Chord Mojo 2 DAC/Headphone Amplifier. Includes history, designer info and a visual tour of Chord

[@patbarr1351]

Exceptional review! Being more a music lover than audiophile, I liked my Mojo pretty well. It sounded as good as my other recent DACs in 2018 or so and I used it several times per week, but never directly compared it to the others. In December I bought a Woo amplifier/DAC and, after using it as an amp-only for weeks, I tested its DAC against the Mojo. Wowsers! The DAC in the Woo sounded noisy compared to the Mojo. It's like the Mojo pulls the music up & serves it to you.

[@dangeorgecommunications]

A brilliant piece of hi-fi journalism. Great work!

[@AndrewUKLondon]

Gor my chord mojo 2, love it!

[@KITFLETCH1]

Excellent review.

[@adrianmorrish8494]

Nice review, I’m getting one for sofa surfing listen time, never owned a mojo all all the years I have been into considered audio, well 14 months anyway. I am also thinking as using as an interim step as a desktop DAC as I build out my upgraded desk stack, just got to work out my next amp now for headphones only I have a few contenders for my move to enhanced bliss under £1000 probably well £1500 well oh damn it.

[@meutubedou]

15:48 Where can I get pockets that deep or do I keep one hand on the Mojo Combo while bicycling? I do have my Authentic Colombo Ed. Raincoat with very deep pockets but I filled them like Colombo did to look authentic.. Last question: I have a couple Deep Gucci & Prada wallets, could one of those fit the Chord Mojo Combo when I’m fishing off Guam on the Yacht?

[@The19661958]

Love it. Excellent review 😂

[@1x3dil]

Hi Paul I always stop to the end even when it’s a subject I know nothing about , as in this case but with your detailed approach I am starting to sort of get my head around the concept . Obviously the company in question is at the forefront of this technology, and is highly regarded as a result. I am curious as to how such a small concern manages to meet the demand for its products from such a relatively small premises ? . Presumably the place featured is dedicated to R&D , anyway enough of my ramblings . All the very best to your good self And Kind regards as always 😀👍👍👍

[@Akstergrind]

I always think Chord-designed products look like something straight outta the Early Learning Centre!

[@adrianmorrish8494]

😂

[@thomasb.1825]

Hello thank you so much for this report about the mojo 2 … I’m not a fan of listening music from headphones I love the classic idea of listen music out of an amp and passive speakers … but since I am looking for a DAC; why not a portable DAC.. i was wondering if we can connect the mojo 2 to a classic home stereo amp obviously with a pair of RCA cables as input …this might be a beginners question (sic)… I know this Dac is meant to be placed between a source and a headphone amp but if that works also between a source and a home HIFI amp that’d be awesome … 1/ is it even possible ? 2/ „no and get yourself a home audio dac“ 3/„yes but the necessary adaptors for it will ruin the experience in a way it doesn’t makes sense at all!Tom you’d better get a desktop DAC equipped with an RCA output What should I expect ? Many thanks for your help

[@TheAudiophileMan]

If headphone listening is not your thing, why do you want to use the Mojo for desktop listening when a dedicated DAC unit will offer more in terms of connectivity, overall value, etc? Do you have a budget, perchance?

[@thomasb.1825]

@@TheAudiophileMan Cause I like the idea I could use it on the go .. but you’re right a desk one might be a better deal …. Around $800 I would say … and since we there $1,200 for a new amplifier ( I got an smsl AO200 right now nothing very exciting) and a pair of Wharfedale Linton 85th… I’d be happy to read your thoughts 😬

[@deadline7610]

Nicely Done. Good history on the man himself. I got a chance to demo a unit & enjoyed what I heard. Wasn't a fan of the colored buttons . Didn't like once you got into changing the eq filters you couldn't with a quick one but push test if you liked it (on & off) :( Not a good deal if you purchase outside of the UK :(

[@pittaloaf1]

Would the mojo 2 work with audio labs 6000 CDT. As a good combination?

[@hekakain4108]

How do I eject micro SD card from chord poly? Cheers.

[@StockTrader]

May you plese reccomend a nice over the ear headphones to pair with it?

[@TheAudiophileMan]

Do you have a budget?

[@ElliotAtkins]

Listened to one of these yesterday in a hifi shop. It sounded great but the SPDIF socket was useless. The Cambridge Audio cable wouldn't stay plugged in to the Mojo 2. Is this a common fault or was it a dodgy unit, do you think?

[@TheAudiophileMan]

That's new to me, Louis. Was it a cable issue?

[@ElliotAtkins]

@@TheAudiophileMan Perhaps. Although, the chap in the shop seemed to suggest it was the Mojo 2. If it's a one off, that's fine. Will continue to um and arh about which DAC to buy. Thanks for the reply.

[@doifeellucky]

Good insight and tutorial, but for me having owned one for two weeks, I’m very disappointed by the sound based on the hype. I feel it offers nothing over my Zen DAC V2 using various hires sources with Grado 325x. I’ve tested my ears and can hear a tone at 18k so that isn’t the problem.

[@kjellhedberg7779]

You have to play Mojo for at least 200h berfore is sound ok.

[@juanmillaruelo7647]

That's the time it takes for the brain to "rewire itself" to a different sound. Seriously: If you want to compare Zen to Chord use the clearest, cleanest, most neutral and transparent headphones you can find. (the kind that naysayers call "clinical" or "sterile" or "analytical") to get meaningful results. The Grado sound (and I know it well) will prevail over DAC differences.

[@kjellhedberg7779]

@@juanmillaruelo7647 Components need in buring time. Have noting to do with brain.

[@18yearsoldnot]

Mojo is great for more expensive cans and especially speakers

[@gerritfridericksohn4627]

That voice and pace. I think this is the same guy who narrates those archeology digs on the ytube.

[@pistopitpit]

Nope, mine still not working as it should, picking mobile phone signal wherever I go with it 😢

[@westernartifact580]

Apologize if I missed it, fell asleep half way through, but did you cover the mojo’s functionality as a pre-amp?

[@antoinemanns4697]

I works as a pre amp and doesn't need a dedicated line out due to the architecture and namely the low output impedance. On the mojo 1 when the two marbles are blue/purple it is 2V RMS

[@newkid7]

Hi Paul, I’m interested in Poly, does it make mojo2 sound better like other streamers do or it just being wireless?

[@TheAudiophileMan]

It just adds a streaming facility.

[@18yearsoldnot]

@@TheAudiophileMan it does a lot more than that. It has 2 sd card slots so you don’t have to use android with usb audio player pro to get the best sound if you’re on the move

[@martinhiggins9700]

I am colour blind and have a love hate relationship with Chord products. Love the sound, hate the ergonomics and the Poly came to the market long before a lot of the bugs were sorted out……a big turn off.

[@Nigel-nar53]

What does the Polly do? 👍

[@nunofernandes4501]

Polly wants a cracker.

[@TheAudiophileMan]

It’s a streamer.

[@Leroyy536]

Puts the kettle on.

[@westernartifact580]

WiFi and Bluetooth?

[@meutubedou]

Polly APollygizes if you push the blue button instead of the red one and self destructs in 5 seconds 👍

[@armoth6958]

It took me two years to get my Mojo to play anything from SD card, needing a separate app to just create a playlist. It’s sooo stupid!! It sounds great but man why make this so difficult? Every other player/dac/amp I have just needs the music copied onto the card and done!!? Why oh why? I’d like to use my mojo more but this part puts it on the shelve more often than not..

[@brochg]

Thank you for the excellent review of the Mojo 2!!! Would you recommend this for use as a dac in a speaker based system?

[@TheAudiophileMan]

Depends on what you want the DAC for, your budget and the rest of your hifi.

[@Leroyy536]

What’s the mojo like with iems? Especially shure 846

[@TheAudiophileMan]

Good, basically :)

[@Leroyy536]

@@TheAudiophileMan thank you, I have a mojo 2 on order, they should have them in stock this week, in u.k. I will drop you a comment when I’ve used it with the iems

[@TheMrgonzalo05]

Did you like the se846 mojo 2 combo?

[@Leroyy536]

@@TheMrgonzalo05 Seems to be a stock issue, probably won’t get it till mid month

[@teknolojigundemi]

Wish you make more critism and compare , design etc.

[@andreaskowarschik4621]

Thanks for your review! Have the Mojo 2, using it as a DAC with my Naim Nait XS 2 and love it.

[@doifeellucky]

What did you use before? Also what speakers do you have? I’m tempted by the XS3. Thanks.

[@andreaskowarschik3431]

@@doifeellucky I tried the SMSL 400 and the Denafrips Ares II before. I am using KEF R700 speakers in this setup. I guess the XS 2 and the XS 3 are quite close so maybe going for a good used XS 2 is also an (much cheaper) option. Be aware you have to be extra careful with the power supply when using the DAC as the only source with your Naim Amp. What worked well is the MRCU linear power supply (I am normally using with the Chord Qutest in my other setup) and the much cheaper Allo Nirvana switch mode power supply that seems to be very sufficient with the Mojo 2. The Allo Shanti didnt work for me and brougt humming to speakers. You also will get this hum, when running the Mojo from battery. There should also not be any problem with the Naim in this case when having connected a Naim CD Player (can be switched off) at the same time, when i get it right. This issue seems to be connected to the Naim architecture. When sorted out as described above it's a GREAT combination I enjoy a lot.

[@doifeellucky]

@@andreaskowarschik3431 Thanks for the very detailed feedback. Much appreciated.

[@amb3cog]

@@andreaskowarschik3431 That sounds like a grounding issue. This is likely something to do with your setup (it's likely the Naim as you said, but not necessarily). So it's quite possible others will deal with it too, but again, not necessarily. Either way it's likely fixable with some attention. There's products that help with this. Like iFi Groundhog for instance, or one can always setup a strong ground for their system. And ground everything to it. This would be the best, but also will take more effort. My point is that you should be able to fix this and enjoy the DAC with any power supply. As will anyone else. But Naim, or no Naim. You may have to work at it a bit. And you may have to spend a few bucks. I would start with a ground isolator myself because it's easy and they're not expensive. But I'm told that every system will benefit from a good strong ground setup. So if you're the type that enjoys that sort of DIY. Break out the wire, and metal rod. And break some ground. ✌️

[@vaksilvaksil9939]

Which cable and plugs you use to connect it to your naim, is it came with the mojo2

[@juanmillaruelo7647]

Considering DAC chip designers only care "about the maths" they do a pretty good job, all things considered. ;-) I love the Chord concept and architecture, but I get much more from my RME. Bit of a shame, really. I do like devices based on programmable DSPs.

[@TheAudiophileMan]

Absolutely. That said, I do appreciate the human touch. You know, 'ears' and all that :) I've heard plenty of hifi that measures 'badly', shouldn't work too well according to specs but sounds wonderful.

[@18yearsoldnot]

Put the Rme in your pocket and then compare the two products

[@pistopit7142]

@@18yearsoldnot RME might not fit

[@MannyScoot]

The original MOJO 1 didn't work very good with IEM's ......

[@Satyajit_Dey]

Good thing I am not colour blind.

[@the14u36]

Why does my 99 dollar one more ear buds sound better than all my gear together. I decided to up grade my one more to 7hz plus a meze cable and momentom dac after a month i switched back and my 1000 dollars worth of gear cant hold a candle to the 99 one more?

[@tedmingolla2847]

Ahhhh ! More balls for the Mojo 2 and still using micro USB. Have you tried finding those prehistoric connectors? C'mon Chord, build in charge management and fast charging. Dump the micro USB connector.

[@marcbegine]

600€...

[@vincentmanners2589]

What about the 5+% of males who are colour blind ?

[@TheAudiophileMan]

Indeed.

[@rishelbhallabhatia1672]

I recently brought B & W 706 s2 speakers but I find them bright for listening to streaming music on my stereo setup comprising of harman kardon 3380 stereo receiver , speakers and iPad . They are causing me ear fatigue though rest of the family is fine !! I use my iPad directly connected to my Harman kardon 3380 stereo receiver to run the speakers . On the iPad I stream Amazon music . I was thinking about some solution for brightness and I read about mojo 2 . My question is that can I use Mojo 2 equaliser connected to my iPad for reducing the brightness in my stereo set up .