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Frequently Asked Questions
What is Chord Electronics, and are its products good?
Chord Electronics is a British brand from Maidstone, England, founded in 1989 and widely regarded as the most decorated DAC maker in the industry. Its DACs use a proprietary FPGA-based design by Rob Watts rather than off-the-shelf chips, housed in aircraft-grade aluminium. The awards back it up: the Qutest won What Hi-Fi? Best DAC in its class for eight straight years, and a Chord Mojo has won its category for over a decade. At Vinyl Sound USA in Buffalo, New York we carry the full range and can help you choose.
Which Chord Electronics products does Vinyl Sound USA carry?
The Chord lineup at Vinyl Sound USA spans portable DAC and headphone amps (Mojo 2, Hugo 2), desktop and reference DACs (Qutest, Hugo TT 2, DAVE), the Hugo M Scaler, streaming modules (Poly, 2go, 2yu), desktop amps (Anni, Alto, Suzi), phono stages (Huei, Symphonic), and the ULTIMA range of power amps, preamps, and integrated amplification, plus accessories. Tell us your system and goals and we will point you to the right pieces.
What is a DAC, and do I need one?
A DAC, or digital-to-analog converter, turns digital audio from a phone, computer, streamer, or CD into an analog signal your system can play, and a better DAC can noticeably improve detail and clarity. Most devices have a basic DAC built in, so a dedicated one like a Chord is an upgrade rather than a requirement. If you listen to digital sources on a resolving system or good headphones, it is one of the most effective upgrades. Vinyl Sound USA can help you decide.
Which Chord DAC should I choose?
Chord offers a DAC at every level at Vinyl Sound USA. The Mojo 2 is the portable and desktop entry point, the Qutest is the award-winning compact home DAC, the Hugo 2 adds portability and a headphone amp, the Hugo TT 2 is the reference desktop DAC and preamp, and DAVE is the flagship. Your choice depends on whether you want portability, a home DAC, or reference performance. Tell us your sources and budget and we will match the right one.
What is a portable DAC, and what are the Mojo 2 and Hugo 2?
A portable DAC and headphone amp improves the sound of a phone or laptop with headphones, giving you far better quality than a built-in output. At Vinyl Sound USA the Chord Mojo 2 is the compact, affordable option, and the Hugo 2 is the more powerful transportable DAC and headphone amp. Both can be paired with a Chord streaming module to add wireless playback. Tell us your headphones and source and we will recommend the right one.
What is the Chord Qutest?
The Qutest is Chord's compact, award-winning home DAC that brings the brand's FPGA technology to a system without a headphone stage, so it is designed to upgrade the digital sound of a hi-fi. It connects between a source or streamer and your amplifier. At Vinyl Sound USA it is a popular step into Chord's reference DAC sound. Ask us how it fits with your amp and sources.
What is a headphone amp, and which Chord is best for headphones?
A headphone amplifier provides the clean power needed to drive headphones properly, which improves dynamics and control, especially with demanding models. Many Chord products at Vinyl Sound USA combine a DAC and headphone amp, including the portable Mojo 2 and Hugo 2, the desktop Hugo TT 2 and DAVE, and the desktop Anni and Alto amplifiers. The right choice depends on your headphones and whether you want portability or a desktop rig. Tell us your headphones and we will match the right unit.
What is a desktop DAC, and what does the Hugo M Scaler do?
A desktop DAC is a home-based converter that upgrades your digital sound and often adds a headphone stage and preamp. At Vinyl Sound USA the Qutest, Hugo TT 2, and DAVE cover this from compact to reference. The Hugo M Scaler is a separate upscaling device that uses Chord's advanced digital filter to enhance the signal fed to a compatible Chord DAC over dual BNC. It is a way to extract more from a Chord DAC. We can explain how it pairs with each model.
How do I add streaming to my Chord DAC?
Chord offers streaming modules at Vinyl Sound USA. The Poly adds network and wireless streaming plus storage to the Mojo 2, the 2go does the same for the Hugo 2 with up to 4TB of storage, and the 2yu combines with the 2go to create a network bridge for a DAC or the M Scaler. These turn a Chord DAC into a streaming source. Tell us which DAC you have and we will match the right module.
Does Chord make amplifiers and preamps for a full system?
Yes. Beyond DACs, Vinyl Sound USA carries Chord's ULTIMA range of power amplifiers, from the BerTTi and Étude up to the flagship ULTIMA monoblocks, along with the ULTIMA Integrated 125W and ULTIMA preamplifiers, plus the Prima preamp and the Anni desktop integrated. This lets you build a complete Chord system from source to speakers. Share your speakers and room and we will help you match the right amplification.
What is a phono stage, and which Chord should I use for vinyl?
A phono stage boosts and corrects the low signal from a turntable so your system can play it, and it is essential for vinyl. At Vinyl Sound USA the Chord Huei handles both moving-magnet and moving-coil cartridges, and the Symphonic is a dedicated moving-coil phono stage for higher-end setups. The right one depends on your cartridge. Tell us your turntable and cartridge and we will recommend the correct phono stage.
Are Chord products from Vinyl Sound USA authorized, and do you ship nationwide?
Yes. Vinyl Sound USA Inc. in Buffalo, New York is an authorized Chord Electronics dealer, so every DAC, amplifier, and accessory is genuine with full support. We serve Western New York and customers across the United States. Reach out by phone or email, or visit our Buffalo showroom to audition the range, and we will help you choose the right Chord setup and place your order.
