Chord Hugo TT 2 User manual

Hugo TT 2
Manual
V.1.0
Chord Electronics
Product Communication | English
_
The Pumphouse Farleigh Lane,
East Farleigh, Maidstone
ME16 9NB United Kingdom
[e-mail]
chordelectronics.co.uk

THIS IS PURE AUDIO

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Contents 0.0
1.0 Safety instructions 07
1.1 Introduction 08
1.2 Protection against liquids & heat 09
1.3 Dismantling & Radio 10
Frequency interference
1.4 Connecting your equipment 11
2.0 Warranty 13
2.1 Warranty period & registering 14
your purchase
2.2 Making a claim & warranty exclusions 15
3.0 Getting to know Hugo TT 2 17
3.1 Getting to know Hugo TT 2 & Drivers 18
3.2 The front panel 20
3.3 The top panel 21
3.4 The rear panel 22
3.5 The remote control 23
4.0 Setting up Hugo TT 2 25
4.1 Placement 26
4.2 Connecting Hugo TT 2 to equipment 27
& Hugo TT 2 power-on sequence
5.0 Navigating the menus 29
5.1 The screen & navigating the menu 30
5.2 The volume ball & its colours 31
and the Sample rate indicator
6.0 Gain range and Input 33
6.1 Gain range 34
6.2 Inputs, sample rates & DSD labelling 35
7.0 Playback modes 37
7.1 Playback modes 38
7.2 Headphone mode 39
7.3 Amplification mode 40
7.4 DAC mode 41
8.0 Special Features 43
8.1 Crossfeed (XFD) & Filters (FIL) 44
8.2 Display dimming, settings memory, 45
supercapacitors & galvanic isolation
8.3 Display messages 46
8.4 Notes 47
0.0 Contents

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1.1 Introduction
1.2 Protection against liquids & heat
1.3 Dismantling & Radio Frequency interference
1.4 Connecting your equipment
1.0 Safety
instructions
Safety instructions 1.0

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1.1 Introduction
1.2 Protection against
liquids & heat
1.1 Introduction
1.2 Protection against
liquids & heat
1.3 Dismantling & Radio frequency
interference
1.4 Connecting your equipment
1.3 Dismantling & Radio frequency
interference
1.4 Connecting your equipment
Introduction Protection against
liquids & heat
1.1
1.2
The Hugo TT 2 is an incredibly
powerful and versatile digital-
to-analogue converter and
pre/headphone amplifier.
Before operation, we strongly advise
you read this User Manual thoroughly.
We also recommend that you store this
User Manual, along with your original
receipt of purchase, in a safe place
should you require assistance in the
future.
The Hugo TT 2 is not protected
against liquids of any kind.
Never place containers of
liquid on Hugo TT 2. Never allow
Hugo TT 2 to come into contact with
moisture or liquids; doing so could
result in electrocution or damage to the
Hugo TT 2’s internal circuitry.
Be aware that liquids, including water
that has dried, can leave minerals
that can aect the PCB and other
components, which could eventually
lead to oxidisation and short-circuiting.
If the Hugo TT 2 comes into contact
with moisture or liquids, immediately
disconnect from the mains power
supply, and connected equipment, and
contact Chord Electronics for further
advice.
The Hugo TT 2 has internal
thermal protection which
will shut down the unit in the
event of excessive temperatures being
reached. Never operate the Hugo TT 2
near sources of heat or naked flames
as this will decrease the lifespan of the
internal components.
It is advised that you do not operate
the Hugo TT 2 in an area of direct
sunlight or on top of significant heat-
producing devices.
Please be aware that it is entirely
normal for the Hugo TT 2 to become
warm during use, particularly within a
stacked configuration.
If you are concerned about the
temperatures, please switch the device
o using the front panel or consider a
dierent placement.

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Dismantling & Radio
frequency interference
1.3 Connecting your equipment 1.4
1.1 Introduction
1.2 Protection against
liquids & heat
1.1 Introduction
1.2 Protection against
liquids & heat
1.3 Dismantling & Radio frequency
interference
1.4 Connecting your equipment
1.3 Dismantling & Radio frequency
interference
1.4 Connecting your equipment
There are no user-serviceable
components within the
Hugo TT 2 or its power
supply. Dangerous voltages/currents
exist within the Hugo TT 2 and its
power supply, posing a severe risk of
electrocution and/or fire.
Never attempt to open,
dismantle or apply internal
third-party devices to it or
insert anything other than the listed
interconnects or headphone adapters
within this user manual.
If the Hugo TT 2 develops a fault or
the casework becomes damaged,
immediately disconnect from the
mains power supply and connected
equipment, and contact Chord
Electronics for further advice.
Before connecting the Hugo TT
2 to any equipment, consult the
manufacturer’s user guide to confirm
compatibility.
When connecting the Hugo TT 2 to any
equipment, make sure that all devices
are o, including the Hugo TT 2.
Once connected, switch all equipment
on starting with the source and ending
with the amplification.
Initially, operate the Hugo TT 2 on
its lowest gain setting and lowest
volume setting, gently increasing to a
comfortable listening level.
Never operate the Hugo TT 2 at
excessive sound levels; permanent
hearing damage and loss can occur.
Unlike the original Hugo TT, the Hugo
TT 2 does not have internal batteries
and, therefore, must be permanently
connected to a source of power.
The included 15V 4000mA power
supply simply plugs into the Hugo TT 2.
If the power supply is prematurely
disconnected Hugo TT 2 may still
remain active for up to 15 seconds,
however, this may cause damage to
connected equipment.
With a thick, solid aluminium chassis,
the Hugo TT 2’s casework largely
protects the sensitive internal circuitry
from radio frequency interference.
However, for optimal performance, it is
recommended that the following points
are observed:
1. Consider placing the
Hugo TT 2 away from
wireless routers.
2. Separate the Hugo TT 2
from amplifiers using
toroidal transformers.
3. Operate mobile phones
at a distance to avoid
interference.
Although the Hugo TT 2
is largely shielded, it can
generate radio frequency
interference that may have an eect on
radio and television reception.
If this occurs, please reconsider your
placement.
Never disconnect the
power cable during
operation. Only
disconnect when Hugo TT
2 is o. If the power cable
is disconnected during
o peration there is a risk
of damage to connected
equipment.

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2.1 Warranty period & registering your purchase
2.2 Making a claim & warranty exclusions
2.0 Warranty
Warranty 2.0

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Warranty period & registering
your purchase
2.1 Making a claim
& warranty exclusions
2.2
2.1 Warranty period & registering
your purchase
2.1 Warranty period & registering
your purchase
2.2 Making a claim & warranty
exclusions
2.2 Making a claim & warranty
exclusions
At point of sale, Chord Electronics
Ltd. provides the Hugo TT 2 with a
comprehensive three-year warranty*
which covers defects in materials
and workmanship through fair wear
and tear. The warranty will be void if
any other PSU other than that supplied
is used.
*The warranty is transferable with proof
of purchase, however is not available
on ex-demonstration products.
Please use the form below
to record the details of your
purchase in the event that
these are required at a later date, we
further advise that all purchases are
registered with Chord Electronics
at: chordelectronics.co.uk/register-
product/
In the unlikely event of a claim, you
must provide Chord Electronics with
the details of the claim, including your
original proof of purchase and serial
number in order to validate the nature
of the repair.
Upon receipt, Chord Electronics will
make an assessment within 30 days
and provide a reasonable solution.
All warranty repairs must be carried
out by Chord Electronics or an
approved service centre to guarantee
the quality and safety of the repair.
WARRANTY EXCLUSIONS: The warranty
does not cover connected equipment,
personal injury or the natural patina
development of the metalwork and will be
null and void if the following is applied: wilful
neglect; modification or tampering of the
product; improper use of the product; acts
of God; damage caused by a connected
device; mechanical shock; fire or application
of excessive heat or repair/modification by a
non-authorised third-party vendor.
RETAILER:
UNIT COLOUR:
DATE OF PURCHASE:
TRANSACTION ID:

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3.1 Getting to know Hugo TT 2 & Drivers
3.2 The front panel
3.3 The top panel
3.4 The rear panel
3.5 The remote control
Getting to know
Hugo TT 2
3.0
3.0 Getting to know
Hugo TT 2

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Getting to know
Hugo TT 2 & Drivers
3.1 Getting to know
Hugo TT 2 & Drivers
3.1
3.1 Getting to know
Hugo TT 2 & Drivers
3.2 The front panel
3.1 Getting to know
Hugo TT 2 & Drivers
3.2 The front panel
3.3 The top panel
3.4 The rear panel
3.5 The remote control
3.3 The top panel
3.4 The rear panel
3.5 The remote control
DRIVERS: The Hugo TT 2
driverless with Mac OS X
and Linux operating systems
and only requires drivers
for Windows.
These can be found on
the product page at:
chordelectronics.co.uk
The Hugo TT 2 is an extraordinarily
powerful leading-edge DAC/
preamplifier/headphone amplifier
featuring multi-award-winning FPGA
technology plus supercapacitor energy
storage.
With the Hugo TT 2 the possibilities are
endless.
To get the very most out of the device
for many years ahead, we recommend
familiarising yourself with this user
manual.

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The front panel 3.2 The top panel 3.3
3.1 Getting to know
Hugo TT 2 & Drivers
3.2 The front panel
3.1 Getting to know
Hugo TT 2 & Drivers
3.2 The front panel
3.3 The top panel
3.4 The rear panel
3.5 The remote control
3.3 The top panel
3.4 The rear panel
3.5 The remote control
Whilst an IR remote control is supplied,
the front panel of the Hugo TT 2 is the
main user interface and can entirely
control all user-configurable options,
inputs and volume.
In addition to the front panel features,
the top panel of the device gives visual
feedback for the sample rate of the
incoming audio file being played using
a polychromatic scale illuminated via
the looking glass.
There are an additional three
headphone outputs which require no
additional amplification for headphones
up to and exceeding 800Ω.
The acrylic portion of the top-panel is
not only an attractive detail, but houses
the aerial for high-resolution Bluetooth
playback.
Sample rate
and IR window
Screen Volume wheel
Bluetooth
signal window
On/O
Menu set button 3.5mm headphone jack ¼˝ headphone jack
Menu selection button ¼˝ headphone jack

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The rear panel 3.4 The remote control 3.5
3.1 Getting to know
Hugo TT 2 & Drivers
3.2 The front panel
3.1 Getting to know
Hugo TT 2 & Drivers
3.2 The front panel
3.3 The top panel
3.4 The rear panel
3.5 The remote control
3.3 The top panel
3.4 The rear panel
3.5 The remote control
The rear panel oers a comprehensive
connectivity suite, featuring both
standard connections and those which
are used with other Chord Electronics’
devices.
When installing any cable, you must
make sure that they securly click into
place, especially optical.
For convenience, a branded infra-red
remote control is included with the
device.
The remote will operate up to a
distance of 10 metres with clear
line-of-sight to the infra-red receiver
within Hugo TT 2, which is located
below the looking glass.
For best operation, do not operate the
Hugo TT 2 within a cabinet or place
other materials/devices on top of the
device.
Selecting optical input via remote:
A single press of the OPT button will
select the previously selected optical
input. A longer press of 3-seconds will
switch to the next optical input.
WARNING: Do not
use any other power
supply other than
that supplied. Doing so will
invalidate your warranty.
NOTE: Please only
insert AAA batteries
into the IR remote
control and observe the
correct orientation as
indicated within the remote
control. Failure to do so
could result in non-operation
or battery leakage.
On/o
Select USB
input
Select optical
input (press and hold)
Select BNC
coax 2 input
Increase volume
Mute playback
Increase volume
Cycle through
filter type
Select Bluetooth
input
Cycle through
crossfeed
Left DX (BNC)
digital output
BNC 1
digital input
USB
digital input
BNC 2
digital input
Optical 1
digital input
DC 15V Input Right XLR
analogue output
Left RCA
analogue output
Select BNC
coax 1 input
Right DX (BNC)
digital output
Right RCA
analogue output
Left XLR
analogue output
Optical 2
digital input
Cycle through
LED brightness

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4.1 Placement
4.2 Connecting Hugo TT 2 to equipment
& Hugo TT 2 power-on sequence
Setting up Hugo TT 2 4.0
4.0 Setting up
Hugo TT 2

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Placement 4.1 Connecting Hugo TT 2
to equipment & power on
sequence
4.2
4.1 Placement 4.1 Placement4.2 Connecting Hugo TT 2
to equipment & power-on
sequence
4.2 Connecting Hugo TT 2
to equipment & power-on
sequence
Whilst the Hugo TT 2 will operate
normally within a stack of other
Chord Electronics’ Table Top (TT)
components, it is recommended that
the device is allowed to
‘breathe’.
Allocating 10cm of space around it to
convection-cool during operation is
advised.
As the infra-red remote
control requires a direct line
of sight to the viewing portal,
avoid placing objects on top
of the Hugo TT 2 or placing it within
enclosures.
When connecting the Hugo TT 2 to
equipment within the signal path,
ensure all devices are switched o.
It is recommended that once all
equipment is properly connected, that
the volume setting is operated to its
lowest setting.
Then slowly begin raising to a
comfortable listening level. Always
observe partnering manufacturers’
guidelines.
POWER ON SEQUENCE: When
switching on Hugo TT 2, it will
initially charge the super-caps,
with the display showing CHG.
Then it will enter the initialisation
phase, displaying all the settings, and
configuring the analogue outputs.
Music playback is not available during
initialisation.
During the initialisation phase, the
Hugo TT 2’s sample rate indicator will
cycle through a series of colours.
During this period, do not
initiate music playback.
RIGHT LEFT
XLR
XLR
MENU SET

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5.1 The screen & navigating the menu
5.2 The volume ball & its colours and
the Sample rate indicator
5.0 Navigating
the menus
Navigating the menus 5.0

THE SCREEN: For optimal
audio performance, the screen
of Hugo TT 2 is designed to
time out 10-seconds after a period of
inactivity. It will be reactivated after
a button is pressed on the remote
control, or after a menu button is
pressed.
The sample rate will continue to
illuminate, along with the volume ball
unless amplification mode has been
activated.
VOLUME: The volume ball on the
front of the unit is responsible for
attenuating the signal and providing
visual feedback of the range that
it is configured to. Hugo TT 2 will
remember your previously used volume
settings if the unit is switched o.
To reduce the level lightly press and
roll the ball to the left, and to raise the
level lightly press and roll the ball to the
right.
Whilst changing the volume the exact
level will be displayed on the screen,
and the colour of the ball will change
through a polychromatic scale as
pictured below.
THE MENU: To advance your way
through the menu of Hugo TT 2 you
may press the ‘MENU’ button until your
chosen setting is displayed. To cycle
through the available settings please
press the ‘SET’ button.
Once the ‘SET’ button is pressed, you
do not have to press any other button,
the mode will be activated.
SAMPLE RATE INDICATOR: During
playback, the sample rate will be
indicated temporarily on the screen
and within the viewing glass which can
be found on the top of Hugo TT 2.
Hugo TT 2 is capable of playing files up
to 768kHz 32-bit and DSD 512. This is
indicated by the following colours:
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The screen & navigating
the menu
5.1 The Volume ball & its colours
and the Sample rate indicator
5.2
5.1 The screen & navigating
the menu
5.1 The screen & navigating
the menu
5.2 The volume ball & its colours and the
Sample rate indicator
5.2 The volume ball & its colours and the
Sample rate indicator
Sample frequencies in kHz
44.1 48 88.2 96 176.4 192 352.8 384 705.6 768 DSD
NOT SEEING A
CHANGE IN COLOUR
FOR SAMPLE RATE?
If you are unable to see the
associated change during
playback, this is due to your
music playback application,
or audio sample rate
settings, or not sending the
appropriate sample rate
through to Hugo TT 2.
Please consult your music
playback application user
manual for more information.
NOTE: Whilst in DAC mode the volume ball
will not illuminate. This is due to the fact that
the output is at a fixed level.
Min Max
MENU SET

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6.1 Gain range
6.2 Inputs, sample rates
& DSD labelling
Gain range and input 6.0
6.0 Gain range
and input

Hugo TT 2 has a variety of settings
to suit various equipment and
environments. Please take a moment to
familiarise yourself with their meanings
and how they may impact your
experience.
Before connecting Hugo TT 2 to any
equipment it is highly recommended
that you manually configure the device
to operate in low gain range. The gain
ranges are represented as LO G (low
gain) or HI G (high gain). Low gain is
-9dB lower, or times 0.35, giving a
mazimum possible OP voltage of 3.3 V
RMS.
Gain range is only available when
Amplification, or Headphone mode
is selected, as when DAC mode is
enabled the option will send a fixed 2.5
V RMS output and not oer any user
selectable range.
When changing from GAIN mode the
outputs are muted for 16 seconds
as the analogue is re-initialised. The
display will show the mode set during
this period. When the volume is
displayed, then H (high gain) L (low
gain) is shown on the display together
with the volume setting in dB.
Hugo TT 2 has a total of 6x digital
inputs, 1x digital outputs and 5x
analogue outputs (not independently
controlled).
You can use the menu to navigate
through these inputs, but please use
the table below to familiarise yourself
with the available sample rates:
Where DSD is played back, Hugo TT 2
will display the following:
DSD 1 = DSD 64
DSD 2 = DSD 128
DSD 4 = DSD 256
DSD 8 = DSD 512
Warning: Hugo TT 2 is capable
of delivering huge amounts
of output power, whilst in this
mode never dramatically increase
volume. Doing so could be a risk to
your equipment and your hearing!
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Gain range 6.1 Inputs, sample rates
& DSD labelling
6.2
6.1 Gain range 6.1 Gain range6.2 Inputs, sample rates & DSD labelling 6.2 Inputs, sample rates & DSD labelling
*USB is natively compatible with all Mac OS X and Linux machines without the use of drivers.
Windows machines may require a driver, available on the Chord Electronics website.
**Dual BNC is reserved for special operation with Chord Electronics partnering products. Dual BNC does not
appear within the menu by default, it will only appear when successfully connected to a partnering product.
USB* 44.1kHz to 768kHz
16bit to 32bit – DSD 64 to DSD 256 (DoP interface),
16bit to 32bit - DSD 64 to DSD 512 (native USB interface)
BNC 1 44.1kHz to 384kHz
16bit to 24bit
BNC 2 44.1kHz to 384kHz
16bit to 24bit
Optical 1 44.1kHz to 192kHz
16bit to 24bit
Optical 2 44.1kHz to 192kHz
24bit
Bluetooth APTX
Dual BNC** Special operation – DBNC: 88.2kHz to 768kHz 24bit

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7.1 Playback modes
7.2 Headphone mode
7.3 Amplification mode
7.4 DAC mode
Playback modes 7.0
7.0 Playback
modes

Hugo TT 2 has three user-selectable
modes tailored to the intended
operation for the device: Headphone
mode, Amplification mode and DAC
mode.
When headphones are connected to
Hugo TT 2, for protection, the device
will enter Headphone Mode where only
the headphone outputs are enabled.
It will not be possible to manually
deselect this; only removing the
headphones will disengage this mode.
When headphones are disconnected,
it is possible to navigate between
Amplification Mode or DAC Mode by
pressing the ‘MENU’ button found on
the front panel of the device until either
‘AMP’ or ‘DAC’ is displayed. Pressing
‘SET’ will cycle between and engage
each mode.
When the Hugo TT 2 detects that
headphones have been inserted
into one of the three front-panel
connectors, the device will enter
Headphone Mode, which is for
headphone listening only.
When this mode is entered, the Hugo
TT 2 will remember the last-used
settings (including volume) and will
eortlessly drive any impedance
headphones including but not limited
to 16Ωto 800Ωs, without the need for
an external headphone amplifier.
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WARNING For your
protec tion, when
headphones are
connected to the Hugo
TT 2, you will be unable to
manually exit Headphone
mode until they are
disconnected.
Playback modes 7.1 Headphone mode 7. 2
7.1 Playback modes
7.2 Headphone mode
7.1 Playback modes
7.2 Headphone mode
7.3 Amplification mode
7.4 DAC mode
7.3 Amplification mode
7.4 DAC mode
Headphone mode DAC mode Amplification mode
WARNING: For
the protection of
your hearing and
equipment, please do not
navigate between the
AMP and DAC without
disconnecting Hugo TT 2
from any other device or a
source of music.