#11
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Yes, this would definitely be less bulky and troublesome than strapping via a rubber band a headphone amp to your iPod, plus it blows the iPod into the weeds with respect to sound quality. You can't really drive it very loud with 300 ohm cans like Senns, but Senn Momentums, etc. or any quality IEM will amaze you. Haven't heard the Chord Hugo, but I read a review of it by Purrin and a panel of reviewers at that headphone site in a comprehensive DAC review, and he and his panel of reviewers did not like it at all. Also, the Hugo is quite a bit larger, bulkier and heavier than an A&K 100 II, which is literally about the size of an iPhone 5, just thicker. It's screen is about the size of an iPhone 4. I know I'm coming across with a lot of superlatives, but I am extremely impressed with this device. The sound quality on this thing is quite astonishingly good; and I'm not saying that 'cause I own one or have an agenda, it really is pretty astonishing. And in the best possible way, just pure, clean, and extremely natural-sounding MUSIC.
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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. Last edited by Puma Cat; 01-14-2015 at 01:09 PM. |
#12
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I really, REALLY, hate reviews like this for the simple fact that I now am considering a new product that I want but can't afford yet. The clincher for for me was when you described the sound via the Shure se535's, which are my primary travel earphones. I've never had the pleasure of listening to hi Rez music with them but I know how great they are just with my iPhone.
I need to pack up my Shures and find a local B&M store for a demo. Any national chains carry this brand? Thanks for the inspiring review!
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Analog: VPI Classic Direct (12" Fatboy) with Ortofon A95 cartridge; Ortofon ST-80SE Transformer; McIntosh C2500. Digital: SilenZio Gen 3 High Performance Media Server; Esoteric K-03X. Supporting System: McIntosh MX122 A/V Center; MC205 Amplifier; Bryston 14bSST2 Amplifier; PS Audio P10 Power Reconditioner; Revel Salon 2 Mains; Revel Voice 2 CC; JL Audio f113v2 (2); JL Audio CR-1 Crossover; Focal IC1002 Surrounds |
#13
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That makes 2 of us! Already reading other reviews on the web...
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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 |
#14
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Yes, there's a good one at the guru headphone site...
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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. |
#15
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Quote:
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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. |
#16
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I also use the SE535s. Now I want another upgrade.
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Home Theater: Sonos->MCD1100,Oppo 105D,Cary 306/200,MVP-871->SP3->C500T->MC501x3+MC402x2+MC252->PL300+F113x2+PL350+4xPL InWall+PL100,PL100 in games room,VPL-VW500ES, Shunyata Sigma HCx3, Shunyata Analogx2, Alpha HCx2, Alpha Digital, Wire World Silver Electra x8 Great Room: BDP-09FD,Sonos->MCD500->MX119->MC501x3+2xMA700s->PL200+PLC150+GRFX+F112,PRO-141FD Kid's Room: Sonos,Oppo 95->MX119->HCA1200mkii+4xMA700s->GR20s+FB210+GRLCR+2xGRFX,PRO-101FD Home Gym: Sonos->Oppo 105->MC252->GR10s+FB210,TC-P55ST60 Office at work: Cary 306/200, Michell Gyro SE w/TechnoArm+Meastro Wood->6900->GR10s+SB12-Plus Cottage: iPod,Oppo 95->Marantz SR7009->PSB Silver+ GRLCR+Silver FXi, MA700+PSB Mini in sunroom |
#17
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I can also quote numerous other reviews regarding the Chord Hugo with different results.
Same for the AK series, there are good and bad reviews. Try the Chord Hugo on a good laptop with Foobar and an Audeze LCD-X and be amazed.
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Moon 700i V2, dCS Rossini, YG Acoustics Hailey, Aurender N10, Ansuz Mainz D2 |
#18
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The Hugo is, however, quite a bit larger, bulkier and heavier than the A&K AK100 II, though. Horses for courses.
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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. |
#19
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Yes it is a different device, AMP/DAC only, where the AK is a player. That's why I don't understand why you refer to a negative review of the Hugo when Bart is asking if you have compared the two devices, and you haven't heard the Hugo.
With just saying that the Hugo is too large and heavy for you could have been sufficient.
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Moon 700i V2, dCS Rossini, YG Acoustics Hailey, Aurender N10, Ansuz Mainz D2 |
#20
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As others have mentioned, the Chord Hugo is quite a large device and not really portable in the sense of carrying it around in your pocket.
Here's mine connected to my AK120III - Puma Cat's AK100II is a bit shorter than this. And Puma, I did use a Fuji for this shot, in respect for your equipment preferences HugoAK120II.jpg I regard them as complementary devices, not competing ones. In terms of their shared functions, the Hugo can drive high impedance headphones well, whilst the A&K struggles (I believe the AK240 amp section is a little more robust). As DACs, i.e. using the analogue outputs of either device as a source in a stereo system, I think the Hugo is in a different league from my experience with it. But that requires an optimum source (not an A&K player), and serious digital and analogue cables, and how it "fits" as a preamp into the system. And I do not like the Hugo so much with higher resolution material. In contrast, the A&K players ramp up with higher resolution. But I would avoid making any definitive generalisation as to whether one product is better than another. Depends entirely on the system, how it is implemented, and in this cases, the headphones being used, and what we like as individuals. I also have the Sennheiser Momentum over-ears that Puma Cat uses, and agree with everything he said about that combination. They are a terrific match. The Momentums are too bass heavy and closed in with the Hugo. But my current favourite IEMs are Final Designs Heaven V, and these sound too thin on the AK120II, and fantastic on the Hugo. Of course, I prefer to use IEMs when travelling, and prefer to not take the Hugo for travelling. Murphy's Law So it's all about synergy. I will check out the SE535s given Puma Cat's comments. |
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