Quad ERA-1 & Hugo 2 Package

Quad ERA-1 Headphones

The Quad ERA-1 incorporates an ultra-thin, electrically active diaphragm which is extremely thin, but yet just as strong and as highly elastic, weighing less than the air it displaces. This is fused with a precisely arranged magnet array, designed to maximise sensitivity and consistency of the applied force over the driver area.

Quad has invented a nonlinear vibration dampening technology which allows the driver to offer an effortless but a pure dynamic frequency response for perfect clarity and an engaging sound. The ERA 1's are supplied with 2 pairs of different earpads, made out of genuine leather and synthetic leather, for slightly different acoustics; what Quad has done is tuned these headphones to match their evolutionary famous ESL range of loudspeakers.

Chord Electronics Hugo 2 Headphone Amplifier

Chord have seen outstanding success with their compact and portable DAC/headphone amplifier the 'Hugo', and their range of audiophile micro components the 'Chordette' series are often regarded higher than similarly priced and even more expensive models on the market today; despite their compact sound. 

Chord's original Hugo set the benchmark not only for high-resolution portable audio but also for stand-alone DAC technology as a whole, a reputation they have been able to uphold with this single product without fail for a number of years. Taking 2017 by storm, Chord have launched a newly revised and improved successor to what was already a superlative product, appropriately dubbed the Hugo 2. 

As digital technology has advanced, Chord has kept up to speed. The new Hugo is designed and engineered primarily around this next-generation digital tech, including state of the art FPGAs and WTA (Watts Transient Aligned) filters, while also seeing the integration of a variety of flexible new features and functions. The Hugo 2 remains an ideal solution for the digital audio enthusiast both on the move and at home. 

Hugo 2 has four digital inputs in total, catering for optical, coaxial and HD USB sources as well as extended-range aptX lossless Bluetooth for wirelessly streaming directly to the Hugo 2. Capable of high-resolution playback up to 768kHz and up to DSD512 (Octa DSD) from its HD USB input, the Hugo 2 is also ideal for those listeners who appreciate music via desktop from a PC. Outputs of the Hugo 2 include 2 x RCA, 3.5mm and 6.35mm headphone outputs. 

The Hugo 2 allows for sound filtration too, via a four-function switch that effectively allows you to shape the frequency being played. This means that you are able to cater the sound to your personal requirements and preferences, whether you prefer a warmer sound or a more clinical, transparent listening experience. The Hugo 2's colour-coded buttons represent information regarding the device's status including control power, input, filtering and the unit's crossfeed options. 

The Hugo will play uninterrupted for around seven hours from a full charge and features two auto-charge modes via Micro USB. An indicator shows you the charging and battery-charge status of your Hugo 2.