#1
|
|||
|
|||
Gumby vs. Hugo 2
One of my Audio buddies wanted to hear the Gumby, so this weekend I took it over to his place and we listened. His system consists of a T+A integrated amp, MacBook Air - steaming Tidal, Chord Hugo 2 DAC, AQ Columbia IC's, Marrow Audio Bi-Wire Speaker Cables and Roksan Darius Speakers. We listened to a few of my favorite tracks and his favorite tracks using the Hugo 2 while the Gumby was plugged in and warming up for about an hour (unit is fully broken in with over 700 hours "on" time and more than 200 hours playing time).
This was a very interesting contrast in two very different sounding DACs. The Gumby was more subdued sounding (darker) with a bit less extension into the upper and lower reaches of frequency and slightly less "apparent" dynamics. The Hugo 2 was brighter, more "open" sounding, a bit more dynamic and threw a bit larger soundstage. My friend (Ryan) felt that the Gumby was "more listenable" and drew you into listening to the music more. He also felt that it struck a more natural balance. I could tell that he was really torn between which sounded better (as was I). But, at the same time, the Hugo 2 was more "open" sounding, threw a larger soundstage and was slightly more dynamic and more "exciting". I've always been a fan of Chord DAC's and the Hugo 2 is an excellent performer. At twice the price it should be better than the Gumby, but all I can say at this point is that it is different. I asked Ryan how much he has used the Hugo2 ... he replied that he bought it on the 29th of Dec. and only had about 20 hours "on" time on it. So my impressions are heavily tempered with "ya but" sentiments right now. Knowing how much the Gumby changed over the first 400 hours or so, I suggested that he bring it to my place once he has about 400 hours on it. He agreed, and we will do that comparison again once the Hugo 2 has more "run time" on it. I will follow-up once we have done that comparison. Last edited by Soundmig; 01-08-2018 at 12:56 PM. |
#2
|
||||
|
||||
Would be interesting to redo the listening session after the Hugo2 is fully broken in as well.
Thanks for the post! |
#3
|
||||
|
||||
Quote:
+1. Looking forward!
__________________
Stereo: Hegel H590, Grimm Audio MU1, Mola Mola Tambaqui, Burmester 948 - V3 & V6 racks, Vivid Audio G2 Giyas, REL Carbon Special (pair), Silent Angel Bonn N8 Ethernet Switch & Forester F1, Wireworld Platinum Eclipse IC and SE SC, Furutech Digiflux AV: Hegel C-53, Marantz AV8802A, Oppo BDP-203EU, Pioneer Kuro 60", Vivid Audio C1 & V1w's, Wireworld Platinum Eclipse, SE & E Second system (veranda): Halgorythme preamp and monoblocks, Burmester 061, Avalon Avatar, Sharkwire & Wireworld cables |
#4
|
||||
|
||||
Quote:
__________________
Lumin P1 streamer/DAC/preamp, Constellation Inspiration integrated TT: Michell Gyro SE MkII, SME V, Koetsu Urushi Vermilion, EAR324. Harbeth 30.2s, REL R-305, Shunyata Alpha V2 ICs, Alpha V2 SPs, Sigma XC, Sigma NRv2, Omega QR-s & Alpha NRv2 PCs, segmented Altaira SG stack w/ Alpha & Omega CGCs, Everest 8000 PD. Remote Server Room: Uptone EtherREGEN, AfterDark Master Clock & LPS, Alita, Battle Angel, (Akasa NUC Roon Core), iFi DC Purifiers (for SMPS used for Alita & router), Shunyata Gemini combo power distributor & Altaira-type CG GP-NR hub, Venom & Alpha CGCs, Shunyata NRv14 power cords for digital components. |
#5
|
||||
|
||||
The Hugo is not "a run of the mill DAC"
Have a read through it's specifications
__________________
Moon 700i V2, dCS Rossini, YG Acoustics Hailey, Aurender N10, Ansuz Mainz D2 |
#6
|
|||
|
|||
Agreed ... the sound was quite promising and I look forward to hearing it after my good friend has more hours on it
|
#7
|
|||
|
|||
Chord just introduced "Qutest" DAC which would be of more interest to those with a 2 Channel setup since it does not have the headphone amp circuitry. Performance should be on par with Hugo 2 (or better?). Price should be in the $1600 range.
https://chordelectronics.co.uk/product/qutest/ Last edited by PHC1; 01-10-2018 at 12:35 PM. |
#8
|
|||
|
|||
When comparing prices, keep in mind that the Hugo2 includes a headphone amp (some report a good match with Focal Utopia headphones), portability (batteries), and a nicer (non-Schiity) chassis. A lot of the excitement around the Hugo (Hugo..as in "You go") derives from its ability to provide truly high quality audio that just happens to be portable.
The Qutest looks very interesting. A Qutest vs. Gumby vs. Yggy shootout would be awesome. |
#9
|
|||
|
|||
Quote:
|
#10
|
|||
|
|||
Quote:
Last edited by mulveling; 01-10-2018 at 01:08 PM. |
|
|
Audio Aficionado Sponsors | |