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Chord Hugo M Scaler Digital Upscaling Device with LED indicators and sleek silver finish on white background
  • Chord Hugo M Scaler Digital Upscaling Device with LED indicators and sleek silver finish on white background
  • Top view of the Chord Hugo M Scaler Digital Upscaling Device showing inputs and engraved branding on black casing
  • Rear view of Chord Hugo M Scaler Digital Upscaling Device showing multiple digital and analog audio input and output ports
Chord Hugo M Scaler Digital Upscaling Device

Chord Hugo M Scaler Digital Upscaling Device

$5,250.00

The ideal companion to the new Chord Hugo TT2, the Chord M Scaler digital front-end makes for the smoothest, most natural audio output. Take your reference system to the next level with harshness-free resolution.

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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 new Hugo TT 2.

The Hugo M Scaler brings the unrivalled advantages of our ground-breaking FPGA-based WTA (Watts Transient Alignment) filtering technology to digitally connected audio devices, dramatically improving sound quality. Although optimised 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.

The Hugo M Scaler’s compact form factor aligns with the TT (Table Top) series and has been designed to be stackable with other units in the range, including the TToby stereo power amp and the Hugo TT 2, to form a highly advanced yet space-saving system. In line with other models in the Hugo and Hugo TT series, the device features a number of illuminable fascia-mounted spherical controls, governing input selection, output sample rate and video mode for lower latency. The control spheres display data visually including input source and the incoming sample rate, using a polychromatic scale.

When partnered with either of Chord Electronics’ 768kHz-capable dual-BNC-input DACs, the Hugo M Scaler sets an astonishing technical benchmark for digital audio performance at its price point, redefining sound quality from digital audio.

FPGA:

Xilinx XC7A200T

Filter tap length:

1,015,808 WTA taps

Dimensions:

4cm (H) 23.5cm (W) 23.8cm (D)

Weight:

2.55kg

WHAT'S INCLUDED

-M-Scaler Quickstart Guide

-Safety Instructions

-15V 4A Switching Barrel Type Power Supply

-IR Remote Control

-Type-A USB to Type-B USB Cable

-2x BNC to BNC Cables

-Optical Cable

-2x AAA Batteries

A close-up of the Chord Electronics Hugo M Scaler Digital Upscaling Device shows glowing blue and pink lights as it rests on a blue surface, connected to another device in the background.

Overall rating: 4.8333335 / 5 from 12 reviews.

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Reviews

You’ll notice when it’s gone if not at first

"I only had my TT2 for a few days before the Mscaler arrived. I didn’t spend enough time with it before putting the Mscaler in line. I won’t lie and say I noticed a dramatic difference at first, though I still noticed. What really got me was when I spend a decent amount of time with it and then tried the TT2 again without it. That’s when I heard the value. The MScaler allows me to enjoy long non-fatiguing listening sessions where I can close my eyes and get lost in the music. Lower volume sessions are easier to listen to without losing any detail. A lot of things sound the same to me or don’t seem to add much value but Chord products always stand out to me. I don’t know what kind of sorcery they use, but it works."

— mtmh (5/5)

Noticeable Difference - Great Service

"The difference seems subtle when you A/B it. But I tried a whole day without it, with just the TT2, and now I'm realizing I can't go back. The clarity is amazing with the LCD-5. Also, it's great to be able to call and get helpful advice on a purchase. With some companies you're waiting business days."

— Michael H. (5/5)

Majestic Realism

"I purchased this to go with my TT2. The improvements were immediately obvious to me. Individual instruments had a much better defined space. Even when those spaces overlap, each instrument comes through clearly. The M Scaler absolutely took it up to the next level, even beyond. Here’s a couple of tips to improve performance. 1) Don’t bother with the included BNC cables; upgrade those ASAP. 2} Don’t stack the two together or place them near each other. There was an unnatural sibilance when I did. It went away after I moved them a little over a foot apart."

— Rob W. (5/5)

Chord M-Scaler

"Thanks Headamp! Great customer service and an excellent piece of equipment. Works very well with Chord Dave absolutely recommend. Special thanks to Tim! Truly appreciated all your assistance. Thanks!"

— Irina P. (5/5)

C- rating

"Can tell little difference"

— James G. (3/5)

The Upgrade for your TT2

"If you have a Hugo TT2 you need this. Save scrounge etc. Get this. It is that much improvement I have two of these--one for my TT2 and for my newly acquired Dave. Truthfully the difference on the TT2 is greater than on the Dave but there is a noticeable improvement on the Dave also. Note that if you are heavily into DSD there is no USB out for the M Scaler so it will convert to PCM on both the TT 2 and the Dave (the TT2 doesn't do native DSD I don't think). So you need a work around on DSD on the Dave if you want to play in native DSD. Without getting too much into the weeds this is a spectacular upgrade for Chord products. I highly recommend it if you are in the Chord world."

— James T. (5/5)

Worthy Addition

"Nice improvement to TT2. Pros: - Added depth. Felt like sounds came from outside my headphones - Smoother and calmer sound. Can be described as slower sound too. It gives my brain a better idea of what is happening. - More bass. Exaggeration compared to what I am used to. More details in bass sounds. - Easier to hear fainter sounds behind louder sounds. Cons: - Background noise, hiss, and wind also get promoted. If the recording has it, it will be easier to hear. More a recording problem than fault of the equipment."

— Chris H. (5/5)

I was going to wait a bit to buy this but...............

"The M Scaler was on my "next buy" list after having purchased the Hugo TT2 eleven months prior. I was going to wait a bit longer but then........why wait? The M Scaler adds more "everything" to recordings and especially 16/44.1 CD's. Many of those are brought to "laugh out-loud" quality. It is a fabulous addition and Chord is solid quality in every aspect. Speaking of quality: Justin here at HeadAmp is fabulous. Superb. Delivery is fast!"

— Keith D. (5/5)

A wonderful upgrade for Chord DAC users

"I am using the M Scaler with a Chord Qutest DAC, HeadAmp GS-X mini headphone amp, and a Meze Empyrean headphone; all of these items purchased from HeadAmp. The M Scaler receives digital data from my Windows 10 PC with Roon software via USB, and an OPPO BDP-105 Blu-ray player via optical and coaxial. This combination of components has taken my headphone system to an advanced level of refinement and clarity that I have never experienced before. I had the Qutest for several months before considering the M Scaler. I was reluctant to invest in the purchase price, but ultimately decided it might be worth it, and now feel that is definitely the case, for audiophiles who can afford it. The M Scaler dramatically improves the sound of CD-quality recordings, bringing them nearly to the level of hi-res recordings. The unit’s upscaling of hi-res recordings is more subtle, but certainly there is worthwhile improvement. Included with the unit are a pair of one meter BNC cables that enable connection to a Chord DAC."

— Robert N. (5/5)

Perfect with the TT2

"I purchased the MScaler shortly after purchasing the TT2 and I'm so glad I did! I have a Mac mini running Audirvana hooked up to the Mscaler with USB and then to the TT2 through the dual BNC cables. The sound is so transparent and gorgeous, and the best of all is that even CD quality music streamed from Tidal sounds amazing. I was able to notice a sound separation that wasnt there before, more detail to the textures and layers and almost a "liquid" aspect that's very pleasing to my ears. I love listening to Jazz and classical music on this with the occasional more modern music. This setup allows me to unwind at the end of the day and serves almost like a meditation. Now I just need to search for the perfect lounge chair!"

— Alfonso (5/5)

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