Chord Electronics 2yu Digital Interface and Network Bridge at Vinyl Sound Toronto Canada

The Chord 2yu is a digital interface and network bridge from Chord Electronics (Maidstone, Kent, United Kingdom), available at Vinyl Sound in Toronto, Canada. Designed to connect directly with the Chord 2go streamer/server, the 2yu is Chord Electronics' first-ever standalone network bridge, adding TOSLINK optical, BNC coaxial, RCA coaxial, and USB-A digital outputs to the 2go's Wi-Fi, Gigabit Ethernet, and local microSD streaming capabilities. With 2,000 MIPS of processing power, an integrated automatic sample rate converter, and a low-jitter audio phase lock loop, the 2yu/2go combination delivers Roon Ready network streaming to any DAC with a compatible digital input, including the Chord Qutest, DAVE, Hugo TT 2, and Hugo M Scaler, as well as compatible third-party DACs.

Chord's First Network Bridge: 2yu with 2go

The Chord 2yu is specifically engineered for use with the Chord 2go streamer/server. When combined, the 2go provides the network and storage infrastructure, connecting via 2.4GHz Wi-Fi, Gigabit Ethernet, and up to 4TB of onboard microSD music library storage, while the 2yu provides the digital output interface to any downstream DAC or the Hugo M Scaler. The 2go/2yu network bridge is Roon Ready, supports Tidal, Qobuz, AirPlay, DLNA (server and renderer), and Bluetooth A2DP streaming, with local playback from the 2go's dual microSD card slots via MPD. This combination extends the 2go's streaming and server capabilities beyond the Chord Hugo 2, for which it was originally designed, to any desktop DAC, preamplifier with a digital input, or AV device with a compatible connection. For installer applications, the 2go/2yu duo can be wired into an existing Ethernet port to provide a discreet, rack-mountable Roon streaming endpoint in any room without requiring dedicated streaming hardware at each location. The 2yu is also fully compatible with the Chord Hugo M Scaler, making the 2go/2yu combination a high-resolution streaming front end for the M Scaler's 1,015,808-tap upscaling chain before conversion by a compatible dual-BNC Chord DAC.

2,000 MIPS Processing, Integrated SRC, and Low-Jitter Phase Lock Loop

The 2yu contains 2,000 MIPS of dedicated processing power alongside an XMOS-based USB output stage, an integrated automatic sample rate converter, and a low-jitter audio phase lock loop. The automatic sample rate converter monitors the source sample rate and the capability of the connected output, and downsamples transparently if a higher sample rate is being played than the selected output can accept, eliminating manual reconfiguration when switching between outputs or source material of different resolutions. The low-jitter phase lock loop minimises timing uncertainty in the digital output signal, reducing jitter-related artefacts at the downstream DAC and preserving the integrity of the high-resolution signal chain. PCM is supported from 44.1kHz to 768kHz, with DSD64 to DSD256 supported dependent on the selected output, and the USB-A output extends to the full 768kHz PCM and DSD256 ceiling, while optical output is limited to 192kHz and BNC/RCA coaxial outputs to 384kHz per the specification of each interface format. Four polychromatic spherical controls on the front panel govern output selection, power, mute, and display dimming, consistent with the control interface of the Hugo 2 and other Chord Electronics products.

Key Features

• Chord Electronics' First Network Bridge: The 2yu/2go combination is Chord Electronics' first purpose-designed standalone network bridge, extending Roon Ready, Tidal, Qobuz, AirPlay, DLNA, and local microSD streaming to any compatible DAC or digital audio device.
• 2,000 MIPS Processing Power: Dedicated processing capability supports real-time sample rate conversion, USB audio output management, and low-jitter clock generation without relying on the downstream DAC's processing resources.
• XMOS-Based USB Stage: The USB-A output uses an XMOS audio processor, supporting PCM up to 768kHz and DSD256 for connection to DACs including the Chord Qutest, DAVE, Hugo TT 2, and compatible third-party DACs with USB-B inputs.
• Integrated Automatic Sample Rate Converter: Automatically downsamples the output to match the capability of the selected digital output, preventing format mismatches when switching between high-resolution sources and lower-bandwidth output connections.
• Low-Jitter Audio Phase Lock Loop: Dedicated jitter reduction circuitry in the 2yu minimises timing uncertainty in the digital output signal, preserving signal integrity through the network bridge stage.
• Four Digital Outputs: USB-A (up to 768kHz PCM/DSD256), BNC coaxial (up to 384kHz/DSD64), RCA coaxial (up to 384kHz/DSD64), and TOSLINK optical (up to 192kHz/DSD64), providing connectivity to the widest range of DAC input types.
• Hugo M Scaler Compatible: The 2go/2yu combination connects directly to the Chord Hugo M Scaler via BNC or USB-A output, functioning as the streaming front end for the M Scaler's 1,015,808-tap upscaling chain.
• Roon Ready (via 2go): The 2go/2yu network bridge inherits the 2go's Roon Ready certification, appearing as a network endpoint in the Roon application and supporting all Roon audio formats to the capability of each output.
• Installer-Friendly Remote Streaming: The 2go/2yu combination can be wired into an Ethernet port in any room to provide a discreet remote Roon streaming solution for multi-room system integration without visible streaming hardware at the point of use.
• Third-Party DAC Compatibility: Not limited to Chord Electronics DACs — the 2yu's USB-A, BNC, RCA, and optical outputs are compatible with any DAC accepting those input formats, at the sample rate supported by each output.
• Polychromatic Spherical Controls: Four front-panel spheres with colour-coded illumination govern output selection, power, mute, and display dim, sharing the control language of the Hugo 2 and Chord Electronics Qutest range.
• Handmade in the UK from Aircraft-Grade Aluminium: CNC-machined from the same aircraft-grade aluminium used across all Chord Electronics products, with the same quality standards and visual identity as the 2go it connects to.

Technical Specifications

Connections at a Glance

• 1 x USB-A digital output (up to 768kHz PCM / DSD256)
• 1 x BNC coaxial digital output (up to 384kHz PCM / DSD64, 75 ohms)
• 1 x RCA coaxial digital output (up to 384kHz PCM / DSD64, 75 ohms)
• 1 x TOSLINK optical digital output (up to 192kHz PCM / DSD64)
• Power via Micro USB 5V through connected 2go

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Chord Electronics 2yu?

The Chord Electronics 2yu is a digital interface that connects directly with the Chord 2go streamer/server to create Chord Electronics' first-ever standalone network bridge. It adds TOSLINK optical, BNC coaxial, RCA coaxial, and USB-A digital outputs to the 2go's existing Wi-Fi, Gigabit Ethernet, and microSD streaming capabilities, enabling the 2go/2yu combination to stream Roon Ready, Tidal, Qobuz, AirPlay, and DLNA audio to any DAC or digital device with a compatible input. It features 2,000 MIPS of processing power, an XMOS-based USB stage, an integrated automatic sample rate converter, and a low-jitter audio phase lock loop, and is also compatible with the Chord Hugo M Scaler.

What is the difference between the Chord 2yu and the Chord 2go?

The Chord 2go is the streaming and server engine: it provides 2.4GHz Wi-Fi, Gigabit Ethernet, Bluetooth, up to 4TB of onboard microSD storage, and the Roon Ready network streaming software stack. The Chord 2yu is the digital output interface: it provides USB-A, BNC coaxial, RCA coaxial, and TOSLINK optical outputs so that the 2go's streaming capability can be directed to any compatible DAC or digital device. The 2yu has no streaming or storage capability of its own and requires the 2go for all network connectivity and power. Together, the two units form a complete network bridge system.

Which Chord Electronics DACs are compatible with the 2yu?

The 2yu's USB-A output is compatible with the Chord Qutest, Chord DAVE, Chord Hugo TT 2, and any third-party DAC with a USB-B input accepting high-resolution audio up to 768kHz PCM and DSD256. The BNC coaxial output connects to the Chord Hugo M Scaler, enabling the 2go/2yu to function as the streaming front end for the M Scaler's 1,015,808-tap upscaling chain before conversion by a dual-BNC Chord DAC. The RCA coaxial and optical outputs are compatible with any DAC accepting those formats at their respective sample rate ceilings. The 2yu is not limited to Chord Electronics products and works with any DAC or digital preamplifier with matching inputs.

Can the Chord 2yu/2go be used as a Roon endpoint for any DAC?

Yes, the Chord 2go/2yu combination is Roon Ready and functions as a network Roon endpoint for any compatible DAC. When connected via USB-A to a USB-B input DAC, the 2yu passes all Roon audio formats up to 768kHz PCM and DSD256 directly to the DAC for conversion. When connected via optical or coaxial, Roon playback is limited to the maximum sample rate supported by those output formats (192kHz optical, 384kHz BNC/RCA). The 2go handles all Roon network communication and the 2yu routes the Roon audio output to the selected digital output automatically.

Is the Chord 2yu compatible with the Chord Hugo M Scaler?

Yes, the Chord 2go/2yu is fully compatible with the Chord Hugo M Scaler. The 2yu's BNC coaxial output connects to the M Scaler's BNC input, providing a high-resolution digital source for the M Scaler's 1,015,808-tap upscaling stage. The M Scaler then passes the upscaled signal via its dual BNC outputs to a compatible Chord dual-BNC-input DAC such as the Qutest, Hugo TT 2, Hugo 2, or DAVE for conversion. The Ear noted in its review of the 2go/2yu that M Scaler compatibility is particularly significant for owners of Chord's million-tap upscaler, as it enables network streaming directly into the upscaling chain without requiring a separate digital source.

Can the Chord 2yu/2go be used in a custom installation or multi-room system?

Yes, the Chord 2go/2yu network bridge is specifically noted by Chord Electronics as an ideal solution for installers wishing to create a discreet remote Roon streaming endpoint in any room. The 2go connects to an existing Ethernet port and the 2yu's digital outputs connect to a DAC or AV receiver in the same location, providing a self-contained, app-managed streaming solution without visible streaming hardware at the point of use. The 2go's 2.4GHz Wi-Fi hotspot mode also provides a wireless option where wired Ethernet is unavailable. Configuration and firmware updates are managed via the Gofigure app.

Where can I buy the Chord Electronics 2yu in Toronto or Canada?

The Chord Electronics 2yu digital interface is available at Vinyl Sound, an authorised Chord Electronics dealer located in Toronto, Canada. Vinyl Sound carries the complete Chord streaming and DAC ecosystem including the 2yu, 2go, Qutest, Hugo TT 2, and Hugo M Scaler, and can provide expert advice on configuring the 2go/2yu as a network bridge for any system. Canadian customers across the Greater Toronto Area are welcome to contact or visit Vinyl Sound Toronto for a demonstration and system-matching guidance.