CHORD Hugo TT2 vs TEAC NT-505 + TEAC CG-10M Master Clock


I know someone will say I’m comparing apples and oranges.

I own an Esoteric SA-10 with its excellent VOSP mechanism and I want to upgrade by adding a DAC.

I’m purely considering audio quality and I can’t easily audition/compare the two solutions I selected : the CHORD Hugo TT2 (4’790 € in my country) and the TEAC combo NT-505 + CG-10M 10MHz Master Clock (a total of 3’198 € + ~200 € for the digital cable for the clock).

I’ve always been fascinated by the CHORD with its special FPGA-based D-to-A technology and the Hugo TT2 even features super-capacitors in the power supply. On the other side the TEAC NT-505 has got wonderful reviews and it’s equipped with the AKM AK4497 chips of the Esoteric N-01 (~20’000 €). The NT-505 can likely be boosted by the CG-10M dedicated Master Clock and I consider it a combo that inspires me.

I’m looking for a full-bodied sound with lots of detail and focus. I like a holographic soundstage.

Could you please help me in this choice? The Chord is a much more expensive stand-alone DAC compared to the NT-505 (4’790 vs 1’699!) but will it win hands-down also considering the external TEAC Master Clock in the equation?

Thank you very much!
Gianluca
gkg2k

Just got the CG-10M masterclock to go with my modded Teac NT-505. It is an easily noticeable improvement in liquidity, focus, and overall coherence. I read a review of the masterclock before I had it hooked up. The review basically called it snake oil. After listening to this combo after letting it play overnight, I just laughed my ass off at the review.

You have to put yourself in a position where you can hear it, know how to hear it and want to hear it 😉

 

Thanks for your report!

 

Gianluca

@Gianluca I have a highly resolving system so I just hooked it up and let my ears and brain make the determination. 

I have recently purchased the TEAC UD-701N. I am also wanting to connect the TEAC Master Clock. It has a 50 ohm output. Do I need to source a 50 ohm BNC cable? What did you guys use? Tons of 75ohm BNC options. Not so many 50 ohm....

@darberb 

I use a 50-ohm "generic" 18" cable  ($50) between my CG-10M and UD-701N.

My dealer uses it for demos, so I just went with that and he got one for me.

Haven't yet pursued higher end 50-ohm cables, as this sounds so good as is.