Chord Electronics Hugo M Scaler silver

The Hugo M Scaler Silver by Chord Electronics is a standalone digital upscaler of very high performance. Thanks to its cutting-edge technology, it is capable of redefining the sound quality of any digital audio source.

Revolutionary WTA Filtering Technology

At the heart of the Hugo M Scaler is the exclusive WTA (Watts Transient Alignment) filtering technology developed by Chord Electronics. Based on an FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array), this technology allows for extremely precise upsampling of the digital audio signal.

The WTA filtering works by finely reconstructing the missing information between samples, thus restoring the micro-details and dynamics of the original signal. This results in a wider soundstage, better instrument separation, richer timbres, and a more natural rendering.

Extensive Compatibility

The Hugo M Scaler accepts a wide range of digital input signals, including PCM formats up to 32-bit / 768 kHz and DSD512. It features multiple inputs:

• 2x BNC coaxial
• 2x TOSLINK optical
• 1x USB Type-B
• 1x DX BNC for Dual Data connection with certain Chord DACs

This allows it to be easily integrated into any Hi-Fi or Home Theater setup and used with a wide variety of sources such as a CD player, streamer, computer, TV, etc.

Upsampling up to 768 kHz

The colossal computing power of the FPGA allows the Hugo M Scaler to increase the input signal’s sampling rate up to 768 kHz in PCM. This multiplies the data amount by 16 compared to a CD (44.1 kHz / 16-bit).

This extreme upsampling combined with WTA filtering offers unmatched resolution, for sound with breathtaking realism. Every detail of the music is magnified, the acoustic space is recreated with astonishing naturalness. The listener rediscovers their recordings in a new light.

Compact and Functional Design

Despite its extraordinary capabilities, the Hugo M Scaler maintains a compact format identical to other devices in the Hugo range. Its elegant machined aluminum casing features a beautiful silver finish.

The front panel integrates backlit touch controls for intuitive use. The display indicates the format and frequency of the input signal as well as the output frequency. An input selector and a standby button complete the controls.

Versatility and Scalability

The Hugo M Scaler is fully autonomous and can therefore be used to enhance any DAC, even outside the Chord range. It is particularly effective when combined with the Hugo TT2 thanks to the Dual Data BNC connection.

But it will also deliver excellent results with the Qutest or other high-end DACs. It is a true digital Swiss army knife, adaptable to the evolution of your system. Connected between the source and the DAC, it literally elevates the sound, regardless of your setup’s level.

Technical Specifications

• WTA (Watts Transient Alignment) filtering technology
• Xilinx XC7A200T FPGA
• Upsampling up to 768 kHz in PCM
• DSD512 compatibility
• Digital inputs: USB Type-B, 2x BNC, 2x TOSLINK, DX BNC (Dual Data)
• Digital outputs: 2x BNC, DX BNC (Dual Data)
• Power supply: 5V / 2A
• Dimensions: 235 x 40.5 x 236 mm
• Weight: 2.55 kg

What are the main advantages of the Hugo M Scaler?

The Hugo M Scaler offers a dramatic improvement in sound quality thanks to its WTA filtering technology and extreme upscaling. It allows you to get the best out of any digital source, revealing an unprecedented level of detail and naturalness. It is also a very versatile device, compatible with many formats and easily integrates into any Hi-Fi system.

Which devices is the Hugo M Scaler compatible with?

The Hugo M Scaler works with any device that has a digital audio output: CD player, streamer, computer, TV… It can be paired with a wide variety of DACs. It delivers excellent results with Chord DACs like the Hugo TT2, Qutest, or Dave, but also with high-end DACs from other brands.

What audio formats does the Hugo M Scaler support?

The Hugo M Scaler accepts PCM signals up to 32-bit / 768 kHz as well as DSD streams up to DSD512. It is therefore compatible with the vast majority of current high-resolution audio formats, whether from a physical player or a digital file.

Can the Hugo M Scaler be used with a Home Theater system?

Absolutely. Thanks to its optical and coaxial inputs, the Hugo M Scaler can process sound from a TV or Blu-ray player, for example. It will significantly enhance the movie soundtrack in terms of dynamics, dialogue clarity, and immersion, for a more cinematic experience. It’s an excellent way to elevate the Home Theater experience.

What are the differences between the Hugo M Scaler and the Blu Mk2?

The Hugo M Scaler succeeds the Blu Mk2 in the Chord range. It retains its principle of external upscaling but adds several advancements. The Hugo M Scaler uses a more powerful FPGA, offers higher sampling rates, handles DSD, and features a more comprehensive user interface. Its more compact casing matches other Hugo devices. The Hugo M Scaler goes further than the Blu Mk2 in terms of performance and features.

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 upgrades

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