Still Relevant? Chord Mojo 2 DAC Review 

Your reviews are so... hypnotizing AND calming. And I love them! 😊

Congratulations on a comprehensive, highly articulate account of the Mojo 2. I greatly appreciated it. One wonders whether the addition of a good headphone amp might improve sonics even more by increasing headroom, and relieving the Mojo of the task of driving (say) 300 ohm headphones such as the Sennheiser 660 s2 directly. Thoughts anyone?

Another great review. I recently sold my original Mojo for the Mojo 2 and for me the improvements are quite marked. Not just in sound quality but the DSP tone and crossfeed options are there if you need them. Also the battery management is a huge improvement over the original, where users discovered it was not uncommon to destroy the battery within 18 months. The original would also randomly switch off and not because of thermal overload. All in all the Mojo 2 fully deserves the "Outstanding" award from Tarun.

Just found your channel Tarun, good sir! I have been watching a lot of different channels recently in a crusade to find something that satisfies my needs as a nerd and professional coder. Thank you!!! Your content is just sublime really. So informative and really well articulated. I have never felt so comfortable in trusting somebody’s views on products of any ilk before, but I have very little issue with doing so with you! I think it speaks volumes that the calibre of the comments on your videos is also incredibly high and people are polite. Feel like I’ve discovered a community of gems!! My hat is off to you good sir. I ordered the chord mojo 2 today thanks to this video, it had been on my radar for a while and I’m doing slightly better these days so it’s a welcome treat.

Great review. But I’m happy with the RME ADI-2 FS. Thanks to a Terry Ellis review of the Quad Z-2, I’ve tweaked the equaliser to fill up the dips in the frequency curve below 50Hz and around the 3kHz region.

Great review. You asked at the end of your review you asked about landmark digital audio. I have really enjoyed using my Chord Mojo for many years driving a range of headphones and love it. In fact I find the Mojo better than my TEAC HA-501 and Chord QBD76 combo (accepting they are getting on now!), I almost don’t want to upgrade for fear of disappointment! I just bought a Lumin U2 Mini streaming into my Devialet Expert 400 and it sounds amazing. Biggest up-grade in years with my Sonus Fabre Olympica 3 speakers. Really enjoy your reviews. Keep up the great work.

The most recent digital revelation for me came with the Octave Records DSD gold foil master recordings on my sacd player. Decays, vibrancy, stage, ect.. near to perfect as is possible. Not cheap but what an eye opener.

Wow, L👀ks like Rob Watts has improved the Mojo a significant amount. Appreciate that you picked out flaws with this 'landmark' product (auto input select, LCD screen) pointing out there's always room for improvement. Many thanks for your pragmatic and tempered assessment of the Mojo 2. Your review has me thinking the updated Chord block-0-aluminium would be a nice addition, though I've no 'need' at the moment. In a similar vein, I've two DACs origionally chosen for portability, the Meridian Explorer 2 and a vintage HeadRoom Micro. Both have found their way into desktop headphone systems - at home, the Meridian's fixed output feeds a 6DJ8 preamp driving a hand built transformer coupled headphone interface with analog crossfeed via a RF Choke tied between the L & R channels, and at work, the HeadRoom DAC feeds a pair of Intact Audio AVCs (Autotransformer Volume Controls) with the same analog crossfeed method employed. I must admit that budget DACs are closing the sound quality gap on far more expensive analog setups (ie: Roksan Attessa TT w/ outboard Nina tonearm, Ortofon MC20, and Origin Live Discovery 1 phono preamp). But these portable DACs offer something unimaginable not long ago, true high end sound 'Off Grid'. Who knew this would ever be a reality :)

Thank you Tarun, most excellent job as usual, love the way you cover the technical aspects of the gear. Over here, on the other side of the pond, we have this little DAC, it's called the Schitt Modi 3, and I'm willing to bet ya that it's just as good as the Chord, at least the Chord you reviewed. And the price? One hundred thirty US, probably about 100 of your 'pounds'. The British make some wonderful gear, but we have some pretty good stuff, too. Best wishes and keep up the good work!

Hi Tarun. The day my digital front end became serious was when I splashed out on the Pink Triangle Ordinal. I owned it for years(after a few early teething problems). It had a lush velvet sound which was quite the novelty for the time. The other game changer for my digital replay was when I first heard a Transparent audio coaxial cable between my transport and Ordinal. I honestly couldn’t believe what I was hearing! Ha. Cheers

Excellent review. I owned an original Mojo that I loved but sadly stopped working last year. When it came to a replacement under warranty, the original Mojo had been discontinued and therefore went for the Cambridge Audio Dac Magic 200M. Don't get me wrong, I am very happy with it, but must admit that I was a bit put out when I found out the Mojo 2 was released only a couple of months later! Never mind 😀 Best wishes.

Have not seen you before - was looking for review of hipdac2 but came across this review of mogo2 - great review

Hi Tarun, this a very inspiring review. Digital audio (besides a CD player) is still something that I have to get around to. Partly because I am still waiting for something that I can get exiting about when I learn about it. Your review of the MOJO 2 is the first DAC review I have seen that is getting in that direction. In any case, I know I would go for a stand alone DAC, that is the only thing I have settled on.

My landmarks were ProAc Response 1SC, ProAc Response 5, ProAc Tablette Ref 8, Quad 57s, Audio Note UK M2 preamp, LFD phono stage, Linn LP12 Radikal, Chord Qutest, AudioQuest Diamond digital and AudioQuest Thunderbird cables.

Hi Tarun and thanks for sharing this video. I love Chord products, especially their DAC's. I've heard all their DAC's at my friends HiFi store including the DAVE. I own a Chord 2Qute at the minute, but one day when funds permit I will own a TT2 DAC as I felt it offered the best sound performance out of them all for what it costs and that's including the DAVE. To me it offered three quarters the sound for half the money of the DAVE and that suits my system better as well as my pocket. Enjoyed watching this video as always 😁😁😁

Dare I say it Tarun another outstanding review. Very comprehensive and I tend to agree with what you said. There is certainly a sonic Improvement between the original and the version 2. I for one wish they had put some kind of screen on the revised version, as those buttons just did my head in. In Regard to your question about notable digital products l have owned or heard. I've been impressed with my long-standing luxman da 06 Dac, and only recently have I introduced the Holo audio May kte into my rig with great success and wonderment. A stunning product that personally I feel is as good or not better than just about anything else under around 30 grand. Probably about half that for your money of course. Anyway as usual a great video and im already looking forward to the next one.🎧👍😁

Just 1 observation on battery powered dacs in home setups - I used a chord hugo for a couple years permanently connected to a mains supply, being constantly on charge eventually killed the battery, which in turn caused the dac to start playing up. I replaced it with the chord qutest which is designed for home use and doesn't have batteries!

Great review. DSP based design allows easy EQ. I wonder why they didn't include it before. It is an important feature for users of headphone or iem devices. The ADI-2 DAC covers this, (also Android devices using Wavelet) but the Mojo's pocket size form factor makes it a truly noteworthy device. DSP based design potentially can/should be able to import Oratory1990, Harman, Crinacle or other profiles. Maybe one of these years?

Excellent review tarun I can't understand why chord used colour for the operation of the mojo,anybody who is colour blind is screwed. I agree with you, a small oled display would have been better. I've never had a chord item before. The complicated operation of the device puts me off trying this item unfortunately.

Very nice and enjoyable Review.😄

I’m not a headphone user, but I found this review very interesting.The amount squeezed into a small box is fantastic. As I have stated before I prefer plug and play and the controls seem complicated. Any news of the Harbeth speakers yet? Please keep up the good work.

At Christmas, I purchased my first serious DAC. The Chord Qutest. This was a game-changer for me. I listened to it against the RME and the Denafrips Ares ii and it came out on top with consummate ease. Since its purchase, I have added the MCRU linear power supply which has taken the unit to another level. I can't imagine more expensive DACs sounding much better than this for the money that you would have to part with. It is very hard to find any low points in its sonic presentation.

Lcd screen would be good. Form over function, it seems to me. The sound is really good. Great review, thanks.

Hi Tarun, I just bought the mojo2 and love the sound, I really want to say you should be given a Award for the most prompt at replying to your follower's I have never seen anyone like you before your a good man.

Great review as always Tarun. I had a Mojo as well and liked it, but ended up liking Schiit’s DACs a bit more. I can’t recall, have you had/heard the Qutest in your system? Would be very interested in your impressions of that one for sure.

Although I have heard many reviews praising the improvements of the Mojo2 over the original- I am the sort of person that likes to understand why a product has improved or even just - why a product is good relevant to its design and construction. Your reviews satisfy this "techy" need I have. I am grateful....quite. Tarun, this was an excellent review. Rob Watts should thank you or perhaps send your wife flowers. A few years back..... I heard the original Mojo as it fed a decent quality room system. I was very impressed. If Chord made this product but with a much more conventional way of controlling it I'd be very willing to buy it even with an increase in price. The coloured balls? I guess I'd get used to them but I'd rather not. I guess Rob Watts wants to keep the size of the Mojo for the travelling headphone/IEM gang but this new Mojo, given reviews that support its use in a larger room setting, could use a slightly bigger sister with more conventional controls that (perhaps) sits between the Mojo and the Qutest. To tap or not to tap (further) would not be an issue. The sound quality of the new Mojo embedded into such a unit would be more than suffice and I think Chord would sell a ton of them. I'd own one real fast allow my 2 Schiit DACs a much needed vacation. There, I've said it!!! and again, thank you Tarun.

Hi Tarun, All Your videos are well done, as usual, this one is a great review. I want to add DAC to my AriesMini, do I need to consider Chord Mojo 2 or used Chord 2qute. I never listened to chord DAC this will be my first buy. My purpose is to use it in Home Hifi and the amps are Rega brio and streaming service Tidal Hifi.

I enjoy your presentation Tarun, you have a lovely voice too. I am on the bottom rung of the audio ladder, I bought a vintage amp and seperated cd player (now regetting lack of digital connections), but just added a WiiM Pro Plus for streaming. A hundred quid bought me a Mojo 1, to use on my desk, and to provide a headphone socket as the cd player struggles to power my headphones. I love it, total game changer, I can't stop listening now! I'll never have the cash to start spending the eye watering sums even an entry level audiophile needs, but I enjoy hearing the reviews, and seeing your beautiful listening rooms- I can appreciate the aesthetics of it all. I would love to hear some good sound systems, one day I'll make the two hour journey to my nearest dealer, though I'm worried it may reduce the satisfaction with what I have got. Already I've found there's no going back, I've had to give my old headphones away, they sound faulty now, after my ATs. Above all else the small improvements I've made to my HiFi 'system' has allowed me to listen to other genres of music, which my previous set up made pointless. Now I can appreciate Wes Montgomery's pure notes, and classical recordings, something which would have pointless before with my P.C speakers. Miracle Mojo.

For me, it didn't work out. I'm a long time Mojo 1 owner, using it as a desktop DAC into tube amp and HD800. Mojo2 has all the qualities reviewers have pointed out, like better instrument separation, smoother presentation and the Crosstalk and DSP functions work really well. Crosstalk for headphones is great. But the tuning (maybe it's the 3kHz to 20kHz range?) seems to draw down exciting passages too much and I could only partly correct it with the DSP. It doesn't make me stand on my chair when Beth Hart kicks it in I'd Rather Go Blind, the Hollywood Bowl version with Jeff Beck, like Mojo 1 does. Reminds me of when my cousin upgraded his 2004 Cayenne Turbo and the new model had electrically assisted steering. The specs were better, but the smiles were gone. That said, if you're rocking a $500 or $50k system and you're happy, then good on you. I'm not trying to knock anyone else's experiences in this subjective space of home audio - just sharing my own.

I don't know about "I would love to have that", but a landmark in my system was when I reached "I could live with this my entire life". Not my end game system, just the point where nothing in my system bothered me what so ever, and that was when I added Chord Qtest. Very detailed but smooth without any digital glare. That moment I knew I can always stop getting any new gear and still be perfectly fine with my system all my life.

Great review 👏🏿 👌🏿 👍🏿you've probably just cost me 1200.00 though 😉. However, answering your question, although it may fall into a different category, the groundbreaking piece of audio gear for me would have to be the Oppo BDP 105D. It did everything(streamed, CD's and SACD's, and Network player) still sounds amazing; to the best of my knowledge, it was my introduction to ESS dac chips; it was my first audiophile preamp, and while it may not get the credit, I believe that component really laid the foundation for some of these better integrated/all-in-one audio systems on the market today. With out caveat a true BENCHMARK piece of gear.

Thanks Tarun. Always liked the aesthetics of this DAC too. Over a decade past into more headphone centric listening, one landmark for me was the audioquest dragonfly black; as it was the gateway to understanding what a good DAC could do and to later DAC components. I still use a Cobalt for travel / mobile convenience. Now using power amps, the Schiit Freya pre-amp has become a landmark as well. Would really like to listen to Gato’s component line up future possibilities.

That is a great review. I think it answers all my questions about the Mojo(s) plus offers a great user guide! :) A Mojo vs Denafrips comparison would be great but I guess we pretty much know what to expect already based on what you say here.

Great review, th4e device that rocked my world was the RME ADI-2-FS DAC and Headphone amp, the quality of the headphone output and super clean sound signature changed my equipment performance expectation levels.

Another excellent review, Thanks! Asus Soundcard (modified with Burson Op Amps) in a home-made A/V Server bypassed with a Chord Mojo= Big improvement in Sound Quality. Mojo to Qutest= Another jump in SQ and like some Reviewers mentioned, Qutest provides more of what Mojo does, and I couldn't say it better. Qutest to Chord TT2= Another big step up. TT2 partnered with Chord M Scaler= Yet another large sound improvement, providing a "Grande presentation". The Yamaha A-S3200 powering KEF Blade 2 Speakers- A gigantic improvement for those particular Speakers over what I heard previously. And the (sometimes) surprising differences provided by Speaker, USB and Interconnect Cables which also add to the enjoyment of this hobby. And then there's the BIG one: Speaker positioning relative to the listening position which in my opinion is second only to the Speakers themselves for sound improvements.

Nice video, Tarun. It occurred to me that you altered your approach to your voice recording (or its mastering in the edit) and this is better - more intelligibility and less listening fatigue. The micro-USB charging input and USB charger that, as you say, you can leave connected to the device, seem to imply that the device could also run off a USB power bank (would that improve the noise floor?). EQ in the digital domain is a form of loss as you say, but try to do it in the analog domain. And I guess that also applies to volume control in the digital domain. The only analog EQ device I ever heard and felt to be "perfect" was Cello's "Audio Palette" (Cello was one of the brands by mister Mark Levinson after he lost control of the "Mark Levinson" brand and company. The price of the Palette could by you a very nice midrange car.) So if this DSP approach does a great job at maintaining phase correct wave shape recreations, then wow. My main concern with anything called "headphone amplifier" is if it offers cross-feed and, if so, how (well) it does that. To have a form of EQ type control over this cross-feeding would be important to me. As to wanting to avoid large EQ swings, we have to go to some radio channels that compress music dynamically and lift the low end - all by a lot. Typically, I avoid such stations like the proverbial plague, but if it is your thing ... This compression/EQ manipulation may only be done to the audio sent to the FM transmitter, but if it is in the digital stream as well, then you may want that big EQ impact. And, some record productions do a similar thing as the assumption in the mastering is that the "music" (not to my ears ;) ) is expected to be played back through (trans)portable playback devices (sometimes called "ghetto blaster").

Since you mentioned the comparison, I also have both the Mojo 2 and VMV D1SE myself and have done some comparative listening (mostly with headphones, Quad Era-1 for the majority). Personally I don't hear the sound stage differences, but that may very well be more of an issue with the headphones/speakers not opening up wide enough to start with (slightly narrow soundstage is about the only negative thing with the Quads). However, I do find the overall sound of D1SE quite a bit more enjoyable. There's something esp. with Rich2 sound color mode on D1SE that really makes the Quads sing in a most pleasing way. How that combo renders e.g. female vocals, distorted electric guitar etc is quite something indeed. Having said that, there's loads of similarities with Mojo2 and D1SE as well - both have certain effortlessness to the sound that's missing from many technically apt DACs. And separation between instruments is excellent even in busy passages with both. So thoroughly enjoy Mojo2 for on-the-go and desktop listening, but would never switch from D1SE on the main listening station.

In my opinion, this product uses a counterintuitive user interface that is not user friendly and a rather ugly industrial design. It looks like that in Chord they have built a name out of this, whatever they think they are doing, and does not look like they are planning to change any of this nonsense in the near (or farther) future. Their products sound great though.

Hello Tarun. First of all, I want to congratulate you on your excellent work. I ask for your opinion on the combination of the elements below, to listen music from a digital source, MAC or iPhone. Amplifier - Esposure 2510 Integrated Amplifier + WiiM's Pro Plus + Chord Mojo 2 Thanks for sharing.

@britishaudiophile7314 ​​⁠ ​​⁠ Greetings from Miami Beach Tarun! I’m curious about your thoughts on using a Halo Bolt battery. With usb into its dc 5V 2.4 amp max connections? I recently got a Bluesound Node Nano, and man do I love it. I use an external dac, and the Halo battery for its power supply atm. I have an IFI power supply coming today. Do you think it would be better served with my bluesound than the halo? I also power my Mojo 2 with the halo, when I’m using it in desktop mode at least. So I’d be curious if you think the IFI would be better for the streamer or the dac, both, or neither at all because the Halo is better? Ultimately I’m going to test all this, just wondering what you think. Love your channel! My apologies if this is repeated, I can’t seem to find my original posting of this question and really care about your opinion on this matter😊

Yyyeeeyyyyy finally, was looking forward for your take ok Mojo 2 , as when you asked in your video end of 2021 what your subscriber are looking forward you to review and I answered 31st Jan 2022 , thanks 🙏 Tarun for listening your supporters

The SMSL/VMV D1SE and Cayin Ru6 were the first time I heard the "musicality" that people talk about. Especially the Tube 3 setting on that D1SE.

One correction regarding the taps. They are not related to how many times the algorithm runs but to how may samples are used from the past and the future to interpolate the new sample. Also the number of taps is related to how much the original sampling frequency is up sampled. So, more taps could mean a longer time window or upsample to a higher sampling frequency. Depends on the implementation on how these extra taps were used.

The Mojo 2 may very well be better than it's predecessor, but it certainly isn't as good as it's cracked-up to be. The unreserved level at which some are spruiking it is ridiculous.. The warm tone is artificial & very off-putting, the bass is boring, the soundstage is not as big as one might hope for, the treble region is slightly metallic, and the midrange is very ordinary (nothing lush or spacious going on there). Do a side-by-side with the iFi Gryphon < this one got my money 💰

I had the original Mojo and I can't believe Chord made the annoying coloured balls even more complicated! 😣 Small LCD would have been much better. My landmark product in the last 20 years is definitely the original Slim Devices Squeezebox.....a game changer for digital audio listening.

OK so I haven’t gotten through the whole review yet and just had an epiphany. I’ve been looking for a desktop headphone amp/dac for my Meze 99 classic headphones. Sounds like a mojo might be just the ticket. Looking for clarity and soundstage, the 99‘s have a very weighty bottom end already. So don’t need any amp that will add bass depth. Anyone care to comment on this pairing?

The Shanling M8 is the piece of digital audio equipment that has the biggest impact over the last 10 years. Late night or office listening has been transformed, I guess in a similar way that the mojo2 would if combined with its bolt on streamer. I can move from kitchen, living room or study etc and still get an exceptional audio experience. I did consider the mojo at one point, but i hate the old usbc connector (i know this wont bother most people). Only downside to the M8 is it gets quite warm with extended listening. I use FIR Audio IEM's mostly, or a few different over ears depending on what I'm listening to - I never use eq. Very happy with this setup

Nice review! Can agree about Mojo sounding better than H190’s internal Dac. Tested Cornwall 4’s with the H190 and had the Mojo 2 on me, so that what we used. We were blown away! Going to be doing a YT review of this too!

thank you for such a good review covering all the points very flawlessly, the presentation and comparisons are on point, would have liked comparison with other portable dacamps as well for fair playing field however the dacs you compared it with states a lot about its capability as a desktop dac

That was a beautiful review. Informative, to the point and enjoyable!

Would it be foolish to compare the mojo at hand with the (much) cheaper ifi zen v2 (desktop dac/headphone amp)? (Mojo retails for eu600, vs eu200 for the ifi here in Spain). I'd expect a 400eu very substantial difference/improvement in ALL aspects were I to purchase/listen to the Mojo, which I find really difficult after enjoying (very much enjoying!) the ifi, with different very capable headphones (Beyerdynamic 1990 and 990 among others), for the last month.... 😊 As always your input is very much appreciated.

The schiit modi 3+ was my first dac and for the price It does a phenomenal job. Great video!

Tarun, sorry but I've been putting off watching this review because I bought myself a MOJO three years ago and right now I can't afford buying this version right now. Oh, bummer! (As Jerry said at Altamont).

Thank you again for a very insightful review. i will be buying mine very soon for desktop use into Naim Uniti1 B&W 603 S2sig fed from Pi/Allo digione sig coax signal.streaming FLAC from NAS or Radio Paradise. I am currently feeding into the coax input on the Naim, but am hoping for greater clarity and detail. I look forward to your future reviews.

Hi! Can I use Mojo2 as desktop DAC, powered by external power supply (like Ifi SMPS or linear PSU). Some people report sound quality degradation/noise in that case of external powering.

Thanks for the review. How would you compare the RME ADI2 DAC FS unit audio quality (functionality aside) to the Mojo2? Cheers

To answer the question, though (late, I know) it has to be the DAC / Pre-Amp I have from April ... up until that time I had only had the DACs inside CD players or AVR receivers, and it was life changing for me. I want to say the model number was the DA100, but that's probably way off! I even have an uninstalled phono board still sitting on my shelf that I managed to source before the equipment was superceded. In terms of even knowing this kind of thing was an option, well ... actually that came *afterwards* ... I know. Basically, I didn't fully register the importance until I got my lowly (and still in use) cyrus portable unit. That *also* (reference my other comment) has only micro-b, but tbf USB-C wasn't a thing then. I'd love to pick up a second hand one, or one with a broken USB for a project that I have, but that's a whole 'nother thing!

Great review Tarun, I am considering purchasing a Mojo 2 as I travel a lot. I have a pair of BOSE in-ear noise cancelling headphones, but I've tried plugging them into my Audiolab M-DAC + and the noise cancelling did not like it at all!!? I would probably seek out a new pair of decent in-ear headphones (space saving when travelling), does anyone have any hot recommendations?? As for game changing digital audio devices. First would be my Sonos system, which I've had almost since it hit the UK. But in my main listening room, I switched out the Sonos box for an ifi Zen Stream into an Audiolab M-DAC+, the difference is immediately obvious. I've upgraded the power supplies on both those items which again improved performance. Not digital, but I run it through a Sugden A21SE amp, beautiful. I have borrowed a Chord Qutest and had friends come do a back to back comparison with the M-DAC+, it is night and day - I've promised myself a Qutest.

In the DAC world, I remember the Audiolab M-DAC was the gamechanging device just over a decade ago. It had USB up to 24/96, but to me, it always sounded way better on the coax input which supported 24/192. Musical Fidelity made a very nice little converter that you could connect to your USB host port and it would give you 24/192 on coax or XLR.

When I bought the Hegel H90 and streamed tidal high resolution was a big thing. Had the project 1,2 and a ortofon blue,cd and streamed Spotify before. And had a little tube amp and recievers So going from that to Hegel was a more clearer ,black background and just a different sound.

Landmark digital product is definitely my Hegel HD30. There are very few reviews including you. ;) Vivaldi/ Bartok dcs would be the grail. I also dont believe people who say the dac of a 390/590 is better than the hd30. With a 360, digital coax output from the 360 serves as a clock to your hd30 then analog xlr back to 360. I have them and im quite happy with it even though they're getting"old". Also think about it even the Dave is from 2015 just like my hd30. How is this not superseded? Are they reaching the limits of digital exploration? I think mola mola can go further in digital exploration. From my fellowman the genius Bruno Putseys.

To answer to your question, my landmark digital product that i heard and gives me that wow is a streamer: the Ifi Zen Stream that i got last week. Suddenly we understood how this device works with its connections and different functions (I'm new to the world of streaming...), the sound reproduction is the equivalent of my records... and that even with my better versions in DSD or 24 bits. This is where this device really shines. It's true that with Tidal MQA via Denafrips Ares 2, Hegel H190, Focal Aria 926, I'm served to perfection. You are a bit the reason for my purchase of the Denafrips and the Hegel, thank you. I must say that I was reluctant to come to the world of streaming, considering that it was a regression in terms of sound. I was mistaken. I compared a DSD version of Patricia Barber, Café Blue on my USB key plugged into the Ifi and the Tidal signal (not even MQA...) and the difference was minimal. I did the same thing with Diana Krall, Turn up the quiet in DSD vs MQA version... I couldn't really tell the two apart! From now on, the convenience and immense discotheque of streaming will outweigh the minimal sound difference. We got there! I suggest you to take a look and review this streamer. With a good dac, it really shine!

By far and away my biggest ah-ha moment in the whole of my audiophile jouney was the first time I listened to the Arcam FMJ CD23. I've always been a bit of a heretic when it comes to high-end audio, and while it would be an overstatement to say that I didn't believe any DAC technology could make any sonic difference at all, I don't think I believed that this much sonic difference could be had for this modest an outlay. It was also my introduction to the Arcam house sound, which didn't hurt considering how much I like it.

Hi Tarun, I didn’t relisten, but I don’t think you mentioned anything about it’s use with the Chord M-Scaler. That is a new feature for the Mojo (2). I happen to have an M-Scaler and will see how that works shortly as I recently got my Mojo2. But I have been busy at AXPONA this weekend in the Chicago area. But I think that partnership with the M-Scaler could be sonically impactful. However, it does negate the value proposition of the Mojo2 alone.

Great review as usual. Which dac would You recommend for atoll st200 am200se combo? I am thinking about qutest or denafrips aries. I am not quite satisfied with internal st200's dac. Best regards 😎

I do not have mains problems so I have not had drop outs. Yes, there maight be DACs which are more refined or you get higher clarity but, to use a term that is too often abused, the Bigger Bit generally sounds more musical. My main system which includes a server/streamer, record player and CD player uses the DAC in the MusicBook20 based around a AKM4490chip. Having listened to a large number of DACs I have in general found that DACs based around AKM DAC chips do sound just that little bit more musical to my ears.

Great, considered, review as always, mate. But ... *Yeesh* ... USB-B ... Sorry, chord, that is a no-no from me in 2022.

I never really understood the hype around the Original Mojo...thought it sounded veiled somehow (maybe just too warm for my taste). But interesting if this new version sounds clearer...personally hoping for a sound nearer the original Hugo which I really liked.

Outstanding as always and thank you for confirming the Mojo 2 should be my next DAC. To answer your QOTD: Mine would be another portable DAC, the ifi nano iDSD Black Label. It was my first "real/external" DAC and it blew my mind as to just what a good DAC could do. Keep up the great work.

I enjoy your reviews, balanced as always. I got the qudelix 5k, for around 140 euro a bit cheaper. I wonder how you would rate that? All the best

Very interested.. How do you connect the dac with exposure Amp? Which adapter do you recommend? Thanks again for your really interesting reviews 😁

After deliberating for far too long, your review is what finally persuaded me to grab a Mojo 2. Brilliant, clear and considered review that was exactly what I was looking for. Thank you Tarun!

Thanks for your informative review. I am wondering, however, how would the Mojo 2 compare to the iDSD Signature? They are about the same price if I remember correctly.

I am so tempted, but shortly after buying the streamer my mojo broke and i could not get any response from chord about getting it fixed, i would have had no problem paying but i was left with expensive useless equipment that i knew could make beautiful music, hence the nervousness

Solid review as always Tarun. The original Mojo was a revelation for me in terms of 'rightness' of digital sound, and all coming from this odd, inexpensive little box. I tried using it as a pre/dac (in to power amp) but found the light-ball volume adjustment too much of a pain and not at all family-friendly. Real shame they couldn't have just put a volume knob on this 2nd gen, especially with its emphasis for hifi use. I got a 2Qute then Qutest. Really interested how this would compare to either of those now they've removed some of that Mojo 1 warmth. I never minded that tbh and though it might suit some systems better than these other models. Cheers.

Hi Tarun. Thank you for this review but also for the whole channel. You are really providing so much support on HIFI journey for so much people. What I like the most about it: you never ever crossed the line of leaving the point and ground idea of real HIFI and what real HIFI is all about. Please: Stay exactly there forever. Your Mojo 2 review is outstanding as well as Mojo 2 itself. I am happy owner of Mojo 2 upgraded with Sbooster. Combination is amazing value and here is not enough space here for me to go impressions. I also know that you know what I could write about :) With that said: It will be very interesting to hear your opinion here how Mojo 2 + LPS could be compared to: Ares II, Gustard R 26, Chord Cutest/ Hugo etc. Not sure if I am the only one wondering in this field, but maybe even some review from your side in that direction would make sense? Happy to hear from you and all the best wishes to your channel.

Well, a lcd display would be nice, it’s especially difficult for new user like myself. I am having a hard time figuring out how to use mojo2.

As always so satisfying to watch you review nice equipment. You ask for landmark sound systems. Well, one of my friends once had an Audio Innovation 500 integrated tube amplifier, Snell JII (original Peter Snell type), Systemdek EII, Helios Aurum Tonearm, Goldring Excel II. I could not afford to spend that kind of money on hifi at the time - even though it is not an absurdly expensive system. This system in his room had a magic sound that I have been chasing for years to follow. Even when I many years after acquired the exact same system the decay of speakers, stylus and tubes - even when replaced - had broke the magic. So so sad - but again - maybe my memory is playing games with me 🙂

Crossfead should reduce the left-right soundstage. On the other hand if some inverse phase right channel is added to the left channel and vice versa the soundstage should appear wider.

Your review is perfect. It's really cool. I got a lot of help in choosing Mojo 2. This serves as a cost-effective DAC for me.

Hi Tarun, I’ve been contemplating a DAC change in my main system for a while, however, until I can afford the Pontus II, I don’t see it replacing the internal DAC on my heavily modified Musical Fidelity CD player. I use a combination of a FiiO Taishan DAC for optical conversion from the TV and the ifi ZEN Blue for connection for guests who want to choose their own background music. I don’t consider either as being worthy of the system, even though both are powered by a linear power supply. Meanwhile, I installed a ZEN DAC Signature in my second system, to use with its partnering headphone amp, fed by a ZEN Stream. I was so impressed by the performance of the set up, it made me wonder, if I installed the new ZEN One DAC in my main system, could it be an upgrade for the MF internal DAC, as well as lifting my video experience from the TV. It uses the same “Signature” upgrades over regular ifi products as my existing DAC, but with added inputs. At the asking price, this DAC is a competitor for the Chord, particularly when paired with a linear power supply and decent mains cable. Then, a fellow reviewer on this platform stumbled upon a(nother!) new product from SMSL, the M500 MkII, which comes with a linear power supply built in, for £440 on Amazon. It’s replaced the Ares II as his reference DAC. Clearly, this leaves me in a quandry of what to do next. How about a follow up to this video with a three-way shootout between the Quord Mojo II, ZEN One and SMSL M500 MkII? In your own time, of course. 🤣.

Very interesting and easy going review as usual. Just being curious I need to ask this question. What would have to happen for you to review Schiit Modi Multibit DAC the upgraded version? 😁🙃 That would be very interesting to see your opinion as a pro 😉

Great review as always. Re the SMSL D1SE, have you used the 'Sound Color' options? I find that the soundstage width increases dramatically when using Rich or Tube options. But doesn't change much for soundstage depth.

How many audiophiles does it take to properly explain the Mojo 2 to me from all relevant aspects? One, as long as they're a British one, apparently.

I found that the OG Mojo was released in 2015, and this Mojo 2 was released in 2022. So, if we expect the Mojo 3 with an LCD display upgrade, shall we wait till 2029? lol

Inexpensive headphones? I use my mojo2 with my Utopia; quite impressive.

Great review. Does it have a fixed output mode for use as a standalone DAC in a hifi system? Or did you just max out the volume control on it manually?

Audio gear Landmarks: Mojo1, MF A1 (old and new), Maggies.

I hate it when I see this type of question but I'm going to break my rule and ask anyway...this or the Earmen ST-Amp? Running Arya Stealth and love staging and dynamics/musicality (Like and subscribed)

Would like to try a Chord. Little pricey and uncommon here in the US. Thank you for the review.

I loved my Mojo but it runs fairly hot and run time 8 hours was not enough. Also dont like its micro usb ports. Eventually sold it. But I miss its sound quality.

I've finally bought Mojo 2 and it produces great sound that I simply love. But I cannot use Mojo 2 on the go because it is picking up mobile phone signal noise all the time. I still like this device as it works amazingly as preamp for my active speakers. However I am soon upgrading my hifi setup to KEF R3 Meta and Marantz 40n. Tarun, since you have reviewed both of the products (Mojo2 and Marantz 40n), would you recomend to use Mojo 2 as preamp in my new setup or the sound quality would be better using internal DAC of Marantz 40n? Obviously my ears will be the best judge here but since I do not have Marantz yet with me I thought I will ask. Thank You.

The problem I have with Chord is for me, they make ugly products. They are not alone in the ugly department as there are others. I know many like their looks, but I just can't get past them. Add to that the dance that needs to be played to run the controls. Thankfully, there are many other visually appealing options that also perform. Thanks as always for the review!

Thank you for this excellent review about the mojo 2. NB: i love your style .. please don’t change! be yourself elegant precise fair honest ! This British accent gives it some how apart gives some lead 😊 which makes me think : if his analysis matches the high level and articulation of his language then you may peacefully rely on his expertise!

Tarun I really need you opinion here I bought a Hegel h95 because your review and Im really enjoying it, using a Mac mini to the Hegels Dac, my question is can this mojo 2 improve the sound of my speakers??

I wonder whether by adding a display screen on the Chord Mojo2 if it would introduce unwanted noise into the system from the display driver? Sometimes, simpler is better Best review of the Mojo or Mojo2 that I have watched. Good job well done 👍

Hi Tarun, thanks for another great review, l like your sicinct informative approach. I'm really considering getting this Dac as a stop gap before I move house for desktop headphone duties. As Razisn commented the DSP tone control looks to be strong option. My first decent CD player, the Rotel RCD 965bx (so good I can remember it's product no to this day!) Was eye opening to me at the time. I loved its natural and detailed sound, at least compared to what I was used to. What's more I passed it on to a friend when I upgraded, and it's still going strong nearly 25 years on! Keep up the good work👍

This dac is shockingly good -- it's a blast to listen to.

Hi Tarun. Very revealing review thanks. Granted, it's more expensive than the Mojo 2 but In terms of superior functionality the one for me has to be the RME ADi-2 Dac (even though it's a chip based D/A converter). I have a substantial CD collection (about 4000) the best of which I've ripped to hard drive and played to my hi-fi from a laptop - so that ease of use coupled with the comprehensive onboard DSP/room correction and the LCD screen in the RME make it a preference for me. But then, I haven't done an A/B test of the Mojo and the RME so I could be talking twaddle! Great work. Keep it up.

I'm glad you didn't say it sounded organic because I have no idea what that means.