So, I bought a Chord Hugo TT2...now what?

I have Aurender N200 driving TT2 via Audioquest Diamond USB cable. 
Actually a really good DAC once you dial in the settings. I’m selling mine by the way….you could have saved couple of bucks…

TT2 when used in DAC mode puts out 2.5v via RCA and 5v via XLR.
I’m using balanced cables. And herein lies the problem - the hot 5v output results in heavy emphasis on bass and drive, muddying up the mids and highs and flattening the soundstage.
To overcome this issue and bring the TT2 sonics to the level that’s acceptable for a DAC in this price range, I changed the configuration and am now using it in AMP mode.

I will share settings that worked for me in my system and I’ll preface this by saying if you’re making changes, it is critical to turn off your source feeding the TT2 and turn off your amplifier. If you switch your TT2 to amp mode while you have your system playing, it is capable of sending a signal to your amp that may damage the amp and speakers - be extra cautious!

Settings that work best in my system using XLR cables with two integrated amplifiers (Boulder 866 and Coda CSiB):

Mode: AMP

Gain: Low G

Volume: attenuated to -7db

It is absolutely key to match your outputs to inputs on impedance and voltage. Impedance on the output with TT2 is low enough to not be of any concern but the high output voltage is puzzling.

Experiment with settings and land on what works best for you in your system.
The TT2 is super quiet when it comes to noise floor and delivers excellent resolution and tone. Music emerges from a completely black backdrop and just floats. If you have equally capable amplification and speakers you will enjoy it even while listening at low levels.

Some complain about ergonomics, I have no issues there. The LED lit window and volume ball are kind of cool in a dark and can be dimmed. It’s impossible to memorize color to resolution mapping and in any case I can see the resolution of a streamed composition in my streamer app.

So overall awesome DAC! Enjoy!!!

@arvincastro I’ll add, looking at your system, depending on how much you are willing to spend on the next upgrade, your weak links are:

1. Preamp - the LS7 was a pretty good preamp back in its day. However current Audio Research line of preamps is amazing. They’re quiet, dynamic and transparent. Picking up LS28 will help you get the best out if your new DAC

2. Amps - pair the new preamp with a more modern amp, solid state or tube.

3. streamer - you can get away with your current one but use USB into Chord DAC. Let the Chord clock do most of the work. Eventually pick up a good streamer like Innuous or Aurender

I owned ARC LS-15, LS-16, LS-25, Ref1 and had on loan the latest Ref6. The Ref6 is dead quiet for a tubed pre and sounds incredible. You want smooth and big sound with those Kefs.
Just some thoughts…

Yes it’s a really nice DAC…enjoy!

@ghdprentice I’m impressed. You never bought a component in the last 40-50 years that disappointed you? I can probably name at least 10 components in the last 10 years that I wanted out of my system faster than the rabbits can hump. 
You have a boring audio life. 

That’s awesome @cleeds congratulations!

My system evolved in a major way in the last 10 years. To get to where it is now meant trying many amps, preamps, DACs, streamers, speakers, cables and power conditioners. Yeah that’s a lot of

connecting and disconnecting equipment and experimenting and changing and switching and buying and selling

Ultimately, sitting down in front of a system that draws you in musically and emotionally is the goal. Trying different gear is part of the hobby. That’s why there’s a menu in a restaurant so those who want to try a different meal can do so. And it may be disappointing, but could also be amazing. If you found nirvana with sliced bread, I have no issues with it. 
 

Have a nice day!

@ghdprentice I’ll give you an example from literally few days ago…

I have and really like my Audience FrontRow speaker cables. They’re just phenomenal. So I decided to try the FrontRow XLRs in place of my Nordost Tyr 2. The results were not what I hoped for! So I’m keeping the Tyr 2 and sending the FrontRow XLRs back. Just not a good synergy. Did I enjoy disconnecting and connecting the cables? I did enjoy disconnecting the Audience XLRs and connecting my Tyr 2 back, yep.
There’s absolutely nothing wrong with pursuing an improvement and miss

ing the mark is unfortunately sometimes part of the process. Buying with return policy or buying used when ready for next upgrade reduces the risk of taking a big loss.

Oh and just in the beginning of the year…I tried a Marantz SA10 SACD player as player and USB DAC for my Aurender N200 and man that thing is 100% the worst component I ever had in my system. Synergy or personal preference not sure but I yanked it out after giving it and myself several days of listening, sold it and had a celebration cigar. Was it a mistake? No. It was an experience, something that can’t be replaced by reading reviews and Audiogon posts.

Alright I’m done ranting now…LOL