Chord Electronics Hugo 2 + Focal Utopia Headphones
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Chord Electronics Hugo 2 + Focal Utopia Headphones
The Focal Utopian
The Chord Electronics Hugo 2 DAC and headphone amp and the 2022 Focal Utopia headphones are a superb combination for those seeking unparalleled sound quality and comfort in a small form factor.
It supports a wide range of inputs and high-resolution playback, while its flexible digital filters and crossfeed functions allow users to tailor the sound to their preferences. This flexibility makes the Hugo 2 an ideal partner for the Utopia headphones, providing the perfect source to reveal their full potential.
The Focal Utopia headphones are celebrated for their exceptional sound reproduction and luxurious build. The open-back design of the Utopia allows for a transparent and dynamic soundstage, complementing the Hugo 2's ability to deliver high-quality, precise audio.
Together, the Hugo 2 and Utopia headphones offer a harmonious blend of advanced audio technology and refined design. The Hugo 2’s versatile and high-fidelity output matches perfectly with the Utopia’s detailed and comfortable listening experience, creating an ideal setup for those wanting more from their headphone listening experience.
The Hugo 2
Hugo 2 is a powerful DAC and headphone amp that builds on the ground-breaking original. Designed for both home and mobile use, Hugo 2 transforms headphones and audio systems’ sound quality with its cutting-edge proprietary DAC technology.
Hugo 2 can be used both at home and on-the-go, either with headphones or within a conventional audio system. Its line-level output and full-function remote control adds real flexibility in full-size and desktop systems.
The device offers four digital inputs (optical, coaxial and HD USB) plus extended-range Bluetooth, with high-resolution file playback up to 768kHz and up to DSD512 (Octa DSD), via its HD USB input. Analogue outputs include 2x RCA, plus 3.5mm and 6.35mm headphone outputs.
A four-function switch filter offers a useful degree of user-selectable frequency-shaping, bringing warm and soft or transparent and incisive presentations, giving additional flexibility and user control. For headphone-listening, Hugo 2 retains the popular digital crossfeed function of the original and offers three operation modes. The system duplicates the effect of listening to speakers and is based on advanced binaural audio research.
Focal Utopia Headphone
The 2022 Focal Utopia headphones represent the pinnacle of Focal's audio technology, combining the latest advancements with an assertive design to offer an unparalleled listening experience. As the brand's flagship model, the Utopia features full-range, Beryllium ‘M’-shaped speaker drivers that operate without passive or active correction, covering an extensive frequency range from 5 Hz to over 50 kHz. This design ensures that every detail of the audio is reproduced with striking realism, providing a soundstage that feels both wide and deep, making you feel as if the musicians are performing right beside you.
The Utopia headphones not only excel in acoustic performance but also in design and comfort. They are crafted with premium materials including forged, recycled carbon yokes, genuine leather, and perforated memory foam earcups. The headphones' aesthetics are enhanced by the honeycomb grille, Black Chrome rings, and distinctive design elements like the "Yin & Yang" symbol, which signify the perfect balance between technology and design. These features contribute to both the sophisticated look and the comfortable fit, adapting to various head shapes for extended listening sessions.
Technologically, the new Utopia continues to build on the success of its predecessors with several enhancements. The updated voice coil, made from copper and aluminium, offers improved reliability and a lighter build, contributing to a rejuvenated sound signature with more neutral bass and mellow treble. The innovative ‘M’-shaped grilles inside the earcups enhance linearity and precision, while the open-back design ensures a transparent and dynamic sound. Accompanied by high-fidelity cables and a premium carrying case, the Utopia headphones deliver a blend of exceptional sound quality and luxurious comfort, making them a top choice for audiophiles seeking the ultimate home listening experience.
Features
- High-end, open-back, high-fidelity headphones ; for home use
- Full-range speaker driver with ‘M’-shaped, pure Beryllium dome: pure, dynamic and perfectly balanced sound
- Made in France in the Focal workshops
- Design that adapts to all head morphologies: optimum comfort
- Premium materials and sophisticated finishes: genuine leather, forged, recycled carbon, aluminium, etc.
Chord Hugo 2 Specifications
| Materials: | Clamshell precision machined aluminium casing with polycarbonate buttons, acrylic signal window, and glass viewing portal. Available in natural silver, and satin black |
| Battery: | 2x Rechargeable custom Enix Energies 3.7v 9.6Wh Li-ion (2600mAh) batteries* |
| Tap length filter: | 49,152 – 10 element Pulse Array design |
| Play time: | In excess of seven (7) hours |
| Charging: | Nominal four (4) hours via Micro USB at 1.8amps (fast charge); Nominal eight (8) hours at 1amp (slow charge) |
| Connectivity (input): | - Micro USB (White): 44.1kHz – 768kHz – 16bit – 32bit - Coax via 3.5mm Jack (Red): 44.1kHz – 384kHz – 16bit – 32bit - Dual data mode input (BNC coax): 44.1kHz – 768kHz – 16bit – 32bit - Optical (Green): 44.1kHz – 192kHz – 16bit – 24bit |
| Connectivity (input wireless): | Bluetooth (Apt X) (Blue): 44.1kHz – 48kHz – 16bit |
| Connectivity (output): | - 1x ¼” jack headphone output - 1x 3.5mm jack headphone output - 1x stereo (L & R) RCA output |
| PCM support: | 44.1kHz, 48kHz, 88.2kHz, 96kHz, 176.4kHz, 192kHz, 358.8kHz, 384kHz, 717.6kHz, and 768kHz |
| DSD support: | Native playback supported: DSD64 (Single) to DSD512 (Octa-DSD) |
| Volume control: | Digital, activated in 1dB increments. Last known state saved upon shutdown (except in line-level mode) |
| Line-level mode: | Activated via dual press of middle ‘Source’ and ‘Crossfeed’ buttons. Line level = 3v via all outputs. Reset by power cycle |
| Power saving mode: | Auto-shutdown after ten minutes of input inactivity |
| Driver support: | Driverless with Mac OS X and Linux; driver required for Windows OS |
| Chipset: | Chord Electronics custom coded Xilinx Artix 7 (XC7A15T) FPGA |
| Tap-length: | 49,152 |
| Pulse array: | 10 element pulse array design |
| Frequency response: | 20Hz – 20kHz +/- 0.2dB |
| Output stage: | Class A |
| Output impedance: | 0.025Ω |
| THD: | <0.0001% 1kHz 3v RMS 300Ω |
| THD and noise at 3v RMS: | 120dB at 1kHz 300ohms ‘A’ weighted (reference 5.3v) |
| Noise 2.6 uV ‘A’ weighted: | No measurable noise floor modulation |
| Signal to noise ratio: | 126dB ‘A’ Weighted |
| Channel separation: | 135dB at 1kHz 300Ω |
| Power output @ 1kHz 1% THD: | 94mW 300Ω 740mW 32Ω 1050mW 8Ω |
| Weight: | 450g |
| Dimensions: | 130mm (L) x 100mm (W) x 21mm (H) |
| Boxed Dimensions: | 220mm (L) x 122mm (W) x 85mm (H) |
Focal Utopia Headphones Specifications
| Type: | Circum-aural, open-back headphones |
| Impedance: | 80 Ohms |
| Sensitivity: | 104dB SPL / 1mW @ 1kHz |
| THD: | <0.2% @ 1kHz / 100dB SPL |
| Frequency response: | 5Hz – 50kHz |
| Speaker driver: | 19/16" (40mm) pure beryllium 'M'-shaped dome |
| Weight: | 490g |
| Cables provided: | 1 x 5ft cable (1.5m) with 1 x 1/8" (3.5mm) asymmetric TRS Jack connector and 2 x Lemo® connectors 1 x 10ft cable (3m) with 1 x symmetrical 4-point XLR connector and 2 Lemo® connectors 1 x Jack adapter, 1/8" (3.5mm) point socket – 1/4" (6.35mm) point plug |
| Carrying case included: | 25 x 24 x 12cm |
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