Chord Hugo M Scaler

Description

MY TAKE: Historically, I have not been a fan of upsampling digital technology. The Chord Blu Mk II changed my mind with it's upscaling (different from upsampling) technology is very impressive, which can dramatically improve resolution without adding digital artifacts. The results are improved timbral accuracy, low-frequency extension, and ambiance retrieval. Virtually the same sonic advantages offered by the Blu can be enjoyed with the addition of the M Scaler to your system. Recommended? Absolutely! - Galen Carol

Using technology first seen in the flagship BLU MKII digital/CD transport, the Hugo M Scaler is a standalone upscaling device containing the world’s most advanced digital filter.
When used with a dual-BNC-input Chord Electronics DAC, it is capable of redefining digital audio sound quality.

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: DAVE, Qutest and the new Hugo TT 2.

The Hugo M Scaler brings the unrivaled advantages of our ground-breaking FPGA-based WTA (Watts Transient Alignment) filtering technology to digitally connected audio devices, dramatically improving sound quality. Although optimized 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 its price point, redefining sound quality from digital audio.

REVIEWS:

Audiophilestyle: "I’ve decided to buy the HMS/TT2 combo. It is significantly over my original approx. $5k budget, so I have some saving up to do. Yes I know: an audiophile who exceeded his budget - what a surprise. Hey - let him (audiophile) who is without sin (cost overrun) cast the first (Shakti) stone!
What clinched it for me was: *The transformational sound quality of the M Scaler *The fact that the TT2 as a headphone amp competes head to head with my Cavalli Liquid Gold, which means that the cost of the HMS/TT2 combo could partially be funded by the sale of my Cavalli, and the modularity, which would enable me to upgrade the scaler and the DAC incrementally.

So does this mean I won’t be doing more DAC reviews? Not at all, but every quest must come to an end, and I’ve strung you readers along long enough. You deserve closure!" - FIVE STARS - austinpop

Hi Fi World: "Chord Electronics M Scaler embodies Rob Watts view of how to perfectly reproduce digital. I thought it was devastating. You get to clearly hear how CD can sound when all the rubbish is swept away, performers and instruments all being placed in solid form on a wide and clear sound stage. Add in almost-peculiar bass timing and resolution and you end up with a sound not available elsewhere. 

"It’s expensive – as you must expect from a technological exercise dedicated to FPGA silicon to make it happen and commercially available. It works most assuredly with Chord Electronics DACs having a DBNC input and is for PCM, not DSD. Book a demo and have a listen. This is a unique and extraordinary product." - Hi Fi World

Podcast: Interview with designer Rob Watts

FEATURES/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)

Additional 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 future product

* Designed, engineered and entirely made in the UK

* Precision-milled chassis, crafted from aircraft-grade aluminum

FPGA: Xilinx XC7A200T

Filter tap length: 1,015,808 WTA taps

Dimensions: 235 x 40.5 x 236mm (WxHxD)

Weight: 2.55kg

Video: Designer Rob Watts explains the technology behind the M Scaler.