Sound – Digital Inputs
All of the above impressions are with the USB-C and Micro-USB input. That means that we in this chapter will compare that to the coaxial and optical input.
For the coaxial input, the source I have chosen is the xDuoo X10Tii portable turntable. It’s my favorite portable digital source and the synergy with the Mojo 2 is superb. It gives you great clarity, energy and a very high detail retrieving. This combo scores super high when it comes to technicalities. You get good body, a fast and clear presentation, maybe a bit less bass, but great musicality at all times. So compared to the USB input it’s more energetic, lively and the PRaT is even better.
To test the optical input, we’re using the Astell&Kern SP2000 DAP with Tidal as source and the DT1990PRO. What you get from this combo is more body and a perhaps heavier bass presentation with more impact. For the rest you get about the same compared to the USB-input. Normally I find the optical input to be too digital and cold sounding, but this not the case at all with the Mojo 2. Very pleasant combo to listen to, especially if you like the more body and bass impact.
Sound – Comparisons
Vs Mojo (original)
For this chapter we used the USB input on both of the devices, with my Laptop/Roon as source and with the 250Ohm Beyerdynamic DT1990PRO as headphone. Mojo 2 of course has no DSP settings activated (flat).
It’s very obvious here that the new Mojo is more advanced an its technical performance is way better than with the original. Mojo 1 sounds more intimate with a less airy and spacious presentation. The extension (both on top and the bottom), cleanness, note decay and layering on the Mojo 2 are all superior. The level of detail retrieval is higher and Mojo 2 is more natural sounding. Once you’ve heard the Mojo 2, it’s difficult to go back to the Mojo 1 as you will feel you’re missing out. If you then realize how good the original Mojo already was, you realize how great the new Mojo 2 actually is.
Next to the technical superiority, the Mojo 2 also has the Tuning and crossfeed options. But even if you don’t use those the Mojo 2 still is a fully recommended update.
Vs Hugo 2
Just so you know, I am a big fan of the Chord Hugo 2 (who isn’t?). We’re looking at Hugo 2 here without any filter activated.
For me personally, the Hugo 2 still performs at a higher level and the improvements can be mostly found in an even better sense of naturality, spaciousness, extension (both in wide and depth) and precision. The Hugo V2 for me also sounds more analogue compared to the super clean and clear Mojo 2. The bass on the Hugo V2 seems to be a bit less in presence and impact, but it does reach down lower than the Mojo 2’s bass, with more sub rumble and presence.
For me the Hugo 2 still is one of the only transportable DAC(/amp)s that comes close to high end desktop performance. So the Mojo 2 isn’t here just yet, but of course it doesn’t intend to be there either.
Vs CEntrance HiFi-M8 V2
I don’t really have many portable DAC/AMPs here with me as it usually is Berkhan or Nano who cover these items. I also don’t feel it should be compared to a USB dongle and as such that leaves just the CEntrance HiFi-M8 V2 to compare the Mojo 2 to.
The CEntrance is a tiny bit more expensive than the Mojo 2 and it focuses more on being a powerhouse for full sized headphones. It doesn’t have all the input and DSP options either, so it’s a less versatile unit in that way.
The HiFi-M8 V2 is also very clean and energetic sounding, but it is mostly is more forward and sounding, and a bit more shouty than the Mojo 2. From a technical point of view, the Mojo 2 also has the upper hand. It’s more spacious and more natural sounding and the detail retrieval, as well as the note extension, decay and overall precision are at a much higher level in the Mojo 2. The HiFi-M8 V2 is incredibly fun to listen to, but it also is more fatiguing. It does have all the power you will ever need though. Power and musicality for me are the 2 strongest points of the M8 V2. So it’s a very different unit from the Mojo 2, which easily outperforms it.
Sound – Synergy & power
As we did with the Mojo and Hugo articles there will normally be a follow-up article by one of the HFN team writers. In that article it will be easier to look back at the new Mojo 2 and the synergy with different popular IEMs and Headphones. The most questions I have seen about the Mojo 2, have been about harder to drive headphones, so I quickly wanted to comment on a few higher end Mojo 2 headphone combos.
As you have been reading throughout the review, the Mojo 2 has no issues at all with the 250 Ohm Beyerdynamic DT1990 PRO. The Hifiman Susvara is hard to drive, and I tend to use very powerful desktop amps with it. As a result it doesn’t come as a surprise that the combo is ok but it can’t compete with say the Feliks Audio Envy or the Niimbus US4+. The Susvara sounds lighter, has very little body as well as bass presence. For me this is not a combo I would use, but that’s perfectly normal.
The synergy with the Hifiman HE6SE on the other hand is quite nice. It’s not he best you will hear the HE6SE sound but you do get a good amount of body and a more powerful bass presentation. Overall it’s a clear, engaging and musical presentation. It’s likeable, but the HE6SE can sound better.
The Sennheiser HD800S and Mojo 2 combo is excellent. I didn’t expect it to sound this remarkable but I could listen to this all day long. Clarity, precision, excellent PRaT, a good amount of overall body, nice bass impact and all that with a musical presentations. My ears approve.
The Meze Empyrean and Elite aren’t the toughest to drive, even though they both scale up nicely with a good full sized amp. With the Mojo 2 I especially like the Meze Elite as it really matches Mojo 2’s characteristics: neutral, clear, fast, refined. The Elite can still sound better but this already is very very good, and it could be the perfect end game setup for many of you. The Mojo 2 brings the Empyrean a bit more to the neutral side and it does it nicely and musically so. On the other hand, if you like the darker and warmer Empyrean sound, you might prefer a different source.
The HEDDphone like the Susvara is difficult to drive, so I wasn’t expecting much from this combo. Ultimately for me, this setup doesn’t perform well enough. It’s sort of ok, but the bass is rather loose, the precision somewhat lacking and I’m missing the body/impact and extension here. It’s ok for some quick listening, but the HEDD is capable of a lot more with a desktop amplifier.
For watching movies and doing meetings I fully advise the Beyerdynamic Amiron and Mojo 2 combo. It’s soft but energetic, precise but smooth, musical but clean. It’s one of my favorite combos with the Mojo 2, together with the DT1990PRO and the HD800S. It seems the Mojo 2 likes higher impedance dynamic headphones.
Conclusion
I was really curious what to expect from the Mojo 2, but after multiple weeks of listening I can say I really love what Chord Electronics has done with it.
With the Mojo 2 Chord Electronics has an awesome and small all-in-one package that will please a lot of personal audio fans. The DSP functions and tuning options are really nice, but even without those activated, the Mojo 2 sounds absolutely impressive.
I am sure the Mojo 2 will quickly convince you when you get the chance to listen to it. It in all ways is an excellent successor to the Mojo and it replaces the original Mojo on our recommended DAC/AMP combo list where we “honor” all the best buys.
Well done Chord!
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