Chord Electronics Hugo M Scaler black

Hugo M Scaler by Chord Electronics - The Ultimate Upscaler for Unmatched Audio Quality

Cutting-edge Technology to Enhance Your Audio Files

The Hugo M Scaler by Chord Electronics is a revolutionary standalone digital upscaler that pushes the boundaries of sound quality. With its ultra-advanced proprietary filtering technology, it can upscale standard 44.1 kHz audio files to an astounding resolution of 705.6 kHz.

Developed by Rob Watts, the genius engineer behind Chord products, the M Scaler’s upscaling algorithm is simply the most powerful available today. It relies on a powerful Xilinx XC7A200T FPGA chip to perform incredibly complex calculations and achieve unmatched precision in signal reconstruction.

Exceptional Versatility to Handle All Your Audio Streams

Whether you’re listening to music from your smartphone, computer, network player, or even a Blu-ray or SACD player, the M Scaler supports all your streams. It features a comprehensive digital connectivity:

• 2 BNC inputs
• 2 Toslink optical inputs
• 1 galvanically isolated USB-B input

Through the optical inputs, it can upscale your 44.1 kHz files to 176.4 kHz. With the BNC inputs, it reaches 352.8 kHz! And via USB, it accepts PCM and DSD signals (up to DSD256), with DSD upscaling to PCM thanks to in-house filtering that effectively reduces noise and distortion.

A Perfect Match with Chord DACs

While the M Scaler works with any DAC equipped with suitable digital inputs, it performs best when paired with a Chord Electronics DAC like the Qutest, Hugo 2, Hugo TT 2, or DAVE. The connection is made via a pair of BNC cables, for optimal upscaling up to 705.6 kHz (from 44.1 kHz) or 768 kHz (from 96 kHz).

The M Scaler is also designed to aesthetically integrate and stack with the range’s devices, such as the TToby power amplifier or the Hugo TT 2. Its compact chassis and front adorned with the characteristic luminous spheres of Chord products make it a beautiful object.

A True Audio Swiss Army Knife

Beyond its extraordinary audio upscaling capabilities, the M Scaler includes well-thought-out features to adapt to all uses. A “pass-through” function allows you to adjust the output sampling rate if your DAC does not support the maximum values.

Additionally, a “video” mode is provided to optimize synchronization and minimize latency when playing audio streams from movies. You can thus enjoy perfectly calibrated sound, without lag with the image.

Finally, the front panel includes “DX” controls that will be used with future Chord products. Your M Scaler is ready to evolve!

A Concentration of Technologies in a Compact Format

Despite its relatively compact size (24 x 23 x 6 cm), the M Scaler is packed with cutting-edge technologies. The system’s core relies on a state-of-the-art Xilinx FPGA chip that performs all upscaling and filtering calculations with phenomenal power.

The power supply has also been particularly well-designed, with features like galvanic isolation on sensitive inputs such as USB. Everything is done to preserve the integrity and purity of the signal.

The front panel adopts the aesthetic codes of the Hugo range, featuring a display with multicolored luminous spheres indicating the type of input and sampling frequency. The entire system is controlled by a supplied remote.

Technical Specifications

Processor and Processing

• FPGA: Xilinx XC7A200T
• Exclusive filtering technology by Rob Watts
  • The world’s most advanced digital filter
• Adjustable output sampling frequency (with transparent mode)
• Video mode (for reduced latency)
• Automatic video source selection
• “DX” controls for future product evolution

Supported Audio Formats

• MIC (PCM): 44.1 kHz, 48 kHz, 88.2 kHz, 96 kHz, 176.4 kHz, 192 kHz, 352.8 kHz, 384 kHz, 717.6 kHz, 768 kHz
• Bit depth: 16 to 32 bits
• Compatibility: Plug-and-play on Mac OS X and Linux, driver required for Windows

Connectivity

Inputs

• 1 × USB Type-B (galvanic isolation)
• 2 × BNC coaxial
• 2 × optical

Outputs

• 1 × dual BNC with galvanic isolation (upsampling up to 768 kHz)
• 1 × BNC S/PDIF
• 1 × optical

Physical Characteristics

• Aluminum chassis
• Power consumption: 30 W at full power
• Dimensions (H × W × D): 40 × 235 × 238 mm
• Weight: 2.55 kg

Included Accessories

• M-Scaler quick start guide
• Safety instructions
• 15 V / 4 A power supply
• Infrared remote control
• USB Type-A to USB Type-B cable
• 2 BNC to BNC cables
• Optical cable
• 2 AAA batteries