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

[jarnopp]

Hi, good question, yes some preamps can go into distortion if voltage coming in is too high.

I'm waiting for the manufacturer to get back to me for the recommended input voltage for my integrated (PrimaLuna Dialogue Prem HP).

But in parallel I was wanting to know the various output voltages for the Mojo so I can get it in the range, when PrimaLuna get back to me.

Having said that, 4 clicks down is already below the common 2Vrms that's been normal for a long time with CD players and other transports.

But I was still interested, just out of curiosity, what are the various output voltages even lower than 4 clicks down. The formula or even a table if there is one.

Apologies if this table exists and I've missed it

I doubt even the 3V rms will be an issue for my preamp but it's always good to check with your manufacturer. There may be a recommended range. No harm done in check.

Did I mention this Mojo is insane value for money as a Dac ?

Ok. I think you can use this chart for what you want.
http://www.technicalaudio.com/reading/handydB.html

Let's call line out 0dB, which has a voltage multiplier of 1.0. That is 3V. At 3 clicks down (-3dB) has a multiplier of .708, so 3*.708=2.124V.

 

[flyte3333]

Ok. I think you can use this chart for what you want.
http://www.technicalaudio.com/reading/handydB.html

Let's call line out 0dB, which has a voltage multiplier of 1.0. That is 3V. At 3 clicks down (-3dB) has a multiplier of .708, so 3*.708=2.124V.

Hi, thanks, I think we're getting closer.
 
How does that table work for 2 clicks? Rob mentioned 2 clicks down (-2db) results in max Vrms = 2.38 Vrms output
 
It doesn't work for me using that table
 
EDIT : Scratch that. It does work ! 
 
For 2 clicks down: 3 * 0.794 = 2.382 Vrms
 
Should this table be linked to the 3rd post. I don't think there's enough info in the 3rd post 

 just kidding
 
THANK YOU !

 

[inertianinja]

Is there any difference between the first and later production runs of these?

I was looking into buying a used one, but I was told it was "from one of the early production runs" and I don't know whether that should be a deal breaker

 

[m8o]

@m80 I've had 2 different 'newer coded version' Mojos, and they both do the same as yours, i.e. won't reset to 3v line level if charger cable is plugged in.

Assuming my 2 units were are typical (whilst they were both newer coded types, the serials were pretty far apart), Something is definitely different in the power management of the newer units:

1. They hiss if left plugged in.
2. They auto power off if you're connected via Optical (but not USB).
3. They won't reset to line level if charger is plugged in.

Big thank you. It appeased any concern I had of having a 'bum unit'.

I can live with all of it but not thrilled learning of #1. At least I haven't heard it.

P.s. @maxh22 as above confirms this behavior is not unique to my unit but is the behavior of all [most?] new units, I won't be making a video of it.

P.p.s. @Mojo ideas
 and @Rob Watts ... is this anything that needs to be addressed?

 

[Music Alchemist]

Why do we need another thread when we already have:

http://www.head-fi.org/t/831345/chord-electronics-hugo-2-the-official-thread/

 
Click the link. It's not a thread; it's the product page where the reviews are. Here's the one for the Mojo:
 
http://www.head-fi.org/products/chord-mojo

 

[Chris1975]

Experimented with a Mojo + Cayin C5 combo recently, to the DT 770 Pro 250 Ohm and the AKG K7XX:
 

 
 
Yes, I know. The elastic band, the protective wrapping around the Cayin, and the Fiio X3 screen protector look awful, but this was only an experiment. And the results:
 
Unless you want to significantly reduce the sound quality produced by the Mojo alone, you have to ensure that the Cayin does as little of the work as possible. So, it is necessary to set the output volume of the Mojo to match the Cayin, i.e. you would be able to swap the headphones from the Mojo to the Cayin with no sound level change. This means the Mojo controls the volume output. For my AKG 7XXs this means putting the Cayin on high gain, set around 3 on the volume control knob. If this is not done, then the result is as follows:
 

1. The Mojo+Cayin will sound like one is listening to the music from a distance, with less breadth and detail.
2. The Mojo alone sounds like sitting in the music itself and is considerably better.

 
But if the sound level output from the Mojo matches the Cayin, then the quality decay between the two is reduced. The result is
 

1. The Mojo+Cayin without the extra bass turned off has less detail (but only if one is listening closely) across the spectrum and less of a punch in the bass. But it isn't half as bad as when you let the Cayin do the work of significant sound level amplification. The Mojo alone still has greater detail and clarity, as you would expect. 
2. But turn the Cayin bass gain on in this Mojo+Cayin bundle and a) you hear even less detail in the mids and highs. The extra bass - what is the technical term? - pushes into or, better, over, the mids and highs subduing the clarity the Mojo generates. But b) you do get a considerably greater  punch and depth in the bass (obviously) with relatively little degradation from the Mojo to the Cayin. 

 
In other words, my tests suggest that adding another (cheaper amp with bass extension or some other sound signature) will not improve the Mojo. However, for a certain music genre, where even more bass is desirable, and a (slight but noticeable) decay in sound quality is not an issue, bundle them up!

 

[Pandaclocker]

 
Due to poor planning... I am using my Audioquest Cinnamon cable to charge the Mojo!   Muh hah hah!    Greatly improved topped-off-ed-ness...
 
(But it is a beautifully made cable.  And I am using a nice Audioquest optical cable for the music!)

 
So you're saying that charging the Mojo with an Audioquest Cinnamon cable instead of a 'generic' usb cable makes the Mojo sound better "Greatly improved topped-off-ed-ness..." ??

For f'cking real? Troll? Placebo? 

 

[GreenBow]

 

  I just ordered an Anker charger. This one. https://www.amazon.co.uk/Charger-Anker-4-Port-PowerPort-Interchangeable/dp/B01MXXOQTE
 
I hope it's a legitimate Anker because it doesn't show up on their website.
https://www.anker.com/products/taxons/108/USB%20Chargers

I wouldn't worry. They're only keen on showing their latest products (QC3.0).
But in saying that, looked at their site and bought one that did appear. Just to be safe.

 
Yep sounds wise. I just re-checked the item I bought on Amazon.
 
The seller is AnkerDirect. They have 49,000 sales and 100% feedback over the last twelve months.
 
Their contact details are the same as the contact details Anker have on their own website. I guess pretty much it must be a genuine Anker.
 
 
I bought because it for one feature actually though. It's a Lite charger. Meaning I think it has less current per line. It's only 27W over four ports; which averages to 1.3A per port. However it would be reasonable to expect it could provide more than 1.3A if only one port in use. Other Anker chargers work that way.
 
Whatever though, I doubt it will be as high a current output as 2.4A. That is the norm for regular Anker chargers. This was the deliberate choice I made. Since the Mojo stipulates a 1A charger on the Chord website and manual. I figured get as close as possible to that. If it pulls 1.5A I would be very happy.

 

[Peter Hyatt]

   
Yep sounds wise. I just re-checked the item I bought on Amazon.
 
The seller is AnkerDirect. They have 49,000 sales and 100% feedback over the last twelve months.
 
Their contact details are the same as the contact details Anker have on their own website. I guess pretty much it must be a genuine Anker.
 
 
I bought because it for one feature actually though. It's a Lite charger. Meaning I think it has less current per line. It's only 27W over four ports; which averages to 1.3A per port. However it would be reasonable to expect it could provide more than 1.3A if only one port in use. Other Anker chargers work that way.
 
Whatever though, I doubt it will be as high a current output as 2.4A. That is the norm for regular Anker chargers. This was the deliberate choice I made. Since the Mojo stipulates a 1A charger on the Chord website and manual. I figured get as close as possible to that. If it pulls 1.5A I would be very happy.

Please keep in mind more than half of the reviewers are not purchasers.  They received the item (s) for free or for .01
 
This is a regular practice at Amazon.  
 
When a reviewer posts something less than 5 stars, the reviewer is harassed.  One such email said 'I see your negative review.  Are you not my friend?  Have I offended you, my friend?   I am a single mother and will lose my job...'
 
 If the reviewer still does not change his or her review, the reviewer is dropped.  
 
This does not mean it is not a good product; it means one might want to be discerning and read the "verified purchase" reviews.  Then, with verified purchase reviews, take note of any similarities in the language, as someone from the company with multiple accounts. 
 
It is common. 
 
Amazon has taken steps to eliminate this, but the companies (mostly China) contact the reviewer off site, and put the funds in their PayPal account first, and then the purchase is made.  
 
It is most common in electronics. 

 

[GreenBow]

@Peter Hyatt That's not really the point I was making though was it. I was trying to determine if a charger I bought was a genuine Anker. It appears very likely that the seller on Amazon is Anker. As I said in the quotes I quoted, I was wondering if it was a genuine Anker charge. This is because it doesn't show on the Anker website, and it has barely any internet coverage.
 
The Model I bought is Anker PowerPort 4 Lite
model: A2402
 
Since it seems like that is Anker then I am sure it's a genuine item. Meaning I can go ahead an open it and use it.

 

[Peter Hyatt]

  @Peter Hyatt That's not really the point I was making though was it. I was trying to determine if a charger I bought was a genuine Anker. It appears very likely that the seller on Amazon is Anker. As I said in the quotes I quoted, I was wondering if it was a genuine Anker charge. This is because it doesn't show on the Anker website, and it has barely any internet coverage.
 
The Model I bought is Anker PowerPort 4 Lite
model: A2402
 
Since it seems like that is Anker then I am sure it's a genuine item. Meaning I can go ahead an open it and use it.

@GreenBow 
 
  
 
My point was just a friendly caveat to fellow head-fi posters to use discernment.  
 
 I wrote about the item's reviews; not about the seller. 

 

[WayTooCrazy]

EXCITED! Just waiting for the unit to charge... then I'll start testing.

 
Questions:
1. How do you clean your balls? (lol... just a normal rag? Windex wipes?)
2. Does the Mojo require break-in?

 

[krismusic]

in the link where it says "write up"

Doh! Thanks. Interesting write up.

 

[maxh22]

  EXCITED! Just waiting for the unit to charge... then I'll start testing.

 
Questions:
1. How do you clean your balls? (lol... just a normal rag? Windex wipes?)
2. Does the Mojo require break-in?

1.  Mojo's balls don't usually get dirty under normal circumstances but a little bit of water and a towl or isopropyl alcohol will do the trick.
 
2.  Mojo sounds its best after a 10 minute warmup but sounds 95% as good right from boot.  Since Mojo is a very efficent design it doesn't require any form of break-in; however Rob and many users advocate brain burnin as you get to know the unit.
 
Enjoy your new Mojo! 

 

[WayTooCrazy]

  1.  Mojo's balls don't usually get dirty under normal circumstances but a little bit of water and a towl or isopropyl alcohol will do the trick.
 
2.  Mojo sounds its best after a 10 minute warmup but sounds 95% as good right from boot.  Since Mojo is a very efficent design it doesn't require any form of break-in; however Rob and many users advocate brain burnin as you get to know the unit.
 
Enjoy your new Mojo! 

Thanks. I only did a "quick" listen and I found it to sound better than my LG V20 (haven't tried it against the Audeze Deckard), but I can definitely tell greater "power" and increased soundstage immediately. Though, I don't see the large upgrade in performance over the V20. I realize it is way too early in testing to say that with certainty, but will continue testing. So far though, I like it...and it does drive the LCD-2F. I don't see a need to add on an external amp at this time.