The Chord Mojo 2 promises audiophile-grade sound in a portable package, but does it deliver on its lofty ambitions? This review delves into the intricacies of Chord's latest DAC/amp, exploring its strengths and weaknesses. We'll dissect its exceptional sound quality, driven by innovative FPGA technology, and compare it to the performance of other portable DAC/amps in its price bracket. Prepare for a deep dive into the sonic landscape the Mojo 2 creates, alongside an honest assessment of its frustrating design choices.This review won't shy away from the Mojo 2's considerable flaws. From its baffling port placement and perplexing menu system to the disappointing inclusion of a micro-USB port in 2025, we’ll explore the design compromises that hinder an otherwise exceptional listening experience. We'll also examine the Chord Poly, its companion device, and assess its effectiveness in expanding the Mojo 2's functionality. Ultimately, we aim to provide a balanced perspective, weighing the undeniably goated sound against the frustrating reality of using the device.
Pros And Cons
- Amazing sounding
- Phenomenal sound quality
- One of the best-sounding portables ever
- May rival high-end stationary devices
- Only 3.5mm outputs (two headphone outs)
- Plastic buttons instead of glass marbles (compared to Mojo 2)
- Relatively short battery life (4 hours at most)
- Includes micro USBs instead of USB-C (though a USB-C port was added)
- Unintuitive menu and button functions
- Backwards color-coded volume control
- Heavy for a portable device
- Includes Micro SD card reader
- Bluetooth and Wi-Fi capabilities
- Can function as a Rune endpoint
- Complex setup process via app
- Only available in black
- Price not specified in the review
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First Impressions and Initial Thoughts
Unboxing the Chord Mojo 2 revealed a surprisingly compact device, despite its hefty price tag. The upside-down label was an immediate head-scratcher, a minor annoyance in an otherwise premium-looking package. Initial listening tests were promising; the sound quality, even at lower volumes, was exceptional. However, the lack of balanced outputs was a noticeable omission.
The initial connection to my system was straightforward. Using a 4.4mm adapter, I was able to connect it to my headphones. The sound was immediately impressive, but the price felt a little steep for what seemed like a simple DAC/amp. The inclusion of only 3.5mm headphone jacks was disappointing for a product at this price point.
Design and Functionality
The Mojo 2's design is both aesthetically pleasing and frustratingly impractical. While the all-aluminum construction contributes to its substantial weight, the placement of the USB ports is baffling. One port is dedicated to power, while the other supports data and accessories. This unusual arrangement complicates the user experience and makes connecting accessories needlessly inconvenient.
The small plastic buttons replacing the glass marbles of its predecessor feel cheap in comparison and are difficult to use without looking. There's a poorly executed menu system, and the inclusion of a micro-USB port alongside a USB-C port is utterly perplexing in 2025. This odd design choice highlights a lack of attention to modern connectivity standards.
Sound Quality and Performance
Despite its design flaws, the Chord Mojo 2's sound quality is truly exceptional. The audio reproduction is rich, detailed and immersive, exceeding the expectations for a portable DAC/amp. I tested the Mojo 2 with various headphones and sources, each time being impressed by its ability to deliver a remarkable listening experience. This device clearly shines in its sound performance.
The FPGA technology is a key factor in delivering such exceptional sound. This allows for custom sound processing which results in incredible audio quality. This aspect significantly elevates the Mojo 2 above other portable DAC/amps in its price range. The sound is truly phenomenal.
The Chord Poly
The Chord Poly is a complementary device that attempts to expand the Mojo 2’s functionality. While it adds features such as Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and SD card support, its convoluted setup process and poorly designed app are major drawbacks. The Poly aims to transform the Mojo 2 into a more versatile device, but the execution falls short.
The Poly's design and user interface highlight a lack of user-friendliness. The numerous steps required to connect and configure the device are unnecessarily complex. While the Poly has potential, it requires significant improvement before it becomes a user-friendly addition to the Chord ecosystem.
Conclusion and Final Verdict
The Chord Mojo 2 offers stunning audio quality, exceeding expectations for a portable DAC/amp. However, its frustrating design choices, including the odd port placement, micro-USB inclusion, and cumbersome menu system, significantly detract from the overall user experience. The price point is a major consideration as well.
While the sound is exceptional, the considerable shortcomings in design and functionality make it difficult to fully recommend the Chord Mojo 2. It's a superior sounding device, but its flaws are considerable. Potential buyers should weigh its sonic excellence against its practical limitations before making a purchase. Despite the goated sound, the usability issues make it a difficult recommendation.
