CES 2015

The TT ("Table Top") is the new larger sibling to the hand-sized Hugo DAC released last year, which the company says expands connectivity options and improves performance. There are two 1/4 inch headphone jacks on the front panel and a bevy of inputs outputs on the back: SPDIF, USB (up to 32/384 PCM) and optical in, and balanced and unbalanced analog out. DSD64 is available on all inputs and DSD128 via SPDIF or USB. Chord's Rob Watts encourages users to connect with the USB input if possible.

aptX Bluetooth allows streaming from wireless devices, and the digital section employs Chord's Spartan 6 FPGA. Also inside is a battery which Chord says will run twice as long as that in the original Hugo. Volume is controlled with a clever color-changing marble on top. Price is $4795 and the TT should start shipping in around six weeks.