Chord Electronics Mojo 2

The Chord Mojo 2 is the result of several years of technological development. As the successor to the Mojo launched in 2015, this new model retains the design principles of Chord Electronics while incorporating significant advancements. Positioned as one of the most compact DACs in the range, the Mojo 2 is aimed at both mobile and stationary users seeking high-level audio reproduction.

Design and Build

The Mojo 2 continues Chord’s distinctive aesthetic with its solid aluminum chassis, CNC-machined for precision. This British construction ensures exemplary robustness while efficiently dissipating the heat generated by high-performance electronics. The brand’s iconic polycarbonate control spheres, a visual signature, allow intuitive adjustment of volume and the new sound parameters. Its compact form factor maintains portability while offering ergonomics designed for everyday use.

Technical Innovations

At the heart of the Mojo 2 lies its proprietary FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array) processor, an architecture Chord has mastered for decades. The major innovation is the integration of what the manufacturer claims is the world’s first “lossless” DSP, a custom 104-bit processor operating at 705/768 kHz. This “UHD DSP” technology enables digital processing without signal degradation, paving the way for unprecedented customization features in a portable DAC.

The WTA (Watts Transient Aligned) filtering benefits from 40 digital processing cores, allowing ultra-precise temporal reconstruction of the audio signal. This technical approach, combined with the elimination of coupling capacitors, ensures faithful reproduction of even the subtlest musical nuances.

Modern Connectivity and Versatility

The addition of a USB-C input is a major upgrade, allowing direct connection to recent Android smartphones and modern laptops without an adapter. This connectivity complements the traditional micro-USB, optical, and coaxial inputs, maintaining compatibility with the existing ecosystem, including the Poly module for wireless streaming.

The two 3.5 mm headphone outputs allow for simultaneous listening, a welcome feature for sharing music. High-resolution format support extends up to PCM 768 kHz and DSD256, covering the full spectrum of current digital audio.

Substantial Improvements Over the Original

The Mojo 2 addresses the shortcomings of its predecessor while enhancing its strengths. The complete elimination of RFI and EMI interference is a major step forward: no more background noise when near a smartphone. Startup time is now 22 seconds compared to 7 previously, but this trade-off comes with enhanced component protection.

The 4-band equalizer with 18 adjustment steps per frequency allows for fine-tuning according to the headphones used. The 4-level crossfeed function simulates speaker listening to reduce listening fatigue during long sessions. The extended volume range from +18 dB to -108 dB offers unmatched precision for all types of headphones.

Battery Life and Intelligent Power Management

The redesigned battery offers 9% more capacity, providing over 8 hours of continuous use. The FPGA charging system optimizes speed, efficiency, and charging temperature. The improved intelligent Desktop mode protects the battery during prolonged stationary use by isolating the power supply.

This advanced energy management significantly extends the battery’s lifespan, a crucial aspect for a device intended for intensive daily use.

Technical Specifications

Audio Performance

• Dynamic range: 125 dB A-weighted
• Signal-to-noise ratio: 123 dB A-weighted
• Background noise: 2.7 µV A-weighted, no measurable background noise modulation
• Distortion and noise: 0.0003% at 2.5 V into 300 Ω
• Output impedance: 0.06 Ω
• Stereo separation: 118 dB at 1 kHz into 300 Ω at 2.5 V
• Frequency response: 7 Hz – 20 kHz ± 3 dB
• Output power at 1% distortion:
  • 90 mW into 300 Ω (5.2 V RMS)
  • 600 mW into 30 Ω (4.2 V RMS)
• Supports headphones up to 800 Ω

Digital Processing and Signal

• Enhanced in-situ programmable gate array (FPGA): increased resolution, higher processing power, and improved energy efficiency
• Ultra high-definition digital signal processor: advanced equalizer for more precise sound customization
• Improved WTA filtering: 40 digital signal processing cores for greater sound transparency and reduced background noise
• Supports sampling rates up to 768 kHz
• Supports DSD up to DSD256 (4x)
• DSD compatible via DoP

Connectivity

Digital Inputs

• High-speed USB-C (768 kHz / 32-bit)
• Micro-USB (768 kHz / 32-bit)
• Coaxial via mini-jack (768 kHz / 32-bit)
• Dual data coaxial
• Optical (up to 96 kHz)

Outputs

• 2 mini-jack 3.5 mm headphone outputs
• 1 micro-USB port for charging

Wireless Connectivity

• Compatible with the Poly streamer/server module for wireless network connectivity

Power and Battery Life

• Upgraded battery: increased capacity with optimized management directly controlled by the FPGA
• Battery life: average of 8 hours
• Charging time: average of 4 hours
• Charging via separate micro-USB

Physical Characteristics

• Dimensions (W × D × H): 83 × 62 × 22.9 mm
• Weight: 185 g
• CNC-machined aluminum chassis: robust and premium finish

Compatibility and Certifications

• Roon Tested certified device: optimized integration with the Roon ecosystem

Included Accessories

• Micro-USB to USB Type-A cable