Chord Hugo TT2 - My experience so far

Wanted to share some thoughts and potentially some tips for owners of this DAC based on my experience with it in the last months…

In the course of the last few years I’ve tried several DACs:

Chord Qutest, Mytek Brooklyn +, Bryston BDA3, Benchmark DAC 3 HGC, Bricasti M3, PS Audio DSD MkI. My system evolved around these DACs but the sonic signature of each of these units was nonetheless apparent. The Qutest really impressed me and I wanted to try the TT2. So when I first received and connected this DAC, I was disappointed. The system just didn’t sound right. I have two integrated amps right now, Coda CSiB and Boulder 866. What I heard with both amps was consistent - sound was too busy, lacking finess, separation of instruments, clarity was poor and as the mix got busier, things were getting lost in translation and obscured. Vocals were set behind the instruments and were completely overwhelmed by the rest of the mix.
I was experiencing fatigue and I was puzzled - this DAC did not sound as good as any of the DACs I owned previously.

I was using the TT2 in its DAC mode. After reading and watching reviews, I began to suspect the output of TT2 was too hot. Using balanced cables, this DAC, when set to DAC mode, produces a whopping 5v! Being the kind of guy who reads the manual only when there are problems, I referred to the manual and of course, there it is! A short paragraph about DAC output and matching it to the preamp/integrated amp. 
 

Setting this DAC to AMP mode, Low Gain and attenuating volume to between -7 and -10 is a game changer! Gone is the big ball of sound, the stage expanded, nothing is lost in the mix anymore, vocals are clear and upfront with instruments behind the singer spread out nicely, very good depth (although it doesn’t match the Bricasti M3 in this area), proper separation of instruments, undetectable noise floor and most importantly it now sounds natural and relaxed.
So once again, synergy is key! Matching the source to preamp section by output voltage and impedance (the latter is quiet low with TT2 so it should work with pretty much anything) is extremely important. I’m once again able to listen and enjoy music fatigue free for hours!
 

Hope this help others who own this DAC fine tune and optimize their systems.