Chord Electronics
Chord Hugo M Scaler Upsampler
Best digital upgrade for audiophiles seeking reference-level sound clarity.
The Chord Hugo M Scaler is a sophisticated standalone upsampler that redefines digital audio quality. It leverages advanced FPGA-based WTA filtering technology, originally developed for the flagship BLU MKII, to upscale standard audio signals up to 768kHz. This device is optimized for use with Chord Electronics dual-BNC input DACs, but can also be used with other compatible DACs. Its compact, stackable TT series design integrates seamlessly into advanced audio systems, featuring intuitive illuminable spherical controls for visual feedback on input and sample rate.
$4650.00
Owner Satisfaction
4.5
/ 5
Category Rank
297
/ 489
#297 in Audio Converters
Price vs Category Average
+6%
Above average
Who it's for
- Listeners craving natural, analog-like instrument texture and soundstage depth
- Audiophiles seeking ultimate digital timing and transient accuracy
- Chord DAC owners wanting to unlock maximum resolution potential
Who should skip it
- Desktop users with limited rack space or ventilation constraints
- Budget-conscious buyers prioritizing value over incremental performance gains
- Owners of non-Chord DACs seeking universal system compatibility
Performance breakdown
Upsampling Precision
WTA filtering technology delivers unmatched digital reconstruction and transient accuracy.
Jitter Reduction
Advanced clocking architecture effectively eliminates timing errors for a cleaner signal.
System Integration
Seamlessly stacks with TT series components for a cohesive desktop setup.
Build Quality
Robust chassis construction reflects high-end engineering and long-term durability.
Interface Intuition
Spherical controls offer unique visual feedback but require a slight learning curve.
Compatibility Range
Optimized for dual-BNC DACs, limiting its full potential with other hardware.
Key Specs
Upscaling capability up to 768kHz (from 96kHz input)
Supports native sample rates up to 96000 Hz
Model
Hugo M Scaler
Color options
Silver or Black
Form factor compatible with TT (Table Top) series
Features jitter reduction technology
MPN
Hugo M Scaler
Conversion type
Format Converter
Features
- World's most advanced digital filter (WTA)
- Upscales audio up to 768kHz
- FPGA-based Watts Transient Alignment filtering
- Compact and stackable TT series design
- Illuminable spherical controls for visual data
- Optimized for Chord Electronics dual-BNC DACs
- Dramatically improves digital audio sound quality
- Selectable input source and video mode
What customers say
Enthusiasts with compatible Chord DACs overwhelmingly praise the M Scaler as a transformative component. The core theme is its dramatic enhancement of digital audio quality, specifically resolution, timing, and soundstage depth, often described as removing a veil. Users note unprecedented realism and analog fluidity due to advanced upsampling. While the technical excellence is clear, sentiment is tempered by the very high price and the requirement to pair it with specific Chord DACs for optimal performance. For dedicated users within the ecosystem, it is considered an essential, game-changing upgrade that delivers state of the art filtering.
Know before you buy
The M Scaler uses advanced FPGA-based Watts Transient Alignment (WTA) filtering to upscale your digital audio signals to 768kHz. This process reconstructs the original waveform more accurately, which significantly reduces jitter and improves the clarity and depth of your music.
Yes, the M Scaler is compatible with other DACs, provided they have the appropriate digital inputs. However, it is specifically optimized for use with Chord Electronics' dual-BNC input DACs to achieve the full 768kHz upscaling capability.
The M Scaler features a compact, stackable design that matches the Chord TT series, making it easy to integrate into a desktop or rack system. It acts as an intermediary device, sitting between your digital source and your DAC.
The illuminable spherical controls provide visual feedback for your current input selection and the active sample rate. The colors change to indicate which input is active and the resolution of the audio signal being processed.
Yes, the M Scaler is particularly effective at improving the sound quality of standard-resolution audio. By applying its sophisticated filtering to lower-rate files, it helps extract more detail and spatial information than a standard DAC would on its own.
The M Scaler does include a dedicated video mode designed to minimize latency when watching movies or videos. This ensures that your audio remains synchronized with the visual content while still benefiting from the upscaling technology.
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