Chord Hugo M Scaler Review: Upsampling Digital Music Made Easier
Read Time: Approx. 12 min.
TL;DR:
- Revolutionary upsampling technology with 1,015,808 tap-length filter
- Dramatically enhances the sound quality of any DAC, with the best results when paired with Chord DACs
- Features comprehensive connectivity with USB, dual BNC, optical inputs, and outputs
A New Generation of Tabletop DACs and Advanced Standalone Upscaling
Chord Electronics has built a reputation for pushing the boundaries of digital audio reproduction. As part of Chord's impressive lineup, the Hugo M Scaler is designed to complement their DACs, particularly the Hugo TT2 and DAVE. Having spent considerable time with these components, I can confidently say that Chord continues their tradition of delivering substantial performance improvements with each new generation, rather than merely incremental changes that have become commonplace in the audio industry.
The original Hugo, which launched around five or six years ago, was a game-changer that immediately impressed with its sound quality and technical performance. Since then, Chord has continued to refine and expand its product line, with the Hugo TT2, Hugo 2, and Hugo M Scaler.
Let's explore the design, sound quality, and features of the Hugo M Scaler.
How to Connect Chord Hugo M Scaler to your DAC
Chord Hugo TT2 and M Scaler Review
PROS
- Dramatically improves sound quality
- Comprehensive connectivity options
- Video mode for low-latency processing with video sources
CONS
- Limited upsampling capabilities when used with non-Chord DACs
- Button interface's color coding can be difficult to interpret
The Hugo Evolution: Hugo, Hugo TT, and 2Qute
When the original Hugo, Hugo TT, and 2Qute were released, each one was not a huge jump in performance over the other in my opinion. What each did was meet certain ergonomic criteria. The Hugo was simply the pinnacle of portable audio. It really changed the playing field when it came to portable Amp and DAC combinations.
After the initial success of the original Hugo, Chord quickly saw a way to turn the Hugo into three products. First, they stripped the DAC section out of the Hugo and created the 2Qute. Chord realized that a small compact DAC is better suited for dedicated digital to analog conversion for your home or desktop system. No headphone amp was included, it was no longer powered by batteries. and it was simply a DAC. While the Hugo could be used as both a portable device, a dedicated DAC and a preamplifier for your home 2 channel audio system, the bottom line is it was not the best ergonomic fit for home audio use. There are USB and other digital connections on one side of the unit and analog outputs on the other so the unit had to be placed sideways in the rack and there was no remote. Ergonomically, it was challenging in this position for home audio and it was better suited on the desktop when used this way with a computer.
Next, the Hugo TT (Table Top) was introduced as a dedicated desktop or tabletop solution for your office or home system. It utilized once again the same DAC as in the Hugo, but Chord Electronics added some extra fun features.
The percentage points in the difference of sound between each of these three were subtle to my ears. All -- the Hugo, 2Qute and Hugo TT -- utilized the same FPGA 26,368 tap length filter. The Hugo TT definitely had a little more oomph and was certainly quieter than the Hugo, but there wasn't a huge jump in performance. Each unit had its place in the audiophile and music lover's listening room and all were remarkable for their price point. As time went on Robb Watts with Chord Electronics improved all of his designs, managing to double the filter tap length on the Hugo 2 and the Qutest. Watts managed to double that in the Hugo TT2, delivering us a highly capable component that was never short on performance.
Chord Electronics Hugo TT2 DAC and Headphone Amplifier
The Chord Hugo TT 2 has been radically redesigned from the ground up. Featuring 5 times the power of the original Hugo TT and double that of the Hugo 2. As expected, it delivers radically improved technical specifications and measurements across the board and exhibits drastic sonic benefits over its predecessor. The Hugo TT2 also brings home the beloved four-stage user-selectable filter controls introduced with Hugo 2 and retains the three-stage user-selectable digital crossfeed function for headphone users who want to improve the perception of depth, similar to that of speakers.
Improvements from the Original TT to the TT2:
- No more batteries. Includes external power supply and uses a large capacitor supply bank to load for peak demands in music. *Chord Electronics will not cover the device if you damage it using your own linear power supply
- Bluetooth antenna has been upgraded from A2DP Bluetooth to aptX Bluetooth.
- Added additional dithering filters curves to sharpen or soften the digital filter based on personal preferences
- Updated crossfeed circuit
- Increased Digital Tap Length
- Added gain setting readout
- Short warm-up time (10-15min)
- Lots of power - will drive any headphone on the market today with peak performance
Chord Electronics Hugo M Scaler
The Hugo M Scaler is a highly advanced standalone upscaler capable of redefining sound quality from digital audio. It uses Rob Watts’ (our Digital Design Consultant’s) unique filter technology, the most advanced in the world, to upscale standard 44.1kHz digital audio up to 705.6kHz (16x CD’s 44.1kHz native resolution). Afterwards, it can be passed to a suitable DAC; the Hugo M Scaler extends its upscaling performance to 768kHz (from 96kHz input data) for our dual-BNC-input DACs: DAVE, Qutest, and the Hugo TT2.
The Hugo M Scaler’s compact form factor aligns with the TT (Table Top) series and has been designed to be stackable with other units, including the Hugo TT2. Both units combined set an astonishing technical benchmark for digital audio performance, redefining sound quality from digital audio, all while saving valuable real estate.
Design
The Hugo M Scaler's design is consistent with the Hugo TT2, featuring similar styling and interface elements. It's got a low profile that allows for easy integration into your existing setup and can be stacked with the Hugo TT2.
The front panel of the Hugo M Scaler is the main user interface and can control all user-configurable options and inputs. The middle of the front panel contains a black acrylic infrared signal window for using the included remote control. The front panel features Chord's iconic spherical illuminated LED buttons. From left to right: Video mode, input, output sample rate, DX op, DX down, and DX up. The DX down and up buttons can be used to adjust the LED button's brightness levels.
The top panel does not provide any visual feedback except for the buttons labeled within the front panel. If you peer through the porthole looking glass, you can view the internal plate of the Hugo M Scaler, which protects the sensitive internal circuitry from radio frequency interference.
The Hugo M Scaler's back panel offers comprehensive connectivity options including USB, optical, and BNC connections, ensuring compatibility with virtually any digital source. The M Scaler also features a dual-data output for optimum use with selected Chord DACs.
Front:
- Video mode: Off/On/Automatic
- Input: USB/BNC 1/BNC 2/ Optical 1/ Optical 2/ Automatic
- Output Sample Rate: Pass-through/ Low/ Medium/ High
- DX OP: Will only show sample rate color
- DX Down
- DX Up
Back:
- DC 15V Input
- BNC Input 1
- BNC Input 2
- Optical Input 1
- Optical Input 2
- USB Input
- Optical Output
- BNC S/PDIF Output
- BNC Output 1
- BNC Output 2
A video mode button for low-latency processing when used with video sources
An input selection button to cycle through the various digital inputs
An upsampling button with four positions (white being maximum resolution, red being the defeat button)
DX input/output buttons reserved for future Chord products
Sound
As a highly flexible component, it was only fair that we pair it with the Hugo TT2 and DAVE DACs to test its capability. On its own, the Hugo M Scaler is an upsampler, taking the lowest resolution possible, which on a CD is 16-bit/44.1 kHz, and upsamples at 16 times the resolution. So with that being said, you can imagine the M Scaler will improve the sonic qualities of whatever DAC you pair with it.
The Hugo TT2 delivers an impressive amount of power, capable of driving a variety of headphones to peak performance without even flinching. Now, when you add the M Scaler to the TT2, it's a different ball game. You've still got that warmth and musicality from the TT2's DAC, but now you've upsampled to a much higher resolution rate that really puts it in line now with the DAVE DAC. And in that situation, I may like the TT2 stack a little bit better, especially because of the headphone amp.
Add the M Scaler to the DAVE? Forget about it. Now this DAC is just screaming. Absolutely the best I've ever heard a DAC sound. And that's what I said when I first heard the DAVE. I would imagine, hint hint, maybe the DAVE 2 will now have a more powerful headphone amp section like the TT2. Not saying there is going to be a DAVE 2, but I would only imagine they've got to do something to upgrade this at some point. If they combine the headphone amp out of this with the DAVE at an even higher FPGA tap filter length with maybe an M Scaler already built into it, whammo. We'll see something pretty amazing.
Features
- The most advanced digital filter in the world
- Adjustable sample rate output (with pass-thru mode)
- Video mode (for lower latency)
- Auto video and source selection
- 'DX' controls for a future product design
Connecting The Hugo M Scaler
While the Hugo M Scaler complements Chord products, you can use it with any DAC to improve the incoming signal from your source–either via a computer or a CD transport. However, unless you've got a way to do dual data rate the way the Hugo TT2 does, you're limited in how much upsampling you can do. Connection to a third-party DAC can be made either via the available BNC output or the optical output. The dual-data BCN outputs cannot be used with non-Chord DACs. Here's the step-by-step instructions:
- Turn off both the M Scaler and any connected equipment
- Locate the S/PDIF output connector or the Optical output and successfully connect to the corresponding input on the chosen DAC
- Turn on all equipment and plug power into the M Scaler
- Select the appropriate input on the DAC
- Connect the output of the device you wish to play music from to the digital inputs of the M Scaler
Connecting Hugo M Scaler to Chord DACs
Pairing the Hugo M Scaler with the Hugo TT2 is simple. We recommend using our Dragon Audio Cables like the Silver Dragon Digital Coax Cable (with BNC connections) to go between the Hugo TT2 and M Scaler, or the M Scaler and DAVE. Another great option is our special Black Dragon Mini Coax Cable running from the M Scaler to the Hugo 2, which requires a mini plug input.
We can make custom audio cables for your setup if you wish to connect the Hugo M Scaler to a pair of bookshelf speakers.
Here's the step-by-step instructions:
- Turn off the Hugo M Scaler, Hugo TT2 and any other connected equipment
- Locate BNC output 1 on the M Scaler and connect to BNC input 1 on the Hugo TT2
- Locate BNC output 2 on the M Scaler and connect to BNC Input 2 on Hugo TT2
- Turn on all equipment, and plug power into the M Scaler
- Cycle through the inputs on Hugo TT2 until ‘DBNC’ is displayed
- Connect the output of the digital source to the digital inputs of the M Scaler
Using The Hugo M Scaler
Navigating the menu buttons on the M Scaler is fairly uncomplicated. Chord has a thing for illuminated buttons, which we love, but it can be difficult to decipher what each color means without a key. Luckily, Chord never leaves us in the dark–you can find those keys in the user manual.
With each press of the Hugo M Scaler's available buttons on the front panel, you will cycle through the available options. For instance, press the input button to select the source you require, and the button's color will change depending on what input is selected. If you are using dual data, when you select BNC 1, the component will automatically switch on both outputs to dual data mode. When an input is selected and audio is being played back, the sample rate will be indicated via the DX OP button.
Sample Rates & Upsample Rates
The Hugo M Scaler supports incoming sample rates from 44.1 kHz to 768 kHz, 16-bit to 32-bit. You cannot press the DX OP Button to change the sample rate, as it's automatically detected; that must be done using the input and output rate buttons.
However, you must select the corresponding color for the upsample rate best suited for your system. Select this by pressing the OP SR (output sample rate) button.
Video Mode
The Hugo M Scaler is a highly flexible standalone upscaler designed not only to be used with your music collection, but also to get the best audio quality from video devices. You can playback video via a computer, laptop, server, or Blu-ray player to get the best audio quality from video soundtracks. When listening to music, make sure to turn off the video mode. Engaging this mode will do low-latency digital signal processing, so it's different for video than the way it's handled for PCM audio.
Dragon Cables
[Silver Dragon Premium USB Cable, Silver Dragon Coax Digital Cable]
There are a lot of reasons why you need to make sure your audio cables are not afterthoughts.
Our HiFi Audio Dragon Cables bring out more of what you love in your music and audio gear. If you love your headphones but wish they had a bit more top-end sparkle - a Silver Dragon Headphone Cable would be a great option. If your USB cables keep dying - as many stock cables do - then check out our quality USB Audio Cables. We say time and time again that materials matter, and our audio cables and custom geometries actually help to bring out those desired properties in your gear and music. We make tons of custom options for our customers so that you can get the right HiFi Audio cable for your exact needs. If you have any questions feel free to Contact Us and we'll be more than happy to help.
Verdict
At $5,650, the Chord Electronics Hugo M Scaler is the ultimate choice for audiophiles and music lovers demanding more from their home audio hifi system. The M Scaler elevates digital audio processing to exceptional heights through its groundbreaking 1,015,808 tap-length filter capability. When paired with compatible Chord DACs like the Hugo TT2 or DAVE, it takes the sound quality to a new level, transforming even standard 16-bit/44.1 kHz sources by upsampling them 16 times to reveal previously unheard detail and musicality.
While the M Scaler offers maximum performance with Chord's own components through its dual BNC connections, it can enhance any DAC system through standard digital outputs, making it a versatile addition to high-end audio setups. For the best performance, we recommend adding our Dragon Audio Cables, specifically the Silver Dragon Premium USB Cable and Silver Dragon Coax Digital Cable. High-quality UP-OCC Silver conductors will ensure a stable transmission between components for seamless playback.
With its user-friendly interface, comprehensive connectivity options, and revolutionary sound enhancement capabilities, the Hugo M Scaler continues Chord's tradition of delivering substantial performance improvements rather than mere incremental changes, cementing its place as an essential component for discerning audiophiles seeking the ultimate digital playback quality.
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Chord Hugo M Scaler Unboxing
How to Connect Chord Hugo M Scaler to your DAC
Chord Hugo TT2 and M Scaler Review
What's in the Box
- M-Scaler Quickstart guide
- Safety instructions
- 15V 4A Switching barrel type power supply
- IR remote control
- Type-A USB to Type-B USB cable
- 2x BNC to BNC cables
- Optical cable
- 2x AAA batteries
Specifications
Inputs
- 2x BNC
- 2x Optical
- 1x galvanically isolated USB Type-B compatible with DSD and PCM data (up to DSD 256); with DSD upsampled to PCM
Outputs
- 1x Optical
- 1x S/PDIF
- 1x galvanically isolated dual BNC (enables upscaling to the maximum resolution (768kHz from 96kHz data))
Power Consumption:
- Full power: 30 W
- Standby: 10 W
FPGA: Xilinx XC7A200T
Filter Tap Length: 1,015,808 WTA taps
Dimensions: 4cm (H), 23.5cm (W), 23.8cm (D)
Weight: 2.55kg
