Chord Hugo TT2 dac and Hugo M Scaler

[adyc]

Rather than waste money on Qutest, I rather audition TT2. Rob is very happy with TT2 performance. It is much better design than Quest

 

[Hieukm]

Adyc, have we had some comms on Stacore in the past?

Alex/Asuify here has rightly encouraged me to find a dealer in the UK who runs Innuos Zenith and a reasonable dac. Well, that combination over here doesn't leave many options, Chord being one.

I am looking more at ladder r2r dac options like Kitsune Holo Springs or Denafrips Terminator, but the former won't be at an Innuos dealer, and the latter is direct sale from Singapore.

That leaves two reputable dealers local to me who can demo and sell Innuos Zenith and Chord. And thus I'm going to listen w as much an open mind as possible.

My initial reservation on Chord is that I suspect it may be too analytical/overly detailed/digital sheen type of sound.

However I've got a strong tonally dense and naturally warm type of presentation w my SETs/full range driver spkrs rig, optimsed to be both revealing and relaxing, and the one type of component that doesn't work here are overly laid back ones. Chord I'm sure can't be described as that.

I also like more chances to spend cash over time, so the upgrade path via M Scaler appeals.

I do find it fascinating w components that they can draw such strong opposite reactions, here on this thread w Adyc and Tao who love Chord dacs, and CKKeung who can't wait to have it out of the room.

Dont ever get the Chord Dac without the Mscaler. Mscaler is reasonably price and it provides a huge upgrade. Server technology is changing fast. I would get the Chord + Mscaler then buy a server later. SGM seems like a safer bet.

 

[the sound of Tao]

Thats the value of auditioning... best way to find out if qutest plus mscaler can do it for Marc. I’d definitely go for the option with m scaler first over the other dacs without.

 

[spiritofmusic]

Graham, yes, I am stating the bleeding obvious. I'm just detecting certain components or brands that draw very opposed opinions, Chord being one.

It's also a good decade since I've had a good ongoing relationship with a mainline dealer, and if any area of audio requires a bit of hand holding for me, it's streaming, hence my desire if I can to go with a streamer and dac from the same shop. In the UK, sub £10k, Innuos and Chord are one of the few interesting options.

 

[spiritofmusic]

Adyc, Chord and MSB last men standing? Impressive thumbs up for Chord.

 

[Hieukm]

Thats the value of auditioning... best way to find out if qutest plus mscaler can do it for Marc. I’d definitely go for the option with m scaler first over the other dacs without.

I would go with Adyc. HugoTT2 + Mscaler is the least option. Otherwise better pick another brand.

 

[spiritofmusic]

Hieukm, it's not practical for me to go dac and scaler w no streamer. Zenith picks itself at £3k, my £3-5k budget on dac is one of: £3k Holo Springs, £4k Hugo TT2, £4.5k Denafrips Terminator or Qutest plus MScaler. Hugo TT2 to be augmented by MScaler at later date, possible audiophile switch w LPS to augment Zenith at later date.

 

[spiritofmusic]

No argument from me re SGM. I've heard one regularly for 3 years, and I'd choose it in a flash. Lack of funds precludes it as a practical possibility.

 

[Hieukm]

Hieukm, it's not practical for me to go dac and scaler w no streamer. Zenith picks itself at £3k, my £3-5k budget on dac is one of: £3k Holo Springs, £4k Hugo TT2, £4.5k Denafrips Terminator or Qutest plus MScaler. Hugo TT2 to be augmented by MScaler at later date, possible audiophile switch w LPS to augment Zenith at later date.

I understood. However here is couple of thinsg to consider:
- Your zenith likely to be outdated and replaced by a successor with double its potential by next year. Look how fast the current server game is growing. Zenith and SGM all release at least 1 model per year.
- I think you would be very disappointed by the Zenith + Hugo TT2 performance compare to your CD or TT.
- HugoTT2 £4k + Mscaler £3K is likely to give better sound than HugoTT2 + Zenith. This is happen if you have computer to run roon core and buy a simple NUC (£300) to run roon end point.
- Moreover, i think you can utilise your CDP to use HugoTT2 + Mscaler in case you decide to take the Mscaler route and delay the server purchase.

 

[spiritofmusic]

The never ending Möbius Loop of digital audio.

A couple of things Hieukm.

One, dacs outdate themselves too. Why spend big on server OR dac?

Two, I'm happy to stay at a place if I like the sound. I'm not obsessed to get the next "better" digital toy.

Three, I'm minded to agree w the server guys that PC based streaming, w all that associated noise cannot be good for hi fidelity.

 

[the sound of Tao]

I’m just trying to honour your original aim Marc of going for an affordable streaming setup to explore and discover music in addition to your current cdp.

The m scaler makes sense as it will make your streamed redbook content sound much much better.

The idea of a one box innuos zenith to minimise computer audio newby nightmares also seems a well considered one.

It’s easy for me to suggest a TT2 which I initially did but I’d still suggest the m scaler as the bigger return on investment out of all the components discussed especially in the light of it being a separate streaming specific setup for musical discovery.

 

[Hieukm]

The never ending Möbius Loop of digital audio.

A couple of things Hieukm.

One, dacs outdate themselves too. Why spend big on server OR dac?

Two, I'm happy to stay at a place if I like the sound. I'm not obsessed to get the next "better" digital toy.

Three, I'm minded to agree w the server guys that PC based streaming, w all that associated noise cannot be good for hi fidelity.

The current DAC crop is making big progress toward LP performance. I think the rate at which DAC technology growing is nowhere as fast as server.
If you not buying HugoTT2 + Mscaler, i dont think you would ever touch your streaming system because it is just too big of a gap compare to your TT or CDP. Other DAC in your list would suffer the same fate.
The zenith option you considering is good but it will be outdated quickly. HugoTT2 + Mscaler likely not.

 

[spiritofmusic]

Hieukm, the price on Hugo TT2 plus MScaler plus Zenith takes me into s/h SGM2015 and £1k dac territory
Part of the potential attraction of Chord is ability to upgrade at later date w MScaler
I don't see any reviews saying TT2 on it's own is a poor option, just that MScaler add on takes TT2 to beyond Dave territory
Indeed Tao here is a big fan of TT2 on it's own, loves it more w MScaler
For me I'll make sure I hear Zenith w TT2 on its own, plus M Scaler
But its too much a push to go all 3 units at the same time, s/h SGM would appeal more at that price
Holo Springs is the decidedly less expensive option to compare, and likely a total contrast to Chord

 

[asiufy]

I obviously don't agree with the fear mongering Hieukm is trying to spread.
I have a 2017 Innuos Zenith mk2 in the store, and it sounds great still. It's only "outdated" if you want it to be, or your dealer won't trade you up to a new one.

 

[spiritofmusic]

Alex, I've just turned 55. Losing my hair or car keys is a bigger fear than "losing out" by choosing a server like Zenith.

For me, I'm happy to plant my flag w Zenith Mk3, and not have any FOMO when Mk4 arrives. £3k is a great price point for what Randy/Ngamountains relays to me about it.

The issue in UK is dearth of good dacs to demo on it under £5k. Chord is the exception, and two local dealers stock Innuos and Chord. Noone local runs Innuos and Aqua, otoh.

So, I obv won't buy Chord if I don't like it, but either the Innuos/Chord demo will work for me, or I buy my server and dac from seperate dealers.

 

[asiufy]

Marc,

Good thinking, my friend.
I say by all means go and audition as many DACs as you can, with Zenith in tow. It'll be, at the least, educational.


cheers,
Alex

 

[spiritofmusic]

Alex, Aqua La Voce S3 is on the shortlist. I'm pretty familiar w the Formula XHD and have heard La Scala once (w La Diva transport), and remain hugely impressed by both.

Does La Voce S3 maintain the Aqua profile for natural detail and texture, and spaciousness?

 

[asiufy]

Yes it does.
The La Voce is great value at its price, even compared to the chinese R2R stuff...
And it's upgradeable, so our Hieukm won't be able to say it'll be "outdated" in a year, as it can be upgraded.

 

[spiritofmusic]

Alex, I would dearly love on this one occasion to have a closer relationship w one dealer or specialist who can supply server and dac package and at least at the start take me thru the initial learning curve bit of install, getting used to things, any early pratfalls.

But if as it looks likely I'm going to buy Zenith, in the UK there is nothing of interest sub £5k at those Innuos dealers other than Chord. I'm certainly not buying a Naim dac.

Obviously most Innuos buyers already have a dac, so a Zenith will be going into an established system. And this is how I'll have to play it. Hear the Chord on Innuos locally, hear the Holo Springs dac locally thru another streamer, travel further afield to hear the Aqua La Voce S3 thru a third streamer. Get an idea of their sonic signatures, and buy aprropriately.

It's just that in the good ol' fashioned days of cd, I would never have imagined buying a transport and dac from seperate dealers.

 

[asiufy]

Marc,

That's why I said you should pick up a Zenith anyway, then carry it with you to the dealers to audition DACs.
The dealer who sells you a Zenith should be able to provide support anyway, DAC purchase or not. If they don't, I'll do my best to help you from over here


cheers,
Alex