CHORD ELECTRONICS HUGO 2 WINS EISA BEST PRODUCT AWARD
It's champagne time again at Kent UK-based Chord Electronics as its Hugo 2 DAC/Headphone Amplifier has won EISA's DAC Best Product Award for 2018/19.
The award from the European Imaging and Sound Association (EISA) acknowledges Hugo 2’s long-established position as one of the world’s most advanced transportable DAC and an international class-leader.
Commenting on the award, Matthew Bartlett, Chord Electronics’ Manufacturing Director told StereoNET:
I’m delighted that EISA’s expert judging panel has once again recognised the technical and sonic superiority of Chord Electronics’ DAC designs. Our pioneering long-term use of powerful, programmable FPGA chipsets, custom-coded by our Digital Design Consultant, Rob Watts, has given our DACs a significant and time-proven advantage over competitor products, the overwhelming majority of which use inferior mass-produced and bog-standard chips.
Bartlett went on to add:
We were thrilled to win EISA’s European USB DAC/headphone amplifier 2016-2017 award for our Mojo DAC/headphone amp, and it is wonderful that the judges have, for a second time, acknowledged the benefits of our proprietary DAC technology, and our commitment to UK design, engineering and manufacturing.
The EISA Judging Panel commented:
Chord’s original battery-powered DAC/headphone amplifier was a hard act to follow, but the new Hugo 2 is a giant leap forward. Inside its ultra-modern aluminium case is a custom-coded digital converter and filter that sounds like nothing else around. Comfortably able to see off any conventional DAC at its price, it’s astounding for a compact music machine, with a vibrant and rhythmic sound. Whether with standard CD or hi-res PCM or DSD, music comes packed with energy and emotion. The Hugo 2 runs for 14 hours from its rechargeable battery, plays practically every format around, includes switchable filters and a uniquely colourful control interface that makes using it fun.
We can agree of course as the Hugo 2, MOJO/Poly, and DAVE feature in a number of our own review team's arsenal of equipment. Congratulations to all at Chord Electronics for another well-deserved accolade.
The Chord Electronics Hugo 2 is available now and sells for $3,700 RRP. See Chord Electronics at the 2018 Melbourne International Hi-Fi Show, October 12-14 at the Pullman Mercure Hotel, Albert Park, in Room M4. Tickets on sale now.
For more information visit Chord Electronics.
The article Chord Electronics Scoops Second DAC Award in a row first appeared on StereoNET UK.
Jay Garrett
StereoNET’s resident rock star, bass player, and gadget junkie. Jay heads up StereoNET as Editor for the United Kingdom and Europe regions. His passion for gadgets and Hi-Fi is second only to being a touring musician.
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