Chord Hugo M Scaler
"The Hugo M Scaler takes a rough stairstep CD quality waveform and transforms it into a smooth analog-like waveform. That quantum leap in sampling brings a breathtaking leap in detail, accuracy and realism to your music."
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), ready to be passed to a suitable DAC; Hugo M Scaler extends its upscaling performance to 768kHz (from 96kHz input data) for our dual-BNC-input DACs: Qutest, Hugo 2, Hugo TT 2 and DAVE.
The Hugo M Scaler brings the unrivalled advantages of our ground-breaking FPGA-based WTA (Watts Transient Alignment) filtering technology to digitally connected audio devices, dramatically improving sound quality. Although optimised for use with selected Chord Electronics DACs (for the maximum 768kHz upscaling/decoding benefit), the Hugo M Scaler can be used with other DACs with suitable inputs, subject to their decoding capability.
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 in the range, including the TToby stereo power amp and the Hugo TT 2, to form a highly advanced yet space-saving system. In line with other models in the Hugo and Hugo TT series, the device features a number of illuminable fascia-mounted spherical controls, governing input selection, output sample rate and video mode for lower latency. The control spheres display data visually including input source and the incoming sample rate, using a polychromatic scale.
When partnered with either of Chord Electronics’ 768kHz-capable dual-BNC-input DACs, the Hugo M Scaler sets an astonishing technical benchmark for digital audio performance at it price point, redefining sound quality from digital audio.
When partnered with 3rd party dacs the upsampling can be set to the DACS sampling rate limit and similar improvements will be audible
"The Hugo M Scaler brought the performance of the Levinson No.30.6 DAC into the third decade of this century" Stereophile
Reviews
"The Hugo TT 2 alone is a significant advance on other DACs in its category. Adding the M Scaler delivers front-row, reach-out-and-touch musical excitement that utterly transforms digital, whether 16-, 24-bit or DSD. The result is not perfection of course – and sure to be bested by superlatives to come – but right now the pair present an extraordinary breakthrough in digital reproduction."
Specifications
- FPGA: Xilinx XC7A200T
- Filter tap length: 1,015,808 WTA taps
- Power consumption Full power – 30 W Standby – 10 W
- Dimensions: 4cm (H) 23.5cm (W) 23.8cm (D)
- Weight: 2.55kg
- warranty 3 years
