Chord Mojo 2 Review - Our new reviewer likes this DAC/Amp

[@Brandon-qs3jq]

I’m so glad that Golden has joined the headphone show team. This channel keeps getting better and better! Audio nerds rejoice! 🎉

[@vianhoho19]

I'm here for GoldenSound's Golden Voice LOL. So happy seeing him being recruited to the team. Definitely looking forward to his reviews in the future

[@HobbyTalk]

Goldensounds vocal timbre is a valuable asset… haha

[@vianhoho19]

@@HobbyTalk 💯

[@MoosaHosseini]

exactly, his voice is awesome.

[@nespressoman]

@@MoosaHosseini He should do voiceovers. Beautiful voice.

[@Doegiz]

Wow nice to see another great audio reviewer join the group. He's among the best at explaining the characteristics and differences between DACs especially among others. These reviews lead me to believe this device may easily compare well against my Bifrost 2, but in a much smaller package, so I'd love to try this out some day.

[@jlemaster1157]

I have personally found @Goldensound “the best of the best”- his stand alone videos on the Holo Audio products were the most important, clear and convincing of any I heard and the most influential on my purchase decisions. I miss his finger snaps between the segments though! But agree- recruiting him to this team is fantastic. Like the other HEADPHONE SHOW reviewers, he has a really convincing balance between the objective and subjective.

[@georgsteiner2924]

Love the intro and changeover to Golden! Really creative! Review is informative and I really like how comprehensive it is, including the Poly, Roon endpoint functionality and Xduoo BT adapter information. Having owned the Mojo 2 for half a year (and a Hugo 2) I noticed a few details which could be missed or misunderstood. Battery life is 8h, cross-feed on the M2 is doing more than just mixing channels, it is also considering the transmission of different frequencies around the head, thus making cross-feed sound warmer, and it would be worth mentioning that the EQ implementation is supposedly the first completely lossless EQ implementation. The impressions of the Qutest VS Mojo 2 were surprising, since Qutest and Hugo 2 should sound very similar and Hugo 2 has noticably more detail, definition, texture, speed, imaging focus, layering and soundstage depth. Not sure what happened there, but it would be absolutely great to get a comparison review of the Mojo 2 vs the Hugo 2 Thanks @ Golden! Looking forward to seeing more reviews!

[@atabayomer]

Wow one of my top 3 reviewer joined Headphone show. This channel is just another level with this squad. Thanks guys!

[@tdg176]

So excited to see GoldenSound in the team. Can't wait for Ferrum Oor , Forge and Holo Bliss Review??? Impatiently waiting for these. Got the Holo Spring 3 KTE and was the best audio purchase I have ever made in my headphone/audio journey thanks to this man.

[@sebastianschiefner1428]

Did you compare Holo to the Wavelight?

[@carbon_wavelight]

What a pleasant surprise! Looking forward to that Rebel Amp review

[@Raul.Sharma]

This is the review I was waiting for. Thanks 🙏🏻

[@ClevrGrl]

Nice addition to the team!

[@Jim90wa]

I really enjoyed your review! You are my new Equipment reviewer

[@PrimeHiFi]

So happy to see Cam join the crew. Hell yeah!

[@pfx2259]

Best reviewer out there. Golden!

[@PrisOwner16]

Oh my lord, Golden has now also joined the team, yes! I just love that man's silky smooth voice (and also enjoy his reviews).

[@-ANJ.]

Happy to see GoldenSound here, but missed seeing his review style on his own channel.

[@GoldenSound]

Don't worry, vids on my own channel are coming soon! Finally able to film without interruptions again

[@Mosamania]

@@GoldenSound Good to see your here mate, you worked really hard. Looking forward to seeing how your career with Headphone show go.

[@-ANJ.]

@@GoldenSound Can't wait. Clearly your hard work is paying off, and it's exciting to you see grow on the platform through multiple avenues. Keep it up!

[@Ivan-ks1ix]

Love the Mojo 2. I use it in so many different applications, and I really appreciate its broad feature set and use cases. It’s got enough power to drive speakers to reasonable volume too. I decided to gamble on it after hearing Rob Watts explain and promise less fatigue. I’ve found I’m sensitive to most digital audio but not the Mojo 2, EQ is a blessing to that end too!

[@thomasdenaples4862]

So pleased to see Golden on the Headphone Show. I’ve always looked forward to his stellar reviews. Now that Holo Audio’s Bliss has arrived, I’m hopeful that Golden will be doing a review of this amp. I’m itching to buy this long-awaited amp but am waiting to hear from Golden since he first broke the news on the Bliss’s upcoming arrival.

[@Manupassero]

this is too good and elegant English language to keep attention to the actual devices :)) great review indeed, we want more!

[@fahryst]

Wow so glad to see golden have joined too. Are you forming an avengers of audiophiles or something

[@MisterChibs]

Nice review! Crazy coincidence - I used Polyphia’s “Playing god” as one of the tracks to compare Mojo 2 to the ifi iDSD signature in my YT review. Came to a very similar conclusion as well. It’s an amazing dac/amp! I feel the Poly is overpriced but now that I use Roon, I’m so tempted to pick one up. Great work!!🍻

[@farshides9779]

Hi, I have an ifi iDSD signature and I was wondering that is there any difference? which one you prefer? thank you in advance

[@MisterChibs]

@@farshides9779Mojo, here’s my review. kzbin.info/www/bejne/d5q4oqyZe7ynntU

[@guystpierrecomposer]

Very nice review! Good to see you :) I use mojo2 in desktop mode being fed by the digital output of a cheap AirPort Express. It is limited to 24/48 in that setup, but sound really good! (Way better than Bluetooth)

[@Mr.P001]

I have had the Mojo Poly combo from its 1st introduction updating to the Mojo2 when that was released. There is a learning curve with the button combination but the sound and experience is certainly worth the price IMO. Using the Mojo/Poly combination is slightly different depending on if using an Android or iOS device, but luckily with Android you can set your phone as a hotspot and link your Mojo/Poly to that using either the player from the Chord GoFigure app for SD Card playback or using a player such as M.A.L.P, Mconnect etc the latter allows you to connect to Tidal and Qobuz. Added bonus with Android (personal experience I'm unsure of iOS)is you are still able to use the combo even when there is no internet available (SD card playback only)

[@gauravtyagi5900]

That voice takes all my focus towards the hand gestures.

[@mcdirt7838]

Nice review, thanks. I have the Mojo2 and the S9 - I use the Mojo as a desktop and the S9 when out and about. I use SONY IER M9 or Moondrop KATO (seen at the end of your video?) with the Mojo. I have played with the Equalizer and found +6 +4 -3 +6 ok for the KATO - wonder what you use? I had to go to +7 +5 -2 -2 for the SONY which is sometimes too much. Thanks.

[@YTHandlesWereAMistake]

I absolutely love GoldenSound and was waiting for the announcement since Resolve dropped the "those in the Discord might already know" line. That said, as a owner of Mojo 1 who unscrewed it, took battery out and uses regular usb power instead for the improvised "desktop" mode, I'm not sure whether I'd benefit from switching to Mojo 2. I'm also worried about the noise floor, which isn't that low on the original mojo, especially when using very sensitive IEMs.

[@-Ambos-]

the new reviewer has a wonderful voice like he trains his voice a lot

[@mebaugh1]

Fabulous review! A+++

[@is3commander]

Superb review! Thank you!

[@ScottoGrotto]

This is the best review on the mojo 2 I have seen so far. Especially in sound description - and comparing to other dacs like the qutest and Dave. I really like my mojo 1. Have all the poly issues been worked out now? Would like to hear this in person.

[@mden2490]

Thanks so much for the video. I have always listened to the mojo 2 via my iPhone, but have now decided to use it connected with my Mackbook air 2/ desktop. Which brand of usb c to usb c would you recommend for connecting? Do you like audio quest cables?

[@brandonyong301]

How does this compare sonically to something like the iBasso dx300 and dx320?

[@RyanDeLaTorre]

Really glad to see the Headphones team not only have a reviewer who believes in source gear, but who is reasonably qualified to review things like DACs and tube amps and such. (Grover's videos were some of my favorite on the channel back when he was a reviewer.) Looking forward to more source gear reviews!

[@En_Joshi-Godrez]

What happened to him?

[@RyanDeLaTorre]

@@En_Joshi-Godrez He works for Upscale Audio these days, you can see him on their KZbin channel.

[@brandonburr4900]

Appreciate the video. Would like to see the chord mojo 2 up against more price appropriate daps or similar items from name brand companies like ifi, ibasso, fiio etc. Those 2 significantly cheap items most are not familiar and harder to find to purchase. I wouldn't expect many smsl products to compete with a chord product. Thanks for the review.

[@kajetan9550]

Woww, this I did not expect, but extremely happy to see Goldensound in person here. Love the content. Please do the hugo2 next

[@hornsbyart]

First DMS, now GoldenSound… so when’s the podcast coming out?

[@nespressoman]

Goldensound is amazing. You have done good having him in your company.

[@rajithfernando6200]

Golden?! Wow that's a surprise 🥺

[@minhbu95]

Hi Golden Sound! Love your review and the exposure video of the MQA format. Not sure if you have the time to reply here, but I'd like to ask a question anyway: - Do you think of a DAP that sounds as good as the Mojo 2? I know the Mojo 2 competes with desktop-level DACs, but I was looking for a mobile solution, so either a dedicated DAP (I'm looking at the new Astell & Kern SR35) or the Mojo 2 + Mobile phone for me. I use a Campfire Ara (as you know, very high sensitivity IEMs) and I don't plan on upgrading any time soon, the next big jump for me will be another pair of IEMs. The added mobility and elegance is a plus for me, but if at more or less the same price, no DAP can beat the Mojo 2, I'd still go for the Mojo 2 because for me sound quality is most important. Would like to hear everyone's opinions if possible. Thank you :)

[@AliArghavan]

There's no way to set the output to 2Vrms (for desktop use) which is standard input for most amps. Chord really likes you to get a "dedicated" desktop DAC.

[@rustygates3367]

Just set the volume / voltage level out to match 2V. You can find the colour to Vrms guide online...

[@sameermana2003]

good review although it would have been nice if you had compared this to original chord mojo

[@alwynroberts8465]

dumb question time, how do you use the Mojo 2 as only a DAC so you can add it to a different amp, like mentioned in the video, please and thanks

[@stfn112]

An impressive portable device, just wondering if it is a top choice if used with no intent of moving it/portable use. Its just for desktop usage and perhaps I should be looking elsewhere? I've seen it get very well received but I'm not sure if its the top choice when there is no extra value in the portable use, which would be in my case. Thoughts? The review praises it for desktop use but I'm just not sure if its to be the best purchase in my case. Also on that note, I'm really new to this and my current amp is the ifi uno. And I'm just curious if going from this dac/amp to a 500-600$ one will do much if anything for my audio quality. When the extra power isnt needed, because at the moment I'm just using a HD600. I'm looking at a Meze 109 Pro. The question is if theres a any benefit from going to such amp, several times more expensive, but not too demanding that I need that extra power. If anyone has any thoughts on this, much appreciated. And thanks for the content.

[@Ivan-ks1ix]

I think the only consideration for desktop use would be limited/tightly spaced inputs, form factor and the 4 button interface. Personally I’d like a proper nob for desktop use BUT I’ve heard several reviewers say you have to spend double this to get better DAC performance. The lossless EQ is excellent and I’m guessing the next Chord product to feature it will be very very expensive. I’d buy this for desktop use in a heartbeat, but if you just need a decent DAC a Schitt Modi 3 is a much better value used. I picked one up for my simple home theater.

[@davestevens4193]

Nice review. A little unfair to use Susvara a $6k planar. Sundara would be a more realistic use case.

[@arrowzen7433]

Would have loved comparison w. iFi GoBar and EarMen Colibri or Aune BU1…

[@nikolaygramchev]

Is the Mojo 2 better than Ares II? Very interested how they stand vs one another in detail retrieval and sound stage.

[@islaymmm]

Another reviewer joining the Headphones gang 😎

[@Armbrust210]

The Mojo 2 is so polarising. There are many people that just love this device, but then are about equal as many that dislike it for it's Feature Set or Sound quality and prefer things like the ifi Gryphon. But that's always the way with chord. You really need to hear their "house sound" to know if you're into it

[@razisn]

I would bet most of the people who profess they don’t like it have never heard it or even touched it.

[@stevendavis1135]

O shit, golden has joined the headphone show?!?!?

[@Damien_N]

I’m colourblind and the Mojo is a nightmare for me :(

[@joshchacko7729]

Does this 'battery life' concept of charging to only 80% applicable to lithium-polymer batteries? Thank you.

[@ilRagazzojonicoTM]

Hi 😊 … how did you connected the HD 800s on the 3,5 mm output?

[@doifeellucky]

I bought one in February when first launched in the UK. Underwhelmed. Paired with the Edition XS or Moondrop Kato I’ll often just use the Apple dongle because I can’t be bothered with the faff of all the required cables when away from my desk. Then there’s the issue with the non existent input switching. Having to pull out the usb cable to use the optical input is very poor indeed. Crossfeed makes little to no difference. Overhyped in my opinion, but perhaps mine is faulty.

[@urbenkam]

Congratulations really enjoy your reviews. Btw do you think roon is worth it if only compared on sound quality? I found jriver to be better in terms of my taste thoughts?

[@rapmeister5242]

Hi Golden, how does it compare to an R2R DAC such as the Denafrips Ares 2 or Cayin RU6?

[@SpirallingOut]

Will it adequately power smaller, yet still somewhat power hungry planars like LCDi4 in desktop mode?

[@Dan.a.k.a.bradpitt]

thanks for review , TOLD ME everything i needed to know when pointing to the hi fi mans

[@nikhilsrl]

Good presentation without being pretentious.

[@kyron42]

It's good to see Golden hasn't lost his mojo.

[@HobbyTalk]

You guys really just adopting all the good reviewers eh?

[@darrellross8609]

GS, In desk mood, does the dac stay warm. A "reviewer" has said the Mojo has a warm up period. Yes/No ? Best, D.

[@danboy77]

I wonder how the Mojo 2 compared to the Hugo 2 regarding dac amd headphone amp quality ?

[@Sushanttechworld]

Daddy goldensounds is hereeeeeeeeee.. hype🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥

[@bryanedward5355]

Golden is a perfect addition to the team IMO

[@danieladdedtax]

Golden!🥳

[@grasshopper33xx]

Great review! Do you know if it works ok with the DC Aeon Noire?

[@TheSaassaf]

You are saying that it'll struggle with planar HP like susvara .. that's for sure . But what about easy to drive planar HP like the HE1KSE?

[@jaredcrandall9145]

Thanks for the review. I've read that the poly betters the sound vs type-c from phone. Do you think the poly means of communicating the audio actually improves the sound?

[@adaboy4z]

Whoa was not expecting that price 😯

[@filovirus1]

good to see you here, Golden. question: I have Schiit Bifrost 2 and am considering the DAC module upgrade but if Mojo 2 is better ( I lean toward details and 3D imaging ), I would save up a little more and get Mojo 2. would you consider Mojo 2 superior to Bifrost 2?

[@HercahyoAdiSaputro]

I have both. I dont think Mojo2 is superior to bf2, it's a sidegrade with their own weakness and strength. But for your preferences, i think mojo 2 is better choice

[@andresyu]

​@@HercahyoAdiSaputro Hi, do you know if I can use a 3.5 to rca connected to the mojo 2 to a schiit magni 3 to use it like a line out? Works?

[@FriedEgg101]

Great review, great presenter. For the Brits out there who might be put off by the $$ price; it's £495 on amazon uk, which is £95 more than the Mojo was.

[@nikolaygramchev]

The Golden Voice with the great reviews! Hope we have reviews from you often.

[@masterxyr]

I'd love to see a company make a cheap amp of two variants: one which measures perfectly, and one that just sounds beautifully, so that we could end the number war once and for all.

[@johnlynch1623]

ASR loved the Mojo 2 if that means anything to you.

[@masterxyr]

@@johnlynch1623 ah cheers so this is the one, eh?

[@h1a8]

Have you heard the questyle m15? It's also a step above the s9 pro and the luxury and precision. I wonder how the mojo 2 compares to it only in terms of iems and easy to drive full sized headphones?

[@EmmanuelDelahaye68]

I just bought my own Mojo 2 and can confirm it's a little marvel. Too bad, the Poly still remains so expensive... And disapointing also that your friend Skedra doesn't make his own adapter (which looks pretty nice) available for purchase.

[@danielheffernan7897]

I am considering this as it seems to offer excellent at home use and the ability to take it on the go. I would be primarily be using it in desktop mode with a 3.5 to rca cable to my amp but what would you suggest for the power supply? Would the iFi iPower be the best option? Thanks 🙏

[@_andreas_]

Filtering the desktop USB data is more important, if you want to avoid a harsh brightness to the sound. I'm happy with a Jitterbug FMJ and iPurifier3.0. A power and data splitter should work but I just use a power bank.

[@NoahKnowit]

Are the red headphones in the start of the video really big or just close to the camera?

[@lowrider007007]

My favourite audio device I own, up there with the original CD Walkman and 3rd Gen iPod as ground breaking audio devices imo, something that's never really talked about in the reviews is how useful the two headphone outputs are, I contacted Chord and they told me they can be used as dual line outs!, just set them to 3v and you're away, this is a very handy feature, not many DAC's have dual output, I have 1 line out going to my headphone amp and one going to a stereo integrated amp.

[@pistopit7142]

Is it possible to have all the lights off while it is in operation? I would not be happy to carry a small disco ball in my pocket or in the bedroom when Iisten in my bed. Alson does anyone know how long does it take to charge battery from 0 to 100%? Thanks.

[@marlowe1537]

One thing (maybe the only thing aside from its inconvenient lack of balanced connectors) that annoys me greatly about the Mojo II is its pricing policy. It is way more expensive here in the US than in the UK; I believe the US price is a couple of hundred dollars more than the UK price in pounds converted to dollars. The Mojo is cheaper than its main competition, the iFi Gryphon, in the UK but significantly more expensive in the US.

[@razisn]

It is much cheaper in Euroland too.

[@marlowe1537]

@@P1_M1ND Absolutely nonsensical response since I am going by the current exchange rate.

[@johnlynch1623]

Yes, 495 pounds in the UK, including VAT, which is about $588 with the current exchange rate. $775 in the US, exclusive of tax, so where I live adding sales tax, I'd be looking at around $845.

[@diegosied7334]

Do you think it will be a good pair with the Ananda’s nano?

[@imwhatsnew]

How did you guys manage to use the new Polyphia track ??? Was a lovely surprise

[@paulmorphy6187]

6:41 "This strikes a really nice..." Chord?

[@darrellross8609]

T, Would I have to babysit the battery life 20/80, like I do with my Hiby 5. Or just plug it in while using. Will it overheat? Best, D.Sorry, you covered this.

[@-Ambos-]

Have you tried the Mojo 2 with a better digital cable than the included one?

[@jafizzle95]

If it just had a 4.4 output I would probably buy it right away. I need something a bit more portable than the FiiO M17, but is as uncompromising as the M17. Plus I could sell the M17 to find the Mojo2/Poly. The lossless-over-WiFi feature is the biggest selling point.

[@audiofile1178]

Any plans for a comparison video with this vs Gryphon vs RS2 ?

[@anub3207]

After owning a mojo2 for about 6 months, Something I would like to point out is that the battery doesn't last that long, and it's way better just to plug it in when you have the chance.

[@anub3207]

Regardless, the review was great and really helpful.

[@jamesneville441]

If you were just using it as a Dac. What volume do you set it to so the amp is been used correctly?

[@AntPDC]

A bit late, but 2 volts is optimal (both volume balls indigo coloured).

[@David-fo6oy]

Holy smokes! A face to go with the voice. You saucy little minx you. 😉

[@limbaraangga8541]

I love this guy.

[@almartiyt]

I pair Mojo 2 with MrSpeakers Ether Flow (not the 1.1), do you recommend any EQ to get the most of these headphones? Thanks

[@KirkLazurus]

How does this compare to something like an Astell & Kern Kann Ultra?

[@twraia]

Is there a video on the science of how dac could sound different?

[@johnjackson5987]

Wondering whether to get a Mojo 2, .. (upgrading from the Mojo) to use with Focal Elegia’s … Or upgrade my headphones to Focal’s Celestee ??

[@darknesseclipse538]

If you haven't upgraded already, I'd say that both your choices are a bit redundant. Maybe you could upgrade to something more or be happy with what you have. I mainly use Mojo 2 with Focal Elegia (Dekoni Limited Stellia Pads) and sound is amazing. Never tried but if you have stock pads, Mojo 1 should sound great anyway as it is a bit warmer sounding.

[@aceventuraaceventura2003]

It'll be my new edition in about 4 years when another new version comes out :)

[@m4nc1n1]

Did Golden give up his channel?

[@JTAITSINGER]

One of my dream Dacs

[@mattroach5382]

Anyone tried to use the Hifiman Sundara with the Mojo 2? If the Sundara won't function well with it, then I need a recommendation for a DAC/AMP with adjustable EQ to run USB off of a PC. I would prefer if the DAC/AMP had built-in adjustable EQ.

[@danboy77]

I heard that you can’t use the Mojo 2 as a DAC because it’s not possible bypass the built in Amp?? I’m a total novice so I stand to be corrected but that would be disappointing for me if it’s true

[@AntPDC]

Not true at all. A stereo minijack to two male RCA jack cable is all you need. 2 volts is optimal (both volume balls indigo coloured) for connecting to a pre/head amp.

[@SmashedITR]

I just received my Chord Poly and how does everyone store there mojo2 and poly. My brand new Poly lost its full charge just from being connected to the mojo2 turned off.