Performance
Without divulging how drunk I was, I didn’t follow up with Chord about a loaner. Why? It’s because several weeks ago I had one one in studio for a recent magazine shoot. Several days was all it took before I was counting my yennies and scoping out e-earphone’s used pages. So let me say this. If after borrowing Mojo, a reviewer returns it without reserving their own copy, that reviewer is worthless. Mojo is going to define the hi-performance aftermarket DAC/amp space.
Mojo rocks three digital inputs: USB, coaxial, and optical. As an iPhone user, I have to put my trust in the first, thankfully, which performs flawlessly. The other two are very good to excellent. Feel free to take your pick.
Mojo’s performance missteps are metrics to which most DACs strive to attain. And, they are minimal.
But first, let’s chat up Mojo’s hitsteps:
Voltage syncs beautifully between sources, providing perfectly balanced channels at any volume. It is perfectly suited to both sensitive earphones such as the Ultrasone IQ and Shure’s SE846 as well as high-Ω headphones like the Beyerdynamic T1 and Sennheiser HD800. Despite nailing balance between such a wide gulf, Mojo packs phenomenal punch. It easily strong arms the amazing Lynx HILO, and even gives the LinnenberG Maestro a run for its money at moderate to painful listening levels. Bumping up against insanity, Maestro outputs less IMD, indicating more current headroom for high-Ω headphones. But those are killing volumes.
Right now, I’ve got Beyerdynamic’s new 600Ω T1 on my head. And Mojo’s output is fixed at orange, which translates to – let me check the cheat sheet – which translates to … which translates to… which- for chrissake! is low. I take the less sensitive DT880/600 up to yellow – which, according to the cheat sheet- …
Both yellow and orange reside in the lower third of the volume scale, and Mojo sails cleanly, and powerfully, beyond either.
Unloaded and volume-matched, Mojo essentially outputs 25% less THD and roughly 12% less IMD than the AK380, single-ended. Against the same metrics and VS Onkyo’s DP-X1, Mojo outputs 87x less THD and 50x less IMD. Incredible. Plug in an Earsonics SM2 in and Mojo’s superiority above the AK380 is markedly one-sided: 6x less THD and 3,5x less IMD. The DP-X1’s single-ended output hasn’t a chance. Mojo maintains at least 12dB better stereo separation than its closest rival, and it hasn’t even approached its maximum voltage. The best DP-X1’s balanced output is impressive. But unloaded, Mojo at max power, edges past it in every metric but IMD, where it outputs roughly 40% more. But, that’s 40% more than 0,0005%, which amounts to exactly nothing.
In other words: Mojo’s single-ended output is as good, or better than the market’s current best-of-breed balanced DAP, the DP-X1. And, with the exception of loaded (Earsonics SM2) stereo separation, it handles loads remarkably better than that DAP.
Are you looking for a reference-quality DAC that won’t break the bank?
Look no further than Mojo.
How ‘bout a best-of-breed good amp to go with that?
Look no further than Mojo.
That Mojo, an all-in-one, nearly perfectly handles any load and performs to the limits of current HiFi tech, should have other designers running for the drawing board. Even if you’ve already plugged 3500$ into the evolved ultimate Astell&Kern AK380, at 599$, Mojo offers measurable gains, and an input that plays nice with the world of AK.
But being able to skip shoddy software UIs is the icing on the cake. Attached to an iPhone, you’ll get the same amazing performance without forced gaps between songs, random playback order, lost artists, genres, albums, etc.. Yes, Mojo and your iPhone become a stack. Yes, that stack is heavier and less wieldy than an AK240. But their conglomerate mass and audio muscle outstrips the performance of any hi-end DAP. Better yet, that stack will break neither your music nor your bank. And, with 8-10 hours of battery life at your disposal, you’ll still eke out more listening than you will through your 4-figure DAP.
Of course, at normal listening volumes, there’s little to no performance advantage to hi-res anything to good-quality DAPs.
Sound
According to John Darko Mojo is piquant. It is that. But there’s more to it than that. It is phenomenally detailed in all frequencies, but favours the low range with a slight compression of stereo separation. This fractionally verves up bass, anchoring and warming Mojo’s signal. Even pushing hard loads at harder voltage levels, Mojo keeps away IMD tizz and THD cotton. Nothing is lost to distortion. Mojo is speedy, wide, powerful. There’s nothing it can’t do.
That said, I’ve uncovered a single anomaly between the unit I purchased and the one I originally borrowed: hiss. The one lent me by Ongaku Shuppansha hissed roughly on par, or a little more, than an original Astell & Kern AK100. The one I purchased from e-earphone outputs slightly more noise than Vorzüge’s PURE II+, which is A-okay in my books.
If you’re looking for balanced headphone outs, Mojo isn’t really set up for that. But, some intrepid wire re-router should be able to dig a balanced trench from the DAC to the outside, wiring Mojo similarly to Sony’s balanced amps, or with an adapter, similarly to Astell&Kern 2,5mm TRRS. Someone will try it. Until then, Mojo is single-ended only.
Meh
The caveats aren’t strong with Mojo. Great sound, great performance, tiny, and compatible out the wazzoo, this DAC has so much going for it. But its UI, plugged as it is by non-discrete eyeball buttons whose job it is to do everything Mojo does, and convey every setting Mojo conveys, is both challenging and obtuse. Different isn’t better. Better is better. Finally, Chord may have a QC issue on their hands, illustrated by output noise. Apart from that, I can tell no difference between my unit, and the one I originally borrowed.
End words
Mojo and similarly-sized products that perform on par with it (none currently exist) may spell the death for portable amps. That is, unless you prefer the output of your DAP or computer. If not, Mojo is better than you hoped for. And, at 599$, it and the right cable, makes your favourite smartphone or digital-out into a perfect portable system. Chord could have chosen a nicer font for Mojo, and they could have chosen a less-obtuse hardware notification system. But there is no way you can choose a better portable DAC/amp.
Well done.
Michael Amouyal
How does it compare to the Alo CDM?
ohm image
Well, I don’t think it does. The CDM is a valve amp that sounds and acts like a valve amp. If you’re into that sort of sound (and I am), it is one of if not the best of its type on the market. And, it has analogue input, which Mojo lacks.
If you’re into warmth over power, CDM. If you’re into absolute resolution, Mojo.
Michael Amouyal
I am into good sound with iems, powerful, yet detailed and musical. The Lotoo Paw Gold and the 901 are my favorite sounding DAPs. Was not crazy about the Hugo.
ohm image
I’m not familiar with HUGO. I heard it only twice, for a total of ten to twenty minutes. I never got to hardware test it, or even compare it in a quiet room. So I can’t talk about it.
And Lotoo is the exact same.
Headfonia_L.
I’ll be comparing it to the HUGO as soon as my Mojo arrives
ohm image
That will be nice.
Tom1206
Sooo… This little piece of metal is apparently a beast! Probably my next “precious”…
Does it pair well with the HD650?
ohm image
Technically, it should. I’ve not tried the pari. I’m a DT880 guy. Sorry, I hope we still can be friends.
Dan
I experience it as a decent pair, a bit more likeable than with the Hugo (caveat– not a basshead but still appreciate heft below, clarity, and air, so I tend to prefer a Sabre pairing if using HD6x0 unmodded).
Dave Ulrich
THis looks like an absolute killer!
ohm image
Killer alien, or killer DAC/amp? Which is it? I assure you it is at least one.
fiasco1
Are there significant differences in sq compared to Hugo? Thanks! Oops, sorry, just read the comments below. Never mind!
ohm image
I don’t have HUGO. Lieven will follow this review up with comparison.
Uncle Reggie
My first Mojo had more than a hiss – it was an actual hum that was audible through IEMs with no device inputing signal. Also was evident with an optical input from my AK100 (which is an amazing combo as they are the exact same size) I was told that some Mojos got through the QC process that way. My Mojo was exchanged and now there is no hiss whatsoever. I have not listened while charging – I’m not that impatient, so I can’t say whether that will create any audible hiss. It will increase the temperature though. Now if I can find a Lightning to Micro USB, I’d love to try my iPhone. Bottom line this is an amazing device. With the proper files and headphones, it doesn’t get much better.
ohm image
I’ve not gotten Mojo to work with any micro USB to lightning cable I have. I have one more to try and will get back to you. As mentioned at head-fi, even if a cable like that works, it could change with firmware.
Oliverpool
I have 2 from Taobao and the new Fiio L19 cable. All works fine without the need for CCK.
Uncle Reggie
Anywhere in the states you can get one? (L19)
Oliverpool
I was told by Fiio that there was a great demand. But shippment should go out early Dec to all the countries. I am sure it will be available in the US soon….
ohm image
That sounds great. Having to use the USB-LT converter is annoying.
Uncle Reggie
Do you have a link from taobao? I haven’t been able to locate an L19 in the USA
Alf
does the taobao cable (LT->MicroUSB) works on ios 9.2,, do you have issue since you used it til now?
dalethorn
I think the solution for Apple devices, regardless of iOS versions, is going to be the Lightning to female USB-A cable. With that cable, you add the USB-A to everything else cable (Mini-USB, MicroUSB, etc.), and you’re ready to go. I have a non-Apple Lightning to female USB-A cable, and it does not work, but the Apple cable works with my FiiO E17k, E07k, K1 etc.
dalethorn
I tried some stuff with the E17k and a recent 128 gb iPod Touch – what didn’t work was FiiO’s double-ended MicroUSB cable with the little MicroUSB to Lightning adapter that Apple makes. So I took a short MicroUSB to USB-A cable and plugged that into a female USB-A to Lightning adapter I got from Apple for the new Macbook with the USB-C port. That worked. I don’t know if any such female USB-A to Lightning adapter would work, but the Apple adapter does.
Oliverpool
There are 2 light levels. Press both volume buttons at same time after it is switched on. It will switch between low and normal light levels….
ohm image
I may have missed that because my manual is all in Japanese and I’m not perfect with Japanese. I will try that and add it to the review. Thank you.
Dave Ulrich
I wonder if the Concero HP has finally met its match?
ohm image
Good question. I’ve not tried that DAC.
Barun C
Another good read, but was expecting more pictures. Had ordered the QP1R back when this was making buzz in the head-fi forums. Its a great product at this price point and comparison with Hugo, CDM and HiFi M8 will be exciting to read, if anyone does that. I wonder how good the amplification is compared to the Portaphile 627X.
ohm image
It’s better than the Portaphile 627x in every area except background noise, which is marginally higher. the 627x is one of the best portable amps, but its amplification circuit is bested by this bad boy.
vick_85
@ohm image
Is that a T1 gen 2 I see in the images??
Review of the gen2 T1 coming soon??
Headfonia_L.
It’s in the works
vick_85
Yay.
Looking forward to reading the review.
ohm image
Yes sir. Unfortunately I don’t have a T1 gen 1 on hand to compare, but who cares. Beyer fans… let’s get ready for some fun.
Tibor
Hello. I was in a nice shop in Brno yesterday and I´ve tried some Beyer cans (finally, hurray!), DT990 Pro and DT880 (another guy was using T1…) and they were good, but only to the moment till I´ve tried Grado RS2e.. Oh boy, so clearer and richer sound! After that those Beyers were a no go… heh 🙂
Nevermind, I am going to buy Mojo soon and after I will check those T1´s hopefully (and hopefully those were the 2nd gen) vs RS2e.
Do you guys like these Grado cans? 🙂
dalethorn
The only Grado woodie I had was the GH1, but the RS series are pretty special from what people say. Their older PS500 was good, but the PS500e may have changed. Is the RS2e the new ‘e’ version of the RS2?
Tibor
Yes! With red painted drivers
vick_85
Looking forward to reading the review Sir.
derSchallhoerer
The Mojo really is that good. I own one myself and love it. I usually don’t fall for the “hype” too easy, but this one is well worth the money if you ask me. Some may even say its underpriced. Who really cares. I am using it mainly on my Mac with Audirvana since my new DX80 really does not need a better DAC/AMP Combo. But that would also work out well. As well as hooking my Yamaha-CDS300 to the Mojo via Coax. You really can’t go wrong with the Mojo.
ohm image
I’ve been pretty nasty to hyped products, but this one is one that, other than some silly stylish choices, is a great product. Interestingly, the USB performance from your Mac may be much worse than out of an iPhone. Mine measures at around 16-bit levels VS obviously 24-bit spec from a Mojo powered by an iPhone.
Mário S.
How does the sound compare with the DX80?
Chris
BTW, cheers for the GX680
ohm image
You got it mate.
aras87
Nathan, any comparisons to Oppo HA-2? Is mojo any better in terms of sound quality?
ohm image
Better in every way.
aras87
Wow! Thanks
GraveDancer
Would these drive the HE1000’s? Perhaps as a pre into my RSA Intruder (for balanced output)?
ohm image
Yes, it will. Mojo packs in one of the most powerful headphone amps around.
Matthew Wingert
Would Mojo be able to drive the MrSpeakers Alpha Prime?
Dan
The pair I heard sounded pretty decent from the Mojo, with plenty of heft [but not to the level of, say, an LHL Geek Out V2(/Infinity) or any of the desktop Schiits].
ohm image
What do you mean “not to the level of, say, and LHL Geek Out V2…”?
Dan
To my ears, the GOV2 at highest gain driving the Alpha Prime has fuller upper mids. When using the GOV2 Infinity at medium gain (450mW) and level-matched to the Mojo, the latter seems more congested in that area but with more pronounced mid-bass.
ohm image
Well, it would be interesting to compare the two through actual hardware parameters to see if there is a collapsing of any part of Mojo’s signal through, or even one in the GOV2, which may favour a certain sound.
ohm image
Yes.
Marco Epicoco
Although not really in the same market, since one is a DAC/Amp combo and the other a portable Amp only, I’d really appreciate a comparison of the Mojo to the Vorzüge Pure II+, which I’ve recently purchased.
I understand that the Pure II (and its + iteration) has always been among your (@ Nathan!) favorite picks, but – today – which portable amp would you wholeheartedly suggest between the Mojo and the Pure II+, since you surely knows these two amps inside and out?
Your very positive reviews have certainly managed to push me towards the purchase of the Pure II+, which I couldn’t postpone any further with the recent 20% discount offered by Vorzüge during the Black Friday weekend. Otherwise, both amps are basically in the same price league.
I guess that for those who do not strictly requires to also have a DAC in the same unit (like me), the most important features to be assessed would be the pure musical/sounding qualities of these two amps. Not that I would ever switch my brand new Pure II+ with a Mojo, but a comparison would be useful for those who are still on the fence for buying a quality portable amp. I’m certainly more than happy with the Pure II+, which is not so widely reviewed online but that you’ve been able to give it justice with a very nice and to the point review. Many thanks for that as well! Cheers!
Headfonia_L.
For me, I prefer using the Duet/Vorzuge when using a good source like the AK players or the L5PRO, X7. With other sources where the DAC part isn’t that great, I’d suggest the Mojo. But Hugo is even better 😉
ohm image
Marco, I really need to update my RMAA section to show you where/how certain products truly shine.
Keep in mind that the PURE II/+ is only analogue input and MOJO is only digital input. They are absolutely not interchangeable. If you use Mojo, you must connect it to the digital output of your computer, DAP, or phone. PURE connects to any old analogue output.
When driving load, the two are pretty comparable, but Mojo in some places is better, and in others, PURE is better. Thats said, PURE is a bit warmer/richer sounding, and hisses slightly less. I’m splitting hairs here, but it must be done.
Still, deciding BETWEEN the two is difficult for the simple reason that they are devices with two completely different target markets.
Marco Epicoco
Thank you for putting everything into (the right!) perspective!
Furthermore, in my previous comment I’ve also completely missed the other key difference of the analogue input of the Pure II+ vs the digital one of the Mojo.
They’re indeed two products with very different target markets. Although I really enjoy the black background, purity, richness, hiss-free performance and overall sound signature of the Pure II+, those who cannot forgo a DAC/Amp combo would most probably be better served by the Mojo, which really seems to be a true gem. Thanks again!
ohm image
Any time (I find a new comment, which often ends up being late).
Duy Le
I owned DAP X5 2nd gen, could you please advise me which is better to pair: VorzAMP pure II or Mojo ?
Thanks a lot.
ohm image
Well, if you’re keen on using an outboard DAC, Mojo is the only choice. If you’re keen on having an amp, PURE II is as good a portable amp as exists.
So, shifting focus from the DAC/amp thing to just sound style, PURE II is a bit smoother and warmer, but only just so. I can’t tell you which you should get, only that if you want to use a DAC, Mojo is amazing and will work with your computer, too. If you’re keen on an amp only, PURE II is, IMHO, as good as it gets.
Duy Le
Thanks for your quick reply 🙂
I want to choose one of them to pair with my X5 2nd gen so I need you advise which combo will provide the best SQ.
I can upgrade to AK120ii but I want to build above combo because of following reasons:
– longer playing time
– portable (acceptable with me)
– same SQ (with AK120ii)
Juan Luis Quiroz Guevara
How compared with Theorem 720 or hifi m8?
ohm image
It is better in every way than both. Of course, it can’t do balanced output but it hisses less, is capable of better 24-bit spec (not that you’d ever listen to music loud enough to reveal 24-bit’s improvement over 16-bit), and is smaller than either.
Minh Nguyen Ba
The Mojo didn’t play ball neither with my HTX one M8 nor my Samsung glalaxy S5. Your only hope is to use USB Audio Player Pro and possibly the Onkyo player, both paying apps and only for local files playback, no streaming, Spotify, Soundcloud, etc.
Whilst I enjoyed having 95% of the sound quality of my Hugo at work, I eventually sent the Mojo back.
ohm image
That’s a shame. I assumed that Android phones were more compatible.
Tibor
Usb audio player can now access Tidal streaming 😉 😉 😉
Fernando Perez
Even they are in 2 different segments (DAP vs (DAC/AMP) I would like to know how the Mojo compares with the FIIO X7.
Thanks in advance
dalethorn
What source would be driving the Mojo?
Fernando Perez
Iphone with cck
dalethorn
The official word would have to come from Nathan or Lieven, but my big money is on the Mojo.
Edit: BTW, which music player? One that uses Apple’s library, or one that supports high-res files in its own file container?
Fernando Perez
what music player do you recommend me on this setup that we are talking (Mojo+Iphone+SE846/IE800/Jupiter)?
dalethorn
Lots of people like the Onkyo player, although I don’t use it. I use the Audioforge Equalizer player for the precise EQ, but it’s limited to CD resolution. I use WAV tracks with certain albums where I want highest res., since I’m skeptical that 96 khz res. gets a full treatment on any iPhone players through to a mid-priced DAC like the Mojo. And then there’s the issue of background noise masking the finest details in portable use. With 128 gb of storage, I can keep 150 albums in WAV format on the phone with lots of extra space remaining. But to be fair, someone reliable needs to do a critical review of the iPhone’s music players to see which ones really sound as good as the better desktop players. iPhone DACs need either a DAC that has special Apple coding, or a CCK adapter to translate the digital output for the DAC. I wonder what the translated data looks like and whether it’s as good as what desktop players send to their DACs.
ohm image
iPhone with Mojo will perform better, hands down. And it has a much nicer interface that does gapless even with MP3 and AAC. Dale is right.
Fernando Perez
Thank you both for your answer, I will go for the Mojo and look for a good Universal IEM to mach with it, lot of options in the sub 1k area
dalethorn
I really like the IE800. Most IEMs just sound too bright for me.
Fernando Perez
I like more the warm side (or musical) keeping details and air. How does this one compares to SE846 or Campfire Jupiter? with the Mojo of course, and answering your other question: I use high-res files not apple´s library
dalethorn
No idea about the 846 or Jupiter, but Lieven or Nathan should add a suggestion, knowing which player software you use.
Observer
Can’t tell you about the Campfire, but the SE846 is my personal heaven.
I frequently give my Oppo PM-1/HA-2/iPod Touch Combo to friends to have a listen. They are wowwed by the performance.
Then I tell them it’s nothing compared to the SE846.
Ddaktiv
Hi! how does this compare against the CL Duet?
Headfonia_L.
Duet of course doesn’t have the DAC but it is fully balanced and the amp is of a higher level to my ears
ohm image
Measurably, Mojo comes out ahead. Everything else is subjective.
Juan Luis Quiroz Guevara
Just out of curiosity , between fiio x3ii + cloud nine vs smartphone android + mojo, who has the best sound quality ?
Headfonia_L.
Make that and X5SG or X7/CN 😀
Juan Luis Quiroz Guevara
Among the x3sg and x5sg , who has better dac / line out ?
Headfonia_L.
X5SG!
Aakshey
How does the Chord Mojo compare to the Asus Essence One Muses Edition? I only care about the DAC in both, not the full unit. Thanks for your help!
Aakshey
canali
Looking forward to when you can compare the new dragonflies (red and black) with the court mojo
Patrick
Hi,
any hibts on how comnpares to the new cozoy rei?
I am currently undecicive between the two…
ohm image
I’m sorry this is late. Rei isn’t at the same measurable level as Mojo, and from what I understand, it can’t be modded to do balanced output. But it is very good. The thing is: do you want just a USB DAC or a DAC that does a lot more. And there’s the size issue.
Benoît
Hi
First at all thank you very much for all your very interesting reviews.
Do you think the Mojo is a good match with my Ultrasone Edition 8 ?
If not, do you have a another suggestion ? I use a Galaxy S7.
Best regards.
ohm image
I can’t comment on matching, for the primary reason that each of us have different preferences. Mojo will drive the ED8 with no issue at all and put as high performance behind that headphone as is likely exists.
Jose Sanchez Bisquert
Hello all,
I need your help. I bought a mojo about a year ago. I have a big problem, I use it my mobile One Plus 3t and my favourite app is USB Audio player pro, I can play all sort if hi res files. The sound is amazing but the app cuts off every now and then. I have never listened more than 15 minutes in a row. It is annoying.
I have tried others app like Onkyo with same disappointing results.
I have been told it could be an Android problem, something about the Kernel. Any ideas?
I think it could be about the cable. I bought the cables bis from Chord but there is not the right wire for new phones, there is not a USB 2 C wire. I can’t find the right cable anywhere, I had to buy a cheap adapter. What wire do you use to plug mojo to USB C?
Thanks
Jose
ohm image
Jose,
I’m glad you like the Mojo. I’m afraid that I can’t help you. The reason is that I don’t own any USB-C devices and have never handled USB-C cables. I hope you’ll get some help.
Jose Sanchez Bisquert
Thanks for your answer OHM
Luke
I am on my THIRD Chord Mojo in 1 year, the connection fails after 6 month, Chord want £300 to fix it each time, it is well documented online but NO ONE talks about it in reviews (appreciate they may not have time to experience this) however it needs to be talked about, you may pay £400 for something that will turn into a useless brick in 6 months after very delicate and light use.
dale thorn
Yikes! I hope someone has an explanation!
ohm image
I’ve not experienced that problem and I got my unit used, though I had to replace it once because of noise in the headphone output.
dale thorn
What bothers me about this, given that your replacement is additional confirmation that this DAC/amp has real problems, is the creeping noise-and-distortion issue. Not that anyone has said that specifically, but it’s something to consider. Like the Sennheiser 600 series headphone cable connectors at the earcups -all that I’ve had went “bad” after only about a year, until I discovered that it was just a micro-corrosion, easily fixed.
The problem I have is when I’m into using the thing for a few months, and some problem becomes too noticeable to ignore, that I realize I’ve been listening to a compromised sound for possibly a long time, believing that it’s the music or something else. And unlike the Sennheiser cables, not easily fixed.