Chord Electronics
British Digital Innovation and Transparency
The Chord Philosophy: Proprietary Digital Purity
Chord Electronics stands at the absolute pinnacle of digital audio engineering, renowned worldwide for their proprietary DAC technology. Instead of using off-the-shelf conversion chips, Chord utilizes custom-coded Field Programmable Gate Arrays (FPGAs) to handle digital-to-analog conversion. This technology delivers best-in-class timing accuracy (minimizing jitter) and unparalleled resolution. Every Chord Electronics DAC is designed to provide a startlingly clear, transparent, and accurate sonic window into your digital music.
Chord Electronics DACs
Chord Qute HD
$1,625
The Qute HD is a compact, high-performance desktop DAC known for its surprising dynamic punch and clarity, delivering true high-fidelity sound. This model is ideal for listeners seeking to bypass the low-quality converters in standard computers and streamers to achieve massive improvements in resolution and texture.
Chord Hugo TT2
$5,100
The Hugo TT (Table Top) elevates Chord’s portable innovation into a dedicated reference-grade desktop unit. The Hugo TT features advanced connectivity, including both single-ended and balanced outputs, and enhanced filtering capacity, making it a powerful DAC and headphone amplifier centerpiece for any system.
Chord Mojo 2
$650
The Mojo 2 is the ultimate portable high-resolution DAC and headphone amplifier. This unit is celebrated for its incredible power and clarity in a pocket-sized package. It features Chord’s proprietary UHD DSP technology, allowing for sophisticated tone control without sacrificing musical transparency.
Chord Hugo M Scaler
$4,650
The Hugo M Scaler is a groundbreaking, standalone component designed to massively improve the digital data before it reaches the DAC. Utilizing advanced WTA (Watts Transient Aligned) filtering, the M Scaler upsamples digital music to an incredible one million taps of resolution, revealing detail and realism previously impossible in digital playback.
Choosing the Right Chord Electronics Digital Component
Chord Electronics offers different types of digital components for different listening setups. The Mojo 2 combines a DAC and headphone amplifier in a portable design, while the Hugo TT 2 can serve as a DAC, preamplifier, and headphone amplifier in a home system. The Hugo M Scaler has a different role: it is a standalone digital upscaler designed to work with a compatible DAC.
When choosing a component, consider whether you need headphone listening, a DAC for an existing stereo system, or an upscaler to use with a compatible Chord DAC. Also check the digital inputs and outputs required by your source and amplifier.
Integrating Chord Electronics into Your Digital System
A Chord DAC can be used with a variety of digital sources, including computers, streamers, and transports, depending on the model’s supported inputs. The DAC then converts the digital signal into an analog output for a preamplifier or integrated amplifier.
For a system using the Hugo M Scaler, check the compatibility of the DAC and the required digital connections. The M Scaler is designed to process and upsample a digital signal before it reaches a compatible DAC; it does not replace the DAC itself.
Explore our digital streaming collection to consider other ways to build a digital playback system.
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What Our Customers Say
Frequently Asked Questions About Chord Electronics Streaming and DACs in NYC
Chord Electronics products are known for their advanced digital technology and high-performance sound. The following questions address key considerations when integrating Chord DACs and streaming components into a high-end audio system.
Chord DACs use custom FPGA technology instead of standard DAC chips, allowing for more advanced digital filtering and improved timing accuracy. This approach helps deliver more precise and realistic sound reproduction.
In most cases, yes. Chord DACs are often paired with external streamers or digital sources to complete a streaming system. Some models combine multiple functions, but many setups use separate components for maximum flexibility.
Yes. Chord Electronics components are widely used in high-fidelity and reference-level systems due to their detailed sound, advanced engineering, and flexible integration options.
A DAC converts digital audio into an analog signal for an amplifier or other audio component. The Hugo M Scaler is a digital upscaler: it processes and increases the sample rate of a digital signal before sending it to a compatible DAC. It does not perform the final digital-to-analog conversion.
Yes, provided the streamer and DAC have compatible digital connections and support the required audio formats. Check the available outputs on the streamer and inputs on the DAC before connecting them.
Yes. Mojo 2 includes headphone outputs and can also connect to other audio equipment. Check the connection and output requirements of your amplifier or other components when using it in a home system.
No. Compatibility depends on the DAC and the available digital connections. Chord lists compatible models including the Hugo TT 2, Hugo 2, Qutest, and DAVE. Confirm the specific connection requirements before planning a system around the M Scaler.
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Experience Chord Electronics in Our NoHo Showroom
Optimally utilizing Chord Electronics DACs often involves understanding their unique processing capabilities and how to pair them with the right digital sources and amplification. Our experts provide detailed consultation on integrating Chord products, maximizing the benefits of M Scaler technology, and achieving perfect digital signal integrity.
If you are considering a Chord DAC or Hugo M Scaler, contact our team to discuss your digital sources, amplifier connections, and system configuration. We can help you understand which components work together and confirm current product and demonstration availability.