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Kent-based digital audio specialist Chord Electronics has introduced its Hugo M Scaler. Billed as an advanced standalone upscaler, it is capable of redefining CD digital audio up to 705.6kHz (that’s 16x CD’s 44.1kHz native resolution), ready to be passed on to a suitable DAC via dual BNC. Developed over 35 years, it brings the advantages of the company’s ground-breaking FPGA-based WTA (Watts Transient Alignment) filtering technology to digitally connected devices, offering sound quality improvements to all kinds of digital audio setups.

There are five digital inputs – 2x BNC, 2x optical, plus a galvanically isolated USB Type-B compatible with PCM and DSD (up to DSD256). Digital outputs include optical, S/PDIF and galvanically isolated dual BNC, the latter of which extends 96kHz data to the maximum 768kHz resolution for direct connection to the company’s DAVE DAC/preamp/headphone amp, Hugo TT 2 DAC/preamp/headphone amp and latest Qutest standalone DAC (reviewed HFC 436). It can also be used with third-party DACs and supports up to 384kHz via
a single BNC.  

In line with other models in the Hugo and Hugo TT series, the M Scaler features colour-coded controls – taking care of input selection and output sample rate – and displays the data visually using a multi-coloured scale. Designed and built entirely in the UK, the M Scaler is encased in a precision-milled chassis, crafted from aircraft-grade aluminium. Available to buy now for £3,495, you can find out more here.