Chord Electronics 2yu Heralds Arrival of a Standalone Network Bridge

The following is a press release issued by Chord Electronics.

June 1, 2021 | Kent, UK –  Chord Electronics’ 2yu digital interface for the 2go streamer/server is now shipping worldwide, following its 2020 reveal. The 2yu connects to the existing 2go streamer/server to create Chord Electronics’ first-ever network bridge, ready for use with DACs, DAC-equipped A/V devices and Chord Electronics’ Hugo M Scaler.

2yu is specifically designed for 2go: the resultant network bridge offers high-resolution streaming from both wired Ethernet and wireless sources (using 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi or A2DP Bluetooth), including popular streaming services such as Qobuz, Tidal and Internet radio; the combination is also Roon Ready.

In addition to streaming, 2go’s 2x 2 TB-rated SD card slots also enable the combination as an audiophile-grade music server, solid-state being the preferred storage medium for sound quality. The 2go’s SD storage capacity has been tested up to 4 TB (at the time of writing).

2yu securely connects to 2go, adding optical, S/PDIF coaxial and BNC (50 and 75 ohms, respectively) digital outputs, plus a cleverly integrated, highly flexible USB-A output giving a wide range of connectivity options. Owners of Chord Electronics’ Hugo M Scaler can also upscale the output (before passing to a DAC), taking sound performance to the next level.

The 2go/2yu combination is readily updatable with over-the-air firmware updates and ships with Chord Electronics’ latest 2go update (v. 1.5.0), which introduces new radio-listening and SD card album playback features, plus improved stability. The new firmware follows the release (in May) of the latest version of Gofigure, Chord Electronics’ set-up and configuration app companion.

The 2go/2yu combination is easily controllable using any one of several popular UPnP control point apps for both Android and iOS devices; Gofigure adds additional set up convenience, management features and a library playback option.

The 2go/2yu also benefits from gapless audio, DoP/Bit Perfect support and AirPlay support, and is fully DLNA-compliant (server/renderer). 2yu boasts 2,000 MIPS (million instructions per second) of processing power, automatic downsampling (for use with sample rate-limited legacy DACs), plus a low-jitter audio phase lock loop.

2yu is handmade in the UK using aircraft-grade aluminium and features four polychromatic spherical controls governing output selection, power, mute and dim functions.

Price and availability

2yu is available now priced at £449 (It requires a 2go, priced at £995).