Chord Mojo(1) DAC-amp ☆★►FAQ in 3rd post!◄★☆

[Torq]

Maybe I'm misinformed, but I'm not clear on the value of pairing a DAP with the Mojo, if it's only going to be used as a transport. My understanding is that the transport will have no bearing on the quality of the signal that goes through the Mojo and out of your headphones, which is why I always recommend a good Android phone with a microSD slot capable of 200gb cards.

Am I incorrect in believing a DAP is useless with the Mojo, unless you love its amp section, which is traditionally the weakness of most DAPs, making this scenario highly doubtful?

I appreciate any input people have. I would just hate to see people buy $700 DAP to pair if a $100 Android phone will do the job, and with a superior interface.

Remember that the transport simply passes the signal to the Mojo, which is where the magic happens, so to speak.

The $100 Android phone might have a superior interface, but it's going to fall foul of Android's native up-sampling unless you're using something like UAPP to bypass that (an approach that comes with a variety of other issues and doesn't allow you to use things like Spotify without getting nobbled with ASRC either).  If quality is your primary goal, which I'd assume it is if you're bothering to carry a Mojo around in the first place, most people want to avoid that up-sampling.  Most DAPs make that easy ... unless, of course, they're based on Android and then it becomes implementation specific.
 
A DAP also offers the ability to run a high-quality, high-capacity (many DAPs have multiple slots which is a boon for those of us that don't want to browse by folder), playback solution that does not require we take a Mojo (or other external DAC) along if we are traveling light.
 
And then, yes, there can be differences in sound quality even when you're not saddled with forced up-sampling.  Depending on how you interface to the Mojo that can be a meaningful difference ... e.g. USB is not the best way to drive a Mojo and no phone I know of has either COAX or optical outputs.
 
So, no, a DAP isn't useless with a Mojo - even if ALL it got you was more on-board capacity.  But, as it stands, DAPs offer other benefits to phones as a source for Mojo or any other DAC.
 
If a phone and swapping cards works for you, then more power to you, but it's not even close to a palatable solution for me.

 

[x RELIC x]

Maybe I'm misinformed, but I'm not clear on the value of pairing a DAP with the Mojo, if it's only going to be used as a transport. My understanding is that the transport will have no bearing on the quality of the signal that goes through the Mojo and out of your headphones, which is why I always recommend a good Android phone with a microSD slot capable of 200gb cards.

Am I incorrect in believing a DAP is useless with the Mojo, unless you love its amp section, which is traditionally the weakness of most DAPs, making this scenario highly doubtful?

I appreciate any input people have. I would just hate to see people buy $700 DAP to pair if a $100 Android phone will do the job, and with a superior interface.

Remember that the transport simply passes the signal to the Mojo, which is where the magic happens, so to speak.

Not everyone has purchased a DAP after Mojo. Not everyone wants to deal with Android up sampling. I for one prefer a device with hardware buttons rather than just a touch screen interface. For some a single mSD card slot is not enough. Some DAPs have a better form factor for stacking for some users preferences.

There are multiple reasons why using a DAP with the Mojo makes more sense for different people. To each their own.

 

[michaelgordon]

all i want is a micro sd module to turn the mojo into the wrolds greatest ipod shuffle no interface needed, no transport just a play/ pause and track skip button just carrying that around would be so much easier while out and about and then have the option of adding dap for traveling / home listening as per normal.

 

[jmills8]

Maybe I'm misinformed, but I'm not clear on the value of pairing a DAP with the Mojo, if it's only going to be used as a transport. My understanding is that the transport will have no bearing on the quality of the signal that goes through the Mojo and out of your headphones, which is why I always recommend a good Android phone with a microSD slot capable of 200gb cards.

Am I incorrect in believing a DAP is useless with the Mojo, unless you love its amp section, which is traditionally the weakness of most DAPs, making this scenario highly doubtful?

I appreciate any input people have. I would just hate to see people buy $700 DAP to pair if a $100 Android phone will do the job, and with a superior interface.

Remember that the transport simply passes the signal to the Mojo, which is where the magic happens, so to speak.

Or this cheap dap.

 

[Mython]

Alternatively...

 
 
 
Quote:

  I believe the Mojo is revolutionary because it (1) provides a truly fine sounding DAC that (2) is capable of driving full-size headphones in (3) an incredibly small package (4) at an amazing price. In a world of $100,000 desktop DACs and $3,500 DAPs (that, incidentally, can't power full-size headphones and don't sound anywhere near as good as the Mojo), Chord is doing a tremendous service to the audio industry. I hope Chord continues on this path with a whole line of products based on the Mojo.

I've spent a fair amount of time trying to put together some kind of reasonably portable, self-contained, all-in-one audio player with significant storage based on Mojo's excellent sound and small form factor. The goal was to have direct (rather than wireless) access to a relatively large music collection, and to put out of sight the cabling between storage, interface and the Mojo.

This what I've come up with so far:
 
 

• Banana Pro with on-board WiFi running Raspbian Wheezy, mpd, GMPC on a micro-SD card
• Lemaker 5" touchscreen
• 2 TB Samsung 2.5" SSD connected via SATA to the Banana Pro (SD cards are far more portable, but they are currently limited to 512gb; mSATA might have been be a good choice, but I'm not aware of a readily-available low-power PCB that has an on-board mSATA port (like the Intel NUC)--also I don't know the power requirements of mSATA)
• Mojo connected via USB to the Banana Pro
• 8000 mAh lithium battery
• 5V Step-Up Voltage Regulator
• USB LiIon/LiPoly charger
• 200 x 130 x 48 mm 3D-Printed PLA enclosure
• micro-USB extender for charging Mojo
• Switch
• Heat sinks and wiring

Weighs approx. 700g (a little more than the original iPad)


 

It can be operated via the touchscreen or remotely via VNC and other programs on PCs or Android phones. It sounds very good and is portable enough to be moved from room to room or taken outside. It could probably be used on a long plane/train ride or at a coffee shop, as well as a desktop all-in-one.

I will probably move and resize some of the ports, and change the color for the next version. What I wish I could do, but can't because of lack of know-how is:

• Build a stronger, more attractive case made of Aluminum
• Connect the Mojo output directly (maybe through I2S?) to the Banana Pro rather than through the USB port
• Be able to scroll with the flick of a finger instead of having to touch scroll bars; I wish there was a version of Rune Audio for the  Banana Pro like the beta version for the Raspberry Pi with Touchscreen
• Get a more powerful charger; the current charger is limited to 500mAh--it takes a long time to charge the 8000 mAh battery, and the output probably exceeds the input, which may limit desktop use
• Be able to tell the state of the lithium battery used for the front end
• Have easy access to the SSD

 
I'm also thinking of putting together a smaller version without a screen.

 

[Tympan]

That's large! 

 but cool. I'm always fascinated at what members come up with. Been working on my own too since there is no news of the extensions coming up any time soon.

 

[Tympan]

Lol! I missed all the goodies inside. The size makes more sense now. Really cool 

 

[Xacxac]

Just broke the third USB cable (the stock this time) due to U-shape bend. All cables became loose overtime. I really need the iPhone module.

 

[Peter Hyatt]

Just broke the third USB cable (the stock this time) due to U-shape bend. All cables became loose overtime. I really need the iPhone module.

Picture?

Is it very short and stacked tight?

 

[jmills8]

Just broke the third USB cable (the stock this time) due to U-shape bend. All cables became loose overtime. I really need the iPhone module.

You have mojo secured at all times? Mine is secured with velcro. It never moves.

 

[masterpfa]

Maybe I'm misinformed, but I'm not clear on the value of pairing a DAP with the Mojo, if it's only going to be used as a transport. My understanding is that the transport will have no bearing on the quality of the signal that goes through the Mojo and out of your headphones, which is why I always recommend a good Android phone with a microSD slot capable of 200gb cards.

Am I incorrect in believing a DAP is useless with the Mojo, unless you love its amp section, which is traditionally the weakness of most DAPs, making this scenario highly doubtful?

I appreciate any input people have. I would just hate to see people buy $700 DAP to pair if a $100 Android phone will do the job, and with a superior interface.

Remember that the transport simply passes the signal to the Mojo, which is where the magic happens, so to speak.

Many don't find using a phone ideal.
When at home working at my desk I use my phone, mojo and UAPP and works fine. But when out and about I stack my Onkyo DP-X1 with my Mojo (after issues with my AK100MKii developed problems on optical out)

Phone

My phone is a Nexus so no expandable storage
My phone can sometimes transmit interference and not practical if call and messages are being received
run the chance of running out of battery if out and about
 
Whereas my $700 DAP

Has 2 micro SD slots
Can still install all the audio apps I already have on phone
Can play back MQA
Can offer hi-res playback on it's own if my Mojo battery runs flat

On Head-Fi people choose what's right for thier needs. I started with a Phone and Mojo, then obtained an AK100Mkii before progressing to Onkyo DP-X1

If it ever gets released I'll be looking at the Fiio T3
 

 

[knok56]

My mojo line out on cyrus 3 amplifier with Triangle Altea ex, never heard anything so pleasurable especially on vocals ! I love my Mojo !

 

[betula]

My mojo line out on cyrus 3 amplifier with Triangle Altea ex, never heard anything so pleasurable especially on vocals ! I love my Mojo !

Mojo is able to transform sound to miracle.

 

[Mython]

I think a lot of people would be pleasantly surprised at using this tiny device in a fullsize 2ch hi-fi set-up.   IMO, headphones don't serve the spatial talents of Rob's DACs to their full potential.
 
Being marketed specifically towards headphone fans may lead to Mojo being overlooked as a serious potential DAC in a fullsize system

 

[yoghurtlidlicker]

.... I ordered Mojo............ It's time to sell my liver! Any takers?

I will use Mojo mainly with Sony NW-X100 + ACS Encore Studio.

I will test it with HD800S, HD700, Philips L2, Musical Fidelity M100.