Equipment to compare.
iFi iDSD Black Label AMP/DAC (returned)
Beyerdynamic T1 2nd Gen Headphones (returned)
Meridian Explorer 2 AMP/DAC (returned)
Beyerdynamic A20 Amp (returned)
HiFiMan X V2 Headphones
Chord Mojo AMP/DAC
When I received the iFi I thought for sure that it was the winner.
The bass boost feature was very nice (very mild boost) and had lot more power than Explorer 2.
The iFi has 3 gain settings, Eco, Normal and Turbo.
On Eco it was slightly less power than the Explorer 2.
On Normal it had quite a bit more power than Explorer 2 and similar power to the A20.
On Turbo it added like another 25%. It had the detail of the Explorer and the Bass of the A20.
iFi iDSD also could function as my USB to SPDIF/RCA for the DSP 5K's (eliminating my need for M2Tech Hiface2). Really nice package.
The ifi driver behavior was also flawless. Where when I bounced around a lot between apps and bit rates with the Explorer 2 it would occasional get wedged.
When the Mojo arrived I almost didn't open it.
How much better could it be in such a small package 1/3 the size and spec of 35 milli watts into 600 ohm.
Also to top that off the slimy place I got it from had a ribbon around the box with 20% restocking fee if opened.
But I had to know and knew I would not bother ordering another without restocking fee since I was so happy with the iFi.
So I opened it. I am so glad I did.
So many reviews kept saying "more musical". Well I have to agree. It is more detailed, without being bright or harsh. The bass is awesome without any boost.
The whole package is a bit odd. I really prefer a simple volume knob instead of the quirky buttons. But it sounds too good to not keep it.
The Mojo also has PLENTY of power to even drive 600 Ohm headphones. It is probably around the "Normal" range of the ifi.
The iFi would be more Musical and engaging if I turned it up fairly loud, like some speakers.
But the Mojo was engaging at modest volumes. Kind of like Meridian speakers do (I have ton invested in Meridian)
#1) Mojo ($529)
#2) ifi iDSD BL ($400 on sale at Adorama)
#3) Explorer 2 ($200)
#4) Explorer 2 ($200) with A20 amp ($350 for A20)
I could have tried every combination because they can all function as an Amp or DAC Only (Except Explorer 2 cannot act as an Amp only).
I really wanted the iFi to win because I really liked the features, package and price.
I heard way more improvement with both iFi (on 600 ohm cans) and Mojo (on both headphones) than I strained to hear with MQA.
iFi participates on Head-Fi.org but I believe it's a marketing person and is a total turn off. Blabbing about # of cores and the credentials of the developer. He then starts babbling about Ada programming language that the Developer used years ago, with Wikipedia links, so bizarre, so weird.
Anyway to Quote John Atkinson of Stereophile Review
All I can say is "Wow!"
P.S. If buying on from FatWyre, avoid them due to 20% restocking fee. Always buy from "Fullfilled by Amazon" when possible.
iFi iDSD Black Label AMP/DAC (returned)
Beyerdynamic T1 2nd Gen Headphones (returned)
Meridian Explorer 2 AMP/DAC (returned)
Beyerdynamic A20 Amp (returned)
HiFiMan X V2 Headphones
Chord Mojo AMP/DAC
When I received the iFi I thought for sure that it was the winner.
The bass boost feature was very nice (very mild boost) and had lot more power than Explorer 2.
The iFi has 3 gain settings, Eco, Normal and Turbo.
On Eco it was slightly less power than the Explorer 2.
On Normal it had quite a bit more power than Explorer 2 and similar power to the A20.
On Turbo it added like another 25%. It had the detail of the Explorer and the Bass of the A20.
iFi iDSD also could function as my USB to SPDIF/RCA for the DSP 5K's (eliminating my need for M2Tech Hiface2). Really nice package.
The ifi driver behavior was also flawless. Where when I bounced around a lot between apps and bit rates with the Explorer 2 it would occasional get wedged.
When the Mojo arrived I almost didn't open it.
How much better could it be in such a small package 1/3 the size and spec of 35 milli watts into 600 ohm.
Also to top that off the slimy place I got it from had a ribbon around the box with 20% restocking fee if opened.
But I had to know and knew I would not bother ordering another without restocking fee since I was so happy with the iFi.
So I opened it. I am so glad I did.
So many reviews kept saying "more musical". Well I have to agree. It is more detailed, without being bright or harsh. The bass is awesome without any boost.
The whole package is a bit odd. I really prefer a simple volume knob instead of the quirky buttons. But it sounds too good to not keep it.
The Mojo also has PLENTY of power to even drive 600 Ohm headphones. It is probably around the "Normal" range of the ifi.
The iFi would be more Musical and engaging if I turned it up fairly loud, like some speakers.
But the Mojo was engaging at modest volumes. Kind of like Meridian speakers do (I have ton invested in Meridian)
#1) Mojo ($529)
#2) ifi iDSD BL ($400 on sale at Adorama)
#3) Explorer 2 ($200)
#4) Explorer 2 ($200) with A20 amp ($350 for A20)
I could have tried every combination because they can all function as an Amp or DAC Only (Except Explorer 2 cannot act as an Amp only).
I really wanted the iFi to win because I really liked the features, package and price.
I heard way more improvement with both iFi (on 600 ohm cans) and Mojo (on both headphones) than I strained to hear with MQA.
iFi participates on Head-Fi.org but I believe it's a marketing person and is a total turn off. Blabbing about # of cores and the credentials of the developer. He then starts babbling about Ada programming language that the Developer used years ago, with Wikipedia links, so bizarre, so weird.
Anyway to Quote John Atkinson of Stereophile Review
All I can say is "Wow!"
P.S. If buying on from FatWyre, avoid them due to 20% restocking fee. Always buy from "Fullfilled by Amazon" when possible.