The Chord Electronics Hugo M Scaler is a high-end digital upscaling device designed to improve the audio quality of digital audio sources, particularly when used in conjunction with Chord Electronics’ DACs. the M Scaler is known for its advanced upscaling technology and its ability to enhance the precision and detail of digital audio playback, especially since it uses technology first seen in the flagship BLU MKII digital/CD transport.
The Hugo M Scaler is a highly advanced standalone upscaler capable of redefining sound quality from digital audio. It uses Rob Watts’ (our Digital Design Consultant’s) unique filter technology, the most advanced in the world, to upscale standard 44.1kHz digital audio up to 705.6kHz (16x CD’s 44.1kHz native resolution), ready to be passed to a suitable DAC; Hugo M Scaler extends its upscaling performance to 768kHz (from 96kHz input data) for our dual-BNC-input DACs: DAVE, Qutest and the Hugo TT 2.
The Hugo M Scaler brings the unrivaled advantages of Chord’s ground-breaking FPGA-based WTA (Watts Transient Alignment) filtering technology to digitally connected audio devices, dramatically improving sound quality. Although optimized for use with selected Chord Electronics DACs (for the maximum 768kHz upscaling/decoding benefit), the Hugo M Scaler can be used with other DACs with suitable inputs, subject to their decoding capability. Connect it to your favorite streamer, DAC, and headphone amplifier for an unrivaled audiophile soundstage and sonic experience. It’s one of the most popular Chord products on the market, so be sure to check out our M Scaler Review for more information.
Features:
Digital Upscaling: The primary function of the M Scaler is to upscale digital audio signals to higher resolutions before they are sent to a digital-to-analog converter (DAC). It uses advanced algorithms and FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array) technology to perform this upscaling process.
WTA Filtering: The M Scaler features Chord Electronics’ proprietary WTA (Watts Transient Aligned) filtering technology. This technology is designed to improve the timing accuracy of digital audio playback, resulting in more precise and natural sound reproduction.
Resolution Enhancement: The M Scaler can increase the resolution of digital audio signals significantly. For example, it can upscale a 16-bit/44.1kHz CD-quality audio signal to 32-bit/768kHz or even higher. This can provide a more detailed and lifelike audio experience.
Compatibility: While the M Scaler is often used in conjunction with Chord Electronics’ DACs, it can also be used with other DACs that have the appropriate input connections, such as BNC or dual BNC.
Multiple Digital Inputs: It typically includes multiple digital input options, such as USB, coaxial, optical, and BNC, allowing you to connect various digital audio sources.
High-Resolution Audio Support: The M Scaler can handle a wide range of audio formats, including high-resolution formats like DSD (Direct Stream Digital) and PCM (Pulse Code Modulation) at very high sample rates.
Build Quality: Chord Electronics is known for its high-quality build and design, and the M Scaler is no exception. It features a robust chassis and a user-friendly front panel.
Compatibility with Chord Electronics DACs: When used with Chord Electronics DACs like the Chord DAVE, the M Scaler is designed to maximize their performance potential, offering a high-quality, end-to-end digital audio solution.
