iFi iDSD Valkyrie vs. Chord Electronics HUGO 2: DAC/Amp Comparison Review

Transportable DAC/Amps are impressive pieces of technology. Audiophiles can take their setups wherever they go without having to worry about outlets or incredibly bulky pieces of equipment. Two companies that are excellent at executing some portable equipment are iFi Audio and Chord Electronics. iFi just released the iDSD Valkyrie, and today we’re going to put it up against Chord’s HUGO 2 to see how the features and sound quality compare.

What Comes In The Box

Aesthetics

Starting with the look of these devices, we have two very different aesthetics. One opts for maximalism, the other minimalism. The iFi Valkyrie has a solid rectangular shape, and it flares out into subtle wings on the edge to pay homage to the Valkyrie the device was named after. The screen on top displays all the information of how you are listening to your sound, and it's easy to tell when you’ve switched settings around to accommodate another device. The Nordic engraved box is a nice touch to show off the luxury quality of the item, and it lives up to its Valkyrie name.

The Chord HUGO 2 opts for quite a different design. Instead of a winged out, golden body, you get a more industrial look with a solid, black brick with some colorful lights. There is a wheel at the center that acts as a volume control, changing color to coordinate with volume. The other controls are very simple, with four buttons for quite specific controls. There is a magnified spot at the center donning the Chord logo and giving you a glimpse of the artistry inside.

Functionality

In terms of their functionality, the Valkyrie and HUGO 2 have the same basic abilities. They are transportable DAC/Amps that are easy to travel with so you can have high-quality sound wherever you go. Getting them up and running is easy since they are powered by an internal battery rather than relying on DC power. The battery life on both is quite impressive, with over 10 hours on each for quality, all-day listening.

Navigating the controls on these devices is quite different. With the Valkyrie, there are multiple modes and filters you can implement, and with only a select number of buttons, you have to look carefully at the quick start guide to navigate through each menu properly. While the interface can seem overwhelming at first, it offers deep customization, making it ideal for integrating into any setup. The HUGO 2, on the other hand, embraces simplicity. It has four buttons, allowing you to access power, filters, and crossfeed settings without much hassle.

Connectivity

One thing that definitely sets these two devices apart is their connectivity. They do have some similarities, particularly in their analog input and output sections. Both feature left and right RCA outputs and a coaxial option. However, the Valkyrie offers USB-C, a more modern standard, while the HUGO 2 still relies on micro USB, which is somewhat outdated.

Both devices support Bluetooth, but the Valkyrie features the latest codecs, including aptX Lossless, aptX Adaptive, and LDAC, while the HUGO 2 sticks with an older version of aptX. For users looking for a more streamlined and future-proof setup, the Valkyrie is the clear winner. The HUGO 2, while still reliable in build and sound quality, requires additional cables or adapters to integrate seamlessly with modern systems.

Features

The features on these amplifiers differ significantly. The Valkyrie shines with its extensive customization options, including multiple filters and power modes to match a wide range of headphones and IEMs. It also offers several analog filters, including XBass II, XPresence, and XSpace, which shape the sound in unique ways, allowing users to tailor their listening experience.

The HUGO 2, by contrast, takes a more minimalist approach. It features a few digital filters indicated by color-coded lights and multiple levels of crossfeed. While these filters offer subtle refinements to the sound, they do not drastically alter the listening experience in the way the Valkyrie’s analog filters do. This makes the HUGO 2 ideal for those who prefer a plug-and-play experience without too many additional tweaks.

Power

When it comes to power, both amplifiers are highly capable. They can drive demanding headphones with ease, handling high-impedance drivers without introducing distortion. The Valkyrie offers three power modes—Regular, High Gain, and Ultra High Gain—allowing users to adjust output levels based on the headphones or IEMs being used. The HUGO 2, on the other hand, has a single power setting, though it still delivers excellent performance with most headphones. However, extremely power-hungry headphones might benefit from the added flexibility of the Valkyrie’s gain settings.

Tech Specs

Listening Review

While listening to these two amplifiers, I was impressed by the amount of power coming from each of them. To push their limits, I used power-hungry headphones such as the Sennheiser HD 800S and Audeze LCD-X. The Valkyrie immediately impressed me with its strong output and dynamic energy. The low-end was deep and controlled, and the midrange had a smooth, natural presence that felt full-bodied without becoming bloated. The added analog filters, especially the XBass II, gave me room to enhance specific frequencies to fit my preferences without losing detail.

The HUGO 2, on the other hand, had a more refined and nuanced presentation. The treble was particularly smooth, and the resolution in the midrange was outstanding. However, I noticed that the HUGO 2 was more reluctant to push as much power as the Valkyrie, which meant that some tracks lacked the same sense of impact. While the HUGO 2’s sound was pristine, raising the volume too high led to noticeable distortion, whereas the Valkyrie maintained a cleaner signal at higher gain levels.

When it came to imaging and soundstage, both devices performed excellently, but in different ways. The HUGO 2 offered a more holographic effect, with instruments feeling like they were placed in a more three-dimensional space. The Valkyrie, while still offering a spacious soundstage, had a more forward and immediate presentation. This made it great for energetic tracks and highly dynamic recordings, whereas the HUGO 2 was ideal for those who prefer a more relaxed and natural sound.

Summary

Both the iFi iDSD Valkyrie and the Chord HUGO 2 are excellent transportable DAC/Amps, but they cater to different audiences. The Valkyrie is packed with features, modern connectivity, and powerful amplification, making it a great choice for those who want versatility and customization. The HUGO 2, while more simplistic in its features, delivers an exceptionally refined sound and remains a strong contender for audiophiles who prioritize clarity and a holographic soundstage. Ultimately, choosing between these two comes down to personal preference and how much control you want over your listening experience.

The iFi Valkyrie and Chord HUGO 2 are both available at Audio46.