Chord Electronics
Chord Hugo M Scaler
Best digital upscaler for audiophiles seeking ultimate sound clarity and detail.
The Chord Hugo M Scaler is a standalone digital upscaler designed to redefine digital audio quality. It employs advanced WTA filtering technology to upscale standard 44.1kHz audio up to 705.6kHz, or even 768kHz when paired with compatible Chord Electronics DACs. This compact unit, designed to stack with other TT series components, features illuminated spherical controls for input selection, output sample rate, and a lower latency video mode. Its precision-milled chassis is crafted from aircraft-grade aluminum, ensuring durability and a premium aesthetic. The Hugo M Scaler is engineered and manufactured in the UK.
$4650.00
Owner Satisfaction
4.5
/ 5
Category Rank
297
/ 489
#297 in Audio Converters
Price vs Category Average
+6%
Above average
Color
Black, Silver
/ Black, Silver
Who it's for
- Audiophiles seeking ultimate transparency and lifelike soundstage depth
- Digital purists demanding the highest level of signal reconstruction accuracy
- Chord DAC owners looking to maximize their existing system performance
Who should skip it
- Budget-conscious listeners prioritizing value over incremental sonic gains
- Users wanting a versatile, standalone digital-to-analog converter solution
- Casual listeners using equipment that lacks high-resolution transparency
Performance breakdown
Upscaling Precision
Over one million WTA taps deliver industry-leading digital reconstruction accuracy.
Build Integrity
Aircraft-grade aluminum chassis provides exceptional durability and a premium tactile feel.
Connectivity Versatility
Comprehensive input suite handles diverse high-resolution sources with ease.
System Integration
Stackable design perfectly complements the aesthetic of Chord TT series components.
Latency Management
Dedicated video mode effectively minimizes delay for synchronized media playback.
Interface Feedback
Polychromatic spherical controls offer intuitive visual status updates at a glance.
Key Specs
Color
Black, Silver
FPGA
Xilinx XC7A200T
Filter Tap Length
1,015,808 WTA taps
Dimensions
235 x 40.5 x 236 mm (Width x Height x Depth)
Weight
2.55 kg
Inputs
2x BNC, 2x Optical, 1x USB Type-B (galvanically isolated, DSD & PCM up to DSD 256)
Outputs
1x Optical, 1x S/PDIF, 1x Dual BNC (galvanically isolated, up to 768kHz)
Power Supply
1.5m, 15V, 4A Switched Power Supply
Features
- World's most advanced digital filter
- Adjustable output sample rate with direct bypass mode
- Video mode for lower latency
- Automatic video and source selection
- Designed, engineered, and manufactured in the UK
- Precision-milled chassis from aircraft-grade aluminum
- Spherical controls with polychromatic scale for visual data feedback
- Stackable design with TT series components
What customers say
Customers consistently praise the Chord Hugo M Scaler for its transformative impact on sound quality. Many describe a significant improvement in clarity, detail, and soundstage when integrated into a compatible audio system. While its premium price point is noted, enthusiasts frequently consider it a worthwhile investment, elevating their listening experience to new heights. The device is seen as a crucial component for those seeking ultimate audio fidelity, delivering a refined and immersive sound that justifies its specialized role within a high end setup. Its sophisticated processing capabilities are a standout feature.
Know before you buy
The M Scaler uses advanced WTA filtering technology to upscale standard 44.1kHz audio signals to much higher resolutions, such as 705.6kHz or 768kHz. This process aims to reconstruct the original audio waveform more accurately, resulting in a more natural and detailed soundstage.
While the M Scaler is designed to integrate seamlessly with Chord’s TT series DACs to achieve the maximum 768kHz output, it can be used with other DACs. However, you will be limited to the maximum sample rate supported by your specific DAC's input capabilities.
Yes, the M Scaler includes a dedicated video mode that reduces latency. This ensures that the audio remains synchronized with the video content, making it suitable for home theater setups.
The spherical controls use a polychromatic lighting system to provide visual feedback. The colors change to indicate the selected input, the current output sample rate, and other operational settings, allowing you to monitor the device's status at a glance.
Yes, the M Scaler supports DSD up to DSD 256 via its USB Type-B input. It processes these files to provide the benefits of its advanced filtering technology before passing the signal to your DAC.
The M Scaler is specifically designed to stack with other Chord Electronics TT series components. Its compact, precision-milled aluminum chassis ensures a stable and aesthetically consistent footprint for your audio rack.
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