livelistenlearn

been away awhile. found out from a post & pic some-web else. colourful eccentricity is precious commodity in a world that has (mostly) accepted too many shades of grey. as i remember, he was a fondly respected personality here. someone who shook my world (a little bit) when he suggested that not all digital data may be stored/transmitted/shared precisely. thanks, sandyk. for that gift: a seed of doubt. a reminder to, sometimes, question, listen and ponder bit deeper. and, the many smiles, laughs, outcry and shenanigans you “facilitated” in a hangout formerly known as CA. cheers.

'Arse Technica'? But, anyway, thanks for the reminder about that little black box that one has not switched on for quite sometime

If it makes you feel better, they sold at least 2. Used to use 1 Btw, 'new' DSD playback is 'over DOP'. 24/192 PCM is cool, though... original hi-res playback was ‘capped’ to 24/96.

DP-X1A is incoming… https://translate.google.com/translate?hl=en&sl=ja&u=http://www.jp.onkyo.com/audiovisual/headphone/dpx1a/&prev=search ONKYO DP-X1 | Dual Sabre Dacs | Balanced | Sabre BTL Amp | MQA | DSD 256 | Android 5 | - Page 771

Are you sure? Blame IATA, if the Enix LiBs cannot be shipped directly to you/your country. If so: Why not address the issue directly with Chord Electronics? Perhaps, a query on head-fi to the makers: John Franks and/or Rob Watts? For the sake of (many) Hugo owners worldwide… some of whom cannot find the replacement batteries and some of whom prefer a more affordable DIY approach? Do bear in mind that we are discussing a scenario of existing customers seeking to buy replaceable batteries (spare parts)... and not claiming replacements under warranty. Do note that as per #620, Chord is responsive. What then is the mode that engages when one follows those instructions stated in the Hugo manual? Does it trigger an output of 3VRMS (light blue/violet volume light) on your Hugo as opposed to the default 0.3VRMS (green) from a normal start-up?

Hugo TT (Table Top) is Hugo's closest relative. It runs on (more) batteries + a bank of super capacitors. 2Qute is an upgraded version of Qute... which ran on AC because it was specifically designed to be a home hi-fi solution. DAVE replaces QBD76 HDSD as Chord's highest-end home AC-powered hi-fi DAC. Beg to differ. Always a higher risk when modding a device, designed to run on batteries, to run purely on LPS. If one adds a better charging unit to charge the batteries, and/or supercaps to the battery circuit, there is less risk (and likely less rewards). Which is why, maybe, Chord designed the Hugo TT to (still) run on batteries. Cost of 2 replacement Enix batteries = $100 + shipping. As a Hugo user, have been thinking that 2Qute solves the battery replacement problem forever. BTW, TT sounds better than a Hugo... but not anywhere near twice as good, as price suggests. DAVE is rather pricey, yes. Imho, in terms of SQ, the HE1000, HD800S, HD650 and LCD3 sound better with Hugo + a suitable head-amp. The K10U, Roxanne, Layla, TG334 and other IEMs, not so. "Press and hold the Crossfeed switch whilst turning on to activate the volume bypass mode. Using bypass mode, Hugo can be used as a standalone DAC into a preamplifier with volume control." From the Hugo manual. The bypass mode exists. But as Mr. Watts has stated, the output is 3VRMS, and not 2VRMS as stated in the manual. Just suggesting that Hugo owners who use preamps could try to 'tweak' the output levels of the Hugo as a standalone DAC (as opposed to using volume bypass mode). Some users may find that setting a lower output from Hugo as a DAC, and using their preamps to increase more gain, may yield positive benefits... depending on system, of course. In your specific case, yes, you are right. Bottom-lines: 1) Like you, one finds that the Hugo offers great bang-for-the-buck as a DAC, portable or otherwise. It hits a sweeter than sweet spot... in terms of performance vs price. Not the best in the world, not perfect, but still great nonetheless. 2) If you are determined to LPS1 your Hugo, one wishes you all the best. Because if you successfully blaze the trail, one might just be motivated to try it as well... Cheers

Firstly, congratulations to @Jud. 5-for-5. The man Secondly, did not expect to hear differences. But did*. Thirdly, cannot speak for everyone, but was not ‘guessing’. So, listened to files one more time: Well, T2 still ‘showed’ the most difference. And, still prefer 2B. More ‘open' mid-highs/highs, clearer vocals and bass notes, better high-hat decay. Same reasons why 3A ‘sounds’ better than 3B. Imho. Two systems -> one’s ears/brain. Do not know what to make of it. *For everyone who ‘heard’ a difference or ‘expressed’ a preference, this is the point. Just from esldude changing cable directionality in recording? Note: esldude’s cables. While recording. Not listeners’ during playback.

IINW, Charging/maintenance of the LiBs in the Hugo are said to be managed by a smart battery management circuit that also protects the unit’s ‘sensitive parts’. Have no idea how low the voltage drops before Hugo goes to sleep. A fully-charged Hugo (with normally functioning LiBs) should be good for just about 7 hours-ish. 2 considerations, if: (a) you are plugging ‘less efficient’ headphones directly to Hugo (now or in the future), or (b) you are using Hugo as a DAC only device (by plugging the RCA outs to amp inputs). In scenario (a): Not providing enough juice to the Hugo to drive said headphones may be detrimental to SQ/SPL, and thereby, compromise listening enjoyment. In scenario (b): Hugo should sound best as a DAC when its output is set to volume bypass mode = press cross-fade button while switching on, to derive a violet volume light. Alternatively, one may set volume manually somewhere close to how high a v-input one’s integrated/pre-amp can tolerate before clipping occurs (azure >> blue >> indigo). Chord Hugo - Page 534 = see post 8001 Best to set the ‘volume’ of the Hugo as high as possible when using it as a DAC only, leave it there… and control system gain using the knob on a pre/integrated amp. May be fun to try various Hugo vs. amp volume settings… see if you hear a difference. If, however, a Hugo is directly ‘wired’ to a power amp/monoblocks/powered speakers to serve as a pre-amp, then its volume controls must be used to control gain for the system.

@ElviaCaprice Have a look at a naked Hugo: LiBs are located on 2 sides of the unit. Internal space is at a premium all round, L x W x H. A LPSU ‘modification’ is possible. Simplest way (one can think of): Remove LiBs from respective ‘compartments’. Solder 2 sets of ‘new’ wire leads onto the board at 2 locations (where the LiB leads were soldered). The other ends of the 4 wires would then have to connected to an external LPSU. Challenges: 1. Should the wire leads be connected to the LPSU in series or in parallel? 1 or 2 LPSUs? 2. Since the Hugo casing (bottom included) fits rather snugly, one would have to (i) drill holes for the wire leads to extend outside the unit, or, (ii) fabricate a new bottom cover for the Hugo with suitable perforations to allow the wire leads to ‘come out’, or (iii) safely remove the charging port, and somehow thread the wire leads through to the outside world. 3. How will the use of LPSU(s) compromise/affect the ‘smart battery management circuit’ that protects the Hugo’s boards, chips and sensitive components? 4. One may end up with a ‘custom Hugo’… which has no resale value? 5. Most importantly, how will the use of LPSUs (in place of Enix LiBs) affect the performance of the Hugo? Better? Or, worse? Do these challenges present a favourable risk-to-reward ratio? The ‘price’ for failure may be well above what most Hugo owners are willing to accept… and it may be significantly higher than simply voiding warranty. 2 other ways to view/approach the 'issue': (a) Consider the LiBs as ‘consumables’ that are due for replacement at some point or other. Via Chord or through DIY. This viewpoint reduces risks and should provide a known, proven and likeable result… and one uses Hugo as designed, powered by 2 x new LiBs. And, running on LiBs managed by dedicated smart circuit does isolate Hugo from mains issues, thereby (arguably), negating/minimising the need for/impact of LPSUs. One then focuses on optimising the lifespan of the LiBs, in pretty much the same way as one does the batteries in a cellphone or notebook or tablet = discharging and recharging as recommended. The point being that the Hugo’s LiBs should last as long as those on other ‘smart devices’. (b) Consider trading-in Hugo to avoid battery issues altogether. If one likes the Chord house-sound, and prefer a mains-powered DAC in a fixed listening environment, logical replacements could be the 2Qute, Hugo TT or DAVE (as budget/needs permit). If, however, you still choose to LPSU your Hugo, it would be wise to seek the good advice/counsel from the bright minds behind Uptone Audio...

Quite a few reports/comments about battery failures have popped up in 2016 on head-fi. Hugo was launched in Feb 2014, iinw. The 2 x LiBs inside are 18650-spec units that are rated for “up to 2,000 cycles.” Li-Ion battery 1S1P ICR-18650 UN38.3 3.75V 2.2Ah fils - MGL2811 | Enix-energies-uk.com Symptom of battery failure: Continuous flashing lights on start-up, Hugo does not enter ‘normal’ mode, is inoperable. Pre-symptom(?): Charging LED permanently on… if Hugo is always plugged in = indicative of battery/batteries not being able to ‘hold’ charge(s). If this is already happening, care to avoid full discharge may prolong use-ability. That said, need to replace batteries is imminent. Suggested preventive maintenance: If Hugo is always plugged in: Unplug at least once a month. Listen to music, let LiBs run down to 40-50%. Re-charge to full. Do not make it a habit to run LiBs down to zero. If Hugo is not always plugged in: Charge to full at least twice a month. Try to not leave it in a completely discharged state for more than a few days. Options if Hugo starts to ‘flash’ you: Batteries under warranty = send back to retailer for replacement. No longer under warranty = send back to retailer for replacement = safe approach. Requires payment for shipping (if not in UK), replacement batteries, service fee. Meanwhile, twiddle thumbs, wait. No longer under warranty = DIY. At own risk. Buy replacement batteries online. Tools required = small hex wrench, solder pump, soldering gun, tweezers, cellphone with cam. Soldering experience + fingers with dexterity + methodical approach = bonus.

@esldude, Thanks. Listened. Not expecting to hear differences. Heard some. Not sure which way arrow(s) is/are pointing… but the following are one’s ‘preferences’: T1: A > B (most subtle) T2: B > A (least subtle) T3: A > B T4: A > B T5: B > A Differences are very subtle. But audible. Somehow.

Do not be afraid. Think: this is not a test of ‘me’. Does not matter what you use. Think: this is not a test of ‘my system’. Listen. Regardless of knowledge, data, beliefs. May learn/verify something(s). Even if just for oneself. Not for anyone else.

Point taken. When flying, one prefers wired headgear... so that the only lithium ion cells one needs worry about are in the DAP. Which is, happily, rather good for about 7-ish hours (with more 16/44 files and less 24/96 or 192). DAP is also useable when it is being charged. And, a fully charged iPad and a Mojo is a good back-up. Some sleep, the occasional movie (should sound better if one has the requisite HP adaptor on hand) and face-stuffing takes care of the rest of the flight time...

Yes, by default. But, one can subsequently activate BT... in AP mode. (Not really sure if this is good thing, though.)

After 2 years, still getting > 6 hours listening time from a Plantronics BackBeat Fit. Quite so.