hours of charging. In this mode, it is, I quote - "neither in charging or discharging state". But I could not leave it ON all the time, so I switch it ON whenever I use it. The remote control is very handy. Its inclusion shows that Chord was serious about users like me who want to use it as a tabletop DAC.

Now about the SQ - I will try to explain as much as I can about the my experience but since I am a newbie to Hifi, I won't be able to get into the intricacies.

First thing I noticed as soon as I hooked up the H2 is the amazing details it could pick up. I tri...