Chord Electronics Mojo 2
The Chord Electronics Mojo 2 delivers benchmark transparency, explosive dynamics and an expansive, precisely layered soundstage from a pocketable DAC/headphone amp. What Hi-Fi? admired its lively, open presentation, while hi-fi+ praised its effective lossless DSP tailoring. USB-C, robust output and desktop-friendly battery management make it a remarkably versatile high-resolution companion.
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Deliciously Crispy
Sound Quality
93/100
Build Quality
93/100
Features Usability
94/100
Value for Money
92/100
Pros
Exceptional clarity, micro-detail, dynamics and musical cohesion for a transportable DAC/amp.
Wide, open soundstage with strong instrument placement, imaging and bass extension.
Four-band tone controls and crossfeed allow useful headphone matching without noticeably sacrificing clarity or timing.
Cons
Colour-coded, button-driven menu system has a notable learning curve and can be difficult to navigate.
Premium pricing puts it well above many capable dongle DACs.
Not ideal for the most demanding planar headphones at high volumes, where its output can run out of headroom.
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What Reviewers Are Saying
SOUND QUALITY PERFORMANCE 93/100
Reviewers consistently praise an exceptionally detailed, open and musically coherent presentation, with strong transient speed, punch and spatial separation for such a compact DAC/amplifier. Its generally neutral-to-slightly-full balance is highly regarded, though a few listeners found the upper-mid/treble presentation a little forward or eager before using the effective tone controls.
Transparency Resolution
96/100
What Hi-Fi calls its transparency benchmark-level, while StereoNET finds its portable-class detail resolution staggering and unusually cohesive. Multiple reviewers describe fine detail, separation and leading-edge definition as class-leading, with HiFi News and Audiophilepure considering it a reference-grade portable source.
Tonal Balance Musicality
92/100
The prevailing description is neutral, crisp, lively and natural, with reviewers also finding it rich, full-bodied and highly engaging rather than clinical. hi-fi+ and The Ear found it somewhat forward or eager in their systems, but both praised the transparent tone controls for allowing an effective adjustment without undermining musicality.
Dynamics
94/100
Reviewers repeatedly highlight fast timing, snappy transients and convincing macro- and micro-dynamic expression. Soundnews describes explosive dynamics and instant driver control, while StereoNET found it capable of moving from large-scale impact to refined delicacy without hesitation.
Noise Floor
93/100
Direct listening reports describe a black, extremely clean background with sensitive IEMs, and Darko Audio likewise reports no meaningful background noise. The low output impedance and wide volume range further support quiet, controlled use with efficient headphones, with no reviewer reports of hiss or hum.
Headphone Compatibility
90/100
Reviewers report successful use with IEMs, 250-ohm Beyerdynamic DT 770 Pros, Hifiman Sundara, Edition XS and high-end Ultrasone headphones; several praise its controlled, effortless drive. Its low output impedance, two gain ranges and fine volume adjustment make it flexible, although its portable output is not intended for the most difficult full-size loads.
Assessments of Build Quality, Usability, and Overall Propositions.
Build Quality
93/100
The compact CNC-machined aluminium enclosure is repeatedly described as exceptionally solid, well finished and genuinely pocket-friendly. The Ear also notes sturdier buttons than the original, while reviewers commend cooler operation and durable construction; the unconventional button-and-colour interface has a learning curve but does not undermine the physical quality.
Features Usability
94/100
For a transportable DAC/amp, Mojo 2 is unusually versatile: USB-C and Micro-USB data inputs, optical and coaxial inputs, dual 3.5 mm headphone outputs, two gain ranges, desktop battery management and broad high-resolution format support. Its four-band lossless DSP tone control and adjustable crossfeed are particularly well received, though reviewers note that the colour-coded, screenless interface takes learning and one reviewer experienced unreliable automatic input switching.
Value for Money
92/100
Reviewers widely regard Mojo 2 as one of the strongest portable DAC/amps at its roughly £449/$775-$845 asking price, with several calling it a bargain, a no-brainer or performance beyond its price class. The principal reservation is that it costs substantially more than capable dongle DACs and some portable rivals, making the purchase easier to justify for listeners who will use its superior sound quality, DSP and connectivity.
Reviews & Sources
Professional reviews and sources for this product's Watt'n Potatoes analysis.
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Specifications
- Digital Inputs
- coaxial, dual-data coax, optical, Micro-USB and USB-C
- Switchable USB-C
- charging
- Dynamic Range
- 125 dB A wt.
- Noise
- 2.7 uV A wt., no measurable noise floor modulation
- Distortion and Noise
- 0.0003 % at 2.5 V 300 ohms
- Power Output
- 90 mW 300 ohms (5.2 V RMS)\n600 mW 30 ohms (4.2 V RMS)
- Output Impedance
- 0.06 ohms
- Stereo Separation
- 118 dB 1 kHz 300 ohms 2.5 V
- Dimensions
- 83 mm (3.26 in.) x 62 mm (2.44 in.) x 22.90 mm (0.90 in)
- Weight
- 185 g (0.4 lbs)
- Signal to Noise
- 123dB 'A' weighted
- Frequency Response
- 7Hz -20kHz + / – 3dB
Manufacturer's Description — Chord Electronics
The British designed and built Mojo 2 is the most advanced portable DAC and headphone amplifier in the world today.
Winner of Best DAC (£300-£500) in the What Hi-Fi? Awards 2022, the Mojo 2 is entirely engineered around a powerful, custom-coded FPGA processor and benefits from several unique technologies.
Central to the new Mojo 2 is the world’s first lossless DSP, an advanced ‘digital tone control’ without any degradation in sound quality. The ‘UHD DSP’ gives Mojo 2 unrivalled compatibility with today’s wide-ranging headphones, plus unparalleled flexibility with partnering equipment.
A further key feature is the new menu system, navigated via the new (fourth) control sphere, bringing mute, crossfeed, button-lock and tone control adjustment.
Mojo 2 offers greatly improved battery management, with faster charging rates, a huge 75 % reduction in power loss, plus a 9 % capacity gain.
A new USB-C data input adds greater flexibility, transparency has been greatly boosted, thanks to an improved noise-shaper, lower distortion and greater neutrality, plus Mojo 2 can even be taken wireless with the Poly streamer/server.
Handmade in the UK with a robust CNC-milled aircraft grade aluminium chassis, Mojo 2 offers unrivalled performance, class-leading sound and peerless build quality.
For reviews, simply search for ‘Mojo 2’ in your search engine.
‘Plays with Audirvāna’ hardware products are certified to play music from Audirvāna software over USB or network with the best level of integration and audio performance.
Key Features
Improved FPGA: more resolution, power and efficiency
New menu function
'UHD' DSP: Advanced EQ
Improved battery: FPGA-controlled management plus improved capacity
Improved WTA filtering: 40 DSP cores for better transparency and lower noise
High-speed USB-C input
Two 3.5 mm headphone outputs
Wireless-ready - simply add the Poly streamer/server
768kHz Micro USB Input
Separate Micro USB Charging
768kHz Coax Input via Jack
96kHz Optical Input
Supports 800Ω Headphones
Supports up to 768kHz
Up to DSD 256 (4x) Capable
DSD via DoP
CNC Aluminium Chassis
Roon tested
Included Accessories
Micro to USB Type-A
Verified Dealers
Online Dealers
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Authorized dealers for Chord Electronics Mojo 2
- Absoulute Audio plus Video — in-store — Aiken, South Carolina, United States (website)
- In Living Stereo — in-store — New York City, New York, United States (website)
- The Music Room — online and in-store — Erie, Colorado, United States (website)
- 110Hz — online and in-store — Kielce, Województwo świętokrzyskie, Poland (website)
- Accent On Music — in-store — Mount Kisco, New York, United States (website)
- Acoustic Designs Inc. — in-store — Scottsdale, Arizona, United States (website)
- Acoustic Sounds — online and in-store — Salina, Kansas, United States (website)
- Acoustic Streams — in-store — Lower Drift, England, United Kingdom (website)
- Acoustica — online and in-store — Chester, England, United Kingdom (website)
- Ajasom — online and in-store — Amadora, Lisboa, Portugal (website)
and 202 more verified dealers