Sound – Intro
This section on sound is divided up in multiple sections. I received the Mojo 2 back in December already, so I have spent hundreds of hours with it already. We have tested the Mojo 2 mostly by using the Micro-USB input with a laptop (Roon) as source, and that with a series of IEMs and full sized headphones. The second most used source was my OnePlus phone with Hiby Music & Tidal.
According to Chord Electronics the Mojo 2 is technically and sonically superior to the original Mojo because it now is DC-coupled with a digital DC servo and because it benefits from an improved WTA filter, now offering 40,960 taps, using 40 DSP cores. On top of that an improved noise-shaper offers greater depth and detail perception, plus improvements to the 4e Pulse Array DAC introduce lower distortion and out-of-band noise. Greater neutrality has also been achieved, thanks to the elimination of coupling capacitors.
Let’s find out for ourselves how the new Chord Mojo 2 sounds!
Sound – General
I don’t think it will come as a surprise to anyone, but the Mojo ‘s overall signature/tuning is neutral and balanced. This already was the case with the original, and this is perhaps even more the case in this new version. Neutral of course doesn’t mean it’s automatically dry or cold. This wasn’t the case with the original, and it isn’t the case now. The Mojo 2 is full-on musical but without going to the smoother and warmer side. It’s the typical tuning we call the reference tuning, and which you find in many high end devices, including Chord’s.
The Chord Mojo 2 is super clean in its presentation and the background is pitch black and completely noiseless. As such, Mojo 2 with its very high detail retrieval sounds extremely accurate and precise. The delivery – as we already know from the original – is fast and the Mojo 2 does it effortlessly so. The PRaT on the Mojo is exemplary, but that of course is one of Chord Electronics’ house characteristics.
The Mojo 2 at all-times is highly energetic, and that is valid for bass, mids and treble. At the same time it isn’t overly energetic which can lead to a more “digital” type of sound. In the Mojo 2 everything always sounds natural, but of course in a solid state kind of way.
Soundstage-wise the Mojo 2 performs well, but to me it’s especially the depth that has improved compared to the original. The depth and layering in the bass and mid region is really well done, and the extension for both bass and highs is really lovely. You will not have the feeling you’re missing out on something in this regard. Mojo 2’s stereo image and left right balance is really good, and you can especially notice the improvement with higher end gear. In regards to the positioning of the instruments the Mojo 2 scores well, but I feel a little improvement here is still possible.
When listening to the Chord Mojo 2, you have the feeling of getting a natural tuning, which is precise yet easy on the ears. I find the Mojo 2 to cause no listening fatigue at all and that’s not something I could say about the original Mojo (for my ears). With a natural tuning I mean that the spaciousness and airiness is realistic and Mojo 2 is giving the notes the ability to breath. The result is a good overall decay and a high level note extension from top to bottom.
We already knew that the Chord Electronics Mojo is a technically strong contender, but the Mojo 2 is even more so. The Mojo does it all effortlessly. With its technical strength, natural delivery and musical presentation, the Mojo 2 will easily win over many hearts and ears. For me the choice between the original and this new version is fairly easy, but more on that later.
Sound – Classics
Even if the Mojo 2 has a neutral tuning and balanced sound, the bass definition and presence is really spot on. Bass is fast and precise and it comes delivered with good impact and a really great kick.
Bass goes deep and even to sub levels, but it loses some rumble and clarity at the very (low) end. Bass does go sufficiently deep for sure and it is especially the level of accuracy and decay, combined with the layering and spaciousness here that really impresses. I absolutely adore the bass section of the Mojo 2, and I am sure 99% of audiophiles will agree with me. Bass is fast, exciting, energetic, high in technical quality and it never overpowers anything. Spot on, well defined bass with good impact and top lever layering is what you get here.
The mids, as said, are very natural, spacious and energetic. The mids for me are incredibly musical and vocals are super impressive. The mids are nicely spacious with a good amount of air and the note extension and decay is excellent. The Mojo 2 does everything with easy and the layering and depth just might be my most favorite part of the new Mojo 2. The mids are musical, engaging, realistic and technically strong, what’s not to be liked?
Tre treble section for me is a bit softer on the ears but it extends well. Where the bass and mids excel in the depth, layering and spaciousness, I find it to be a little less the case here. The treble section is inoffensive and it will please the majority of ears, but for me it could have even been presented with a bit more contrast and depth. Don’t get me wrong, the treble section is nice and it perfectly connects, matches and balances with the mids and bass. But, it could be a tad more snappy for my personal preference.
Sound – DSP – Crossfeed
Press the menu button once (it will show blue), then press the volume up ‘+’ button to cycle between the four available options: red: minimum; green: moderate; blue: maximum; unlit (crossfeed off). Once chosen, the selection will be remembered and Mojo 2 will automatically exit the menu setting in approximately 10 seconds. Alternatively, press and hold menu to exit the menu immediately. For this test I am using the laptop/Roon/Tidal setup.
The crossfeed function is not something I use all the time, but I mostly use it with IEMs that are less strong in this particular field. The different settings are audible, but it’s mostly the moderate and maximum setting which bring most difference to the table. Don’t expect the difference to be huge like day and night difference. It is more subtle but it’s definitely there. The nice and maybe surprising thing is that even if you think the difference isn’t huge, your ears after a while will be feeling they’re missing out on something when going back to the “off” setting. That imho is the sign the crossfeed is well implemented.
For me the crosffeed option is definitely recommended for some specific IEMS and headphones, but not for all. This of course depends on your personal preference, so just test it and see if you like it.
Sound – DSP – Equalization
If you have been reading my reviews, you will know I’m not the biggest fan of DSP and EQ, but I am very impressed with how seamlessly Chord Electronics has implemented the feature in the Mojo 2. You get a lot of different steps/settings and no matter how you’re configuring it, there is no negative impact on the units dynamics, volume or overall (clean) performance.
To access the equalization modes, press menu twice until the button displays red: this indicated the first of the four equalization options: lower bass adjustment. From here, further menu presses cycle through the remaining three modes: yellow: mid-bass; green: lower treble; blue: upper treble. For each of the four equalization modes, there are nine positive (lift) and nine negative (cut) 1 dB adjustment steps (18 in total) available. It is a very extensive feature, allowing you to super precisely tune your IEM or headphone to your preferences.
If you like using EQ, then you will absolutely love the Mojo 2. Of course you don’t have to use it, but if you’re open to EQ, then the Mojo 2 will impress on this level as well.
The part on sound continues on page 4. Just click here to keep reading.
Page 1: Chord Electronics, Mojo, Mojo 2
Page 2: Packaging & accessories, Design & Build quality, Lay-Out & Usability, Menu, Specs
Page 3: Sound Part 1
Page 4: Sound Part 2 & Conclusion
Ml
Original mojo was 38k taps.
MhtLion
Great review!! Personally I’d love to find out how Mojo 2 will drive LCD-5 and Phi TC.
Lieven
Thanks. The 5 is in for repair…
Ali Arghavan
Thanks for the review. I must say, I’m disappointed with the new Mojo. It’s more expensive but doesn’t bring that much to the table. Compared to 7 years ago there is more competition.
– You still get an abysmal accessory set (just one USB-A to microusb). No case, no USB-C no lightning.
– The USB-C port looks like an aftertough and looks horrible. Seriously! Did someone cut the Mojo and added a cheap plasticky bit just to add a port?
– MicroUSB charging is laughable at 2022. So Chord will continue to use microUSB even on future devices just to maintain compatibility? This was the best opportunity to revamp Poly as well maybe to implement better Bluetooth and features.
– DSP settings are nice but without a display and preset settings, I won’t find myself using it after some time. It’s just too much hassle compared to proper EQ options.
+ The only real objective benefit is the new desktop mode which I appreciate. And also the higher output power which is welcome indeed.
Am I complaining too much? Yes. It’s a Chord product that people have been waiting for years. And it’s not cheap.
Alex
Great review!
Re: “I find the Mojo 2 to cause no listening fatigue at all and that’s not something I could say about the original Mojo (for my ears)”.
I am surprised about your comment above since by all accounts the M2 has more treble extension/energy compared to the OG Mojo, which is usually the part that leads to listening fatigue. I get zero (0) listening fatigue with the OG Mojo. None.
Lieven
For me personally the fatigue doesn’t come from the upper end, more the intimacy and lack of extension
Shane
What’s it like with hard to drive headphones like the DCA Aeon Noire?
Lieven
I don’t have the headphone, but Mojo is not meant to drive hard to drive headphones really
xtvymrdn
Soundwise only, what do you think about mojo2 vs hugo1?
Lieven
Mojo 2 is technically superior. Hugo 1 is smoother and more analog sounding.
Phanindra MVR
How does this compare against the iFi Gryphon and iFi iDSD Signature?
Lieven
Sorry, I don’t have any iFi devices
vince
also interested in how this pairs with aeon 2 closed!
Syazwan
Nice! Thank you for comparing to Mojo 2 with Centrance Hifi M8 v2.
Been considering them both, both packed with features and unique from one to another. My only primary interest for Mojo 2 is its Lossless EQ. Does the EQ implementation in Mojo 2 is better than Paramteric EQ or EQ from Schiit Loki?
Jorge
El mojo2 vs el ifi gryphon como se compara ?
Will
Hey hey,
Maybe this is a silly ask. I’ve got the Mojo 2 fed by iFi Zen Stream. Looking for a decent cable. Weirdly my old QED TOSLINK wouldn’t lock into Mojo, so need to find different option. USB-C vs Mini USB? I’m thinking USB C because it’s a newer connection, seems to lock in much better. Mini USB has always seemed a bit flimsy to me. Audioquest do a decent Carbon USB-C cable that’s not insanely priced at about £120, high silver content.
Not sure I can actually output optical from Zen Stream- asked iFi, not heard back. Coaxial/optical connection stuff really confuses me- so many connector variations.
Mojo 2 is great by the way, clean, smooth, quick, great slam and attack, effortless.
Cheers,
Will
John Jones
Try adding a power bank I bought one today from Asda 15,000 ah
And I couldn’t belive the amount of detail retrival. was I hearing things?
I then connected the power bank
After listening without the power bank, the improvement in deital and separation
Awsome dac I use it as a desk top dac.
Niels
Just got the Mojo 2, and I must say, that I am very pleased with the performance. Would have lowed a fixed “line out” switch, and I don’t understand the “two volume range”.
“Volume-wise, the Mojo 2 benefits from two main volume ranges: low and high, as indicated by the colour of the menu button: unlit (low); white (high).”
What’s the point? It’s not like a low/high gain button or —–
Olo Olowski
Any views on Hifiman Edition XS and Mojo 2 Combo?
Yagiz
Amazing combo imo. Resolution is great, the staging is precise, the pair sounds tonally balanced and accurate. The XS is one of the best headphones of 2022 and Mojo 2 is a very capable DAC & AMP that comes with unique EQ capability that does not hurt the SQ.
I can recommend the pair with my eyes closed Olo.
Olaf
Ok, so I bought this combo. You were right – this is fire. I have also tried others synergies and sound systems, but this is my favourite one so far. Now I am looking for a perfect IEMs so I can use mojo as portable device.
Phill Lister
I concur with your comments about pairing this with Sennheiser HD800s phones and using the max crossfeed setting. The phones are designed to create more of a soundstage in front of the listener. They don’t really do this in a dramatic way but with the crossfeed setting there’s a definite sense of sound in front of you as well as great stereo ambience and separation. Turn the crossfeed off and you notice you’re getting different sounds in each ear but you don’t get that 3D depth quality. It’s superb!
Shashi
Hi, Have Mojo2 and ordered Poly. Will it drive HD800S to its maximum ie., heavy bass and soundstage. Pls suggest an IEM or Headphone with good sub bass and base with wider soundstage to pair with Mojo2+Poly.
Lieven
It won’t fully drive the Senn. ELITE