Chord Hugo TT2 DAC, Preamplifier & Headphone Amplifier

The Chord Hugo TT 2 is a desktop FPGA-based DAC, preamplifier, and headphone amplifier engineered by Rob Watts at Chord Electronics using a Xilinx Artix 7 FPGA with 98,304-tap WTA 1 filter running at 16FS. It supports 768kHz PCM and DSD 512 playback, delivers a measured dynamic range of 127dB A-weighted, and achieves THD of 0.00008% at 2.5V into 300 ohms. The Hugo TT 2 is the highest-performing desktop DAC in the Chord Hugo product family, positioned directly below Chord's flagship DAVE.

FPGA Architecture and Signal Processing

Unlike conventional chip-based DACs that run 256-tap filters, the Hugo TT 2 uses a Xilinx Artix 7 FPGA custom-coded by Rob Watts with 86 cores running at 208MHz in parallel. This implements a 16FS WTA 1 filter with 98,304 taps, double the 49,152 taps found in the Hugo 2. The FPGA-based design allows Chord Electronics to refine its digital processing independently of hardware changes, and the Hugo TT 2 replaces the original Hugo TT's Li-Po battery supply with six super capacitors capable of 5A peak output at 9.3V RMS, delivering linear dynamic current under demanding transients.

Headphone Amplifier and Preamplifier Output

The Hugo TT 2 incorporates a high-power discrete output stage with second-order noise-shaping integrated between the DAC output and filter stage. Unbalanced headphone output reaches 7.3W RMS into 8 ohms and 288mW into 300 ohms. Balanced output reaches 18W RMS into 8 ohms and 1.15W into 300 ohms. Output impedance is 0.042 ohms, making the Hugo TT 2 compatible with sensitive in-ear monitors as well as high-impedance planar and dynamic headphones. The three-stage digital crossfeed function allows headphone users to adjust soundstage depth perception for extended listening sessions.

Four user-selectable filter settings introduced with the Hugo 2 are carried forward in the Hugo TT 2. The Hugo TT 2 also functions as a full preamplifier with variable output for connection to a power amplifier or active speakers, and can be upgraded at any time with the Chord M Scaler, a 1M-tap digital upscaling device that feeds the Hugo TT 2 via dual BNC connections.

Specifications

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Chord Hugo TT 2?

The Chord Hugo TT 2 is a desktop DAC, preamplifier, and headphone amplifier manufactured by Chord Electronics in the United Kingdom. It uses a Xilinx Artix 7 FPGA running a 98,304-tap WTA 1 filter custom-coded by Rob Watts, supports 768kHz PCM and DSD 512 playback, and delivers up to 18W balanced headphone output with a measured dynamic range of 127dB A-weighted.

What is the difference between the Chord Hugo TT 2 and the Hugo 2?

The Hugo TT 2 has double the WTA filter taps of the Hugo 2 (98,304 vs 49,152), five times the processing power of the original Hugo TT, a balanced headphone output, six super capacitors replacing the Hugo 2's Li-Po battery, and significantly higher output power. The Hugo 2 is the portable option; the Hugo TT 2 is designed for desktop use with a full preamplifier function.

Can the Chord Hugo TT 2 be used as a preamplifier?

Yes. The Hugo TT 2 includes a variable preamplifier output for direct connection to a power amplifier or active loudspeakers. Its output impedance of 0.042 ohms ensures compatibility with virtually any power amplifier input, making it suitable as the volume control stage in a full two-channel system without a separate preamplifier.

What is the Chord M Scaler and how does it work with the Hugo TT 2?

The Chord M Scaler is a standalone 1M-tap digital upscaler that connects to the Hugo TT 2 via dual BNC connections. It upscales PCM audio to 705.6kHz or 768kHz before the Hugo TT 2 applies its own 98,304-tap WTA filtering. The M Scaler is an optional upgrade designed by Chord Electronics specifically to extend Hugo TT 2 performance and is available at Vinyl Sound Buffalo.

What headphones work best with the Chord Hugo TT 2?

The Hugo TT 2's output impedance of 0.042 ohms and adjustable gain make it compatible with sensitive in-ear monitors as well as high-impedance planar magnetic and dynamic headphones. The balanced output at 18W RMS into 8 ohms provides sufficient power for demanding planar designs. The three-stage digital crossfeed helps headphone listeners adjust depth perception for long listening sessions. Visit our headphone collection for compatible options at Vinyl Sound Buffalo.

How does the Hugo TT 2 compare to the Chord DAVE?

Chord's DAVE is the company's flagship DAC and preamplifier, running a 164,000-tap WTA filter versus the Hugo TT 2's 98,304 taps. The DAVE achieves lower distortion and a more advanced noise-shaping architecture. The Hugo TT 2 is the most capable desktop DAC in the Chord lineup below the DAVE and represents the ceiling of the Hugo product family.

Where can I buy the Chord Hugo TT 2 in the United States?

Vinyl Sound in Buffalo, NY is an authorized Chord Electronics dealer serving customers across Western New York and the United States. We carry the Hugo TT 2 alongside the full Chord DAC range. Contact us for a demonstration or to discuss your system requirements.

Vinyl Sound — Buffalo's Hi-Fi Store. Authorized Chord Electronics dealer. Expert guidance on FPGA DACs, preamplifiers, and headphone amplifiers for two-channel and headphone listening systems.