The Hugo from Chord Electronics offers "studio-master-tape sound quality, advanced connectivity and uncompromising file playback capability", with thorough support for high-resolution audio in a tiny package aimed at high-end headphone users everywhere.

As well as being a portable DAC/headphone amp, the Hugo can also be used within a static sound system, acting as a reference grade source component, and builds on the success of the multi-award-winning QuteHD. 

There are five digital inputs in total, with two USB inputs (an asynchronous and a driverless USB), digital coaxial and digital optical inputs, and an A2DP with aptX Bluetooth connection.

The Hugo can decode sample rates from 44.1kHz to 382kHz (PCM), with DSD 128 playback for high-res DXD music files. As a result, the Chord Hugo can work with Apple and Android devices, allowing you to play music straight from your iPhone or iPad.                                  

The Hugo – named because you can take Hugo wherever 'you-go' – is battery-powered, with a built-in battery charging circuit onboard which takes approximately two hours to charge, meaning the USB connection draws no power in operation.

This incredibly versatile and yet audiophile solution to several problems has been a roaring success at Audio High. Whether listening on high-end headphones from Sennheiser or Audeze, or acting as a source for a listening room speaker-based system, the Hugo has proved a revolutionary product. But don't take our word for it - 

"If you're looking for a DAC/Headphone amp with Bluetooth capability that can go anywhere you go and do double duty in your main hi-fi while performing equally well in both scenarios with PCM data up to 32/384, DXD, and DSD 128 while making good old CD-quality truly shine, the Chord Hugo merits a serious listen." - AudioStream, Feb 2014

"When I think of Hugo, only superlatives come in my mind and I can hardly restrain myself from writing “WOW, Amazing, Excellent, Incredible”, etc. This small but wonderful DAC became a reference for me and I must congratulate Chord Electronics on this excellent new product." - HeadMania, Feb 2014