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

[rhern213]

I don’t think think you are asking too much. You just need to find a configuration that works for your use cases. Since you already have Qutest, I would try the streamer digital out (if it has one) into Qutest and see how it sounds. If the streamer doesn’t have a volume/remote, try the app you are using to feed the streamer. It may sound just fine. What kind of sp Akers are you looking at? I don’t know your total budget, how big your room is, or what you like to listen to, but if you posted that, a bunch of people here would likely be willing to offer suggestions.

I already have the Qutest and Mojo connected this way, Auralic Mini -> Qutest/Mojo -> Amp, but it's an integrated amp with volume control so it doesn't have an issue and sounds as clean as can be. Everything's hooked up to KEF R300's in a living room that's about 20ft wide but completely open length wise.

As mentioned I'm selling the Qutest just to cut down on my cost. My idea was to see if I can get a better AMP/DAC/Streamer combo for about the same or maybe just $500 more max.

 

[surfgeorge]

Where did you get the green casing from?

This is my own 3D printed design. I have been workign on it for the last couple of weeks, and now I am starting to think about accessories like a transport/storage box and a belt clip.
PM me if you are interested!

 

[gimmeheadroom]

What’s the name and model of your tablet?

Huwaei Mediapad M3

 

[jarnopp]

I already have the Qutest and Mojo connected this way, Auralic Mini -> Qutest/Mojo -> Amp, but it's an integrated amp with volume control so it doesn't have an issue and sounds as clean as can be. Everything's hooked up to KEF R300's in a living room that's about 20ft wide but completely open length wise.

As mentioned I'm selling the Qutest just to cut down on my cost. My idea was to see if I can get a better AMP/DAC/Streamer combo for about the same or maybe just $500 more max.

So, I haven’t used the Aurelia Mini, but does it’s control software (“Lightning”?) have volume built in and have you tried it? I think you are using the right DAC for home use. I wouldn’t replace Qutest with Mojo unless you also have significant portable need and don’t mind plugging and unplugging. Mojo shouldn’t be used plugged in all the time, so you’d at least have to care for charging and running on batteries. I don’t think you will be able to reduce cost and stay in the Chord DAC family. The other option would be to rework the whole system around something like the TT2, which has 18watss per channel into 8 ohms. It would replace the Qutest and integrated. If you were upgrading speakers, you could look for something that’s pretty efficient - mid to high 90s in dB sensitivity.

 

[surfgeorge]

So, I haven’t used the Aurelia Mini, but does it’s control software (“Lightning”?) have volume built in and have you tried it? I think you are using the right DAC for home use. I wouldn’t replace Qutest with Mojo unless you also have significant portable need and don’t mind plugging and unplugging. Mojo shouldn’t be used plugged in all the time, so you’d at least have to care for charging and running on batteries. I don’t think you will be able to reduce cost and stay in the Chord DAC family. The other option would be to rework the whole system around something like the TT2, which has 18watss per channel into 8 ohms. It would replace the Qutest and integrated. If you were upgrading speakers, you could look for something that’s pretty efficient - mid to high 90s in dB sensitivity.

Another option for a Chord DAC in a stereo system is the 2Qute which is being sold now around 600...700 Euro/pound
Be aware though that it has a fixed output voltage of 3Vrms and no automatic input switching like the Qutest.
Soundwise I would assume that it's between the Mojo and Qutest, since it is using the HUGO DAC.

After getting the Mojo and realizing how it blew away my almost 20 year old high-end DAC ($4000 and 15kg) I bought the 2Qute as a system DAC.
Didn't do a lot of testing, just enjoying the music, knowing I have great sound for the money....

 

[rhern213]

So, I haven’t used the Aurelia Mini, but does it’s control software (“Lightning”?) have volume built in and have you tried it? I think you are using the right DAC for home use. I wouldn’t replace Qutest with Mojo unless you also have significant portable need and don’t mind plugging and unplugging. Mojo shouldn’t be used plugged in all the time, so you’d at least have to care for charging and running on batteries. I don’t think you will be able to reduce cost and stay in the Chord DAC family. The other option would be to rework the whole system around something like the TT2, which has 18watss per channel into 8 ohms. It would replace the Qutest and integrated. If you were upgrading speakers, you could look for something that’s pretty efficient - mid to high 90s in dB sensitivity.

Yeah Auralic has they're own app. It does have a built-in DAC with digital volume control but I have it bypassed since I'm just sending the toslink signal into the mojo for that.

The mojo is actually used a lot as a desktop hifi system DAC and left plugged in to the wall all the time. In other non-HP audio forums this is done quite a bit and Chord themselves say there is 0 worry about leaving the mojo plugged in permanently even with regards to degrading battery life.

The TT version is way more than I want to spend, and it also won't have nearly enough power to drive my speakers. The cost of the TT alone, even the gen.1 is the entire amount I want to spend on my whole system.

The speakers are the 1 part that's staying for sure.

 

[rhern213]

Another option for a Chord DAC in a stereo system is the 2Qute which is being sold now around 600...700 Euro/pound
Be aware though that it has a fixed output voltage of 3Vrms and no automatic input switching like the Qutest.
Soundwise I would assume that it's between the Mojo and Qutest, since it is using the HUGO DAC.

After getting the Mojo and realizing how it blew away my almost 20 year old high-end DAC ($4000 and 15kg) I bought the 2Qute as a system DAC.
Didn't do a lot of testing, just enjoying the music, knowing I have great sound for the money....

Yes I was considering the 2qute as an alternative if I can snag one for a good price. That could fit in well as a compromise from the Qutest.

 

[Mediahound]

Anyone know, is the below true? This is from a Chord dealer:

"Chord devices use trickle charging. A trickle charger always defaults the Amp/Dac circuit to DC power vs AC when plugged into the wall to charge. This provides a much cleaner, quieter sound and the unit will run off the battery until it gets to about 15% and then the charger kicks in to charge the unit again until it reaches some maximum percentage."

 

[rhern213]

Anyone know, is the below true? This is from a Chord dealer:

"Chord devices use trickle charging. A trickle charger always defaults the Amp/Dac circuit to DC power vs AC when plugged into the wall to charge. This provides a much cleaner, quieter sound and the unit will run off the battery until it gets to about 15% and then the charger kicks in to charge the unit again until it reaches some maximum percentage."

I did read this somewhere also, which is one of the reasons the mojo could safely be used plugged in all the time as a desktop amp. But I don't remember what the battery % cut-off was.

 

[Mediahound]

I did read this somewhere also, which is one of the reasons the mojo could safely be used plugged in all the time as a desktop amp. But I don't remember what the battery % cut-off was.

Yea, I think when plugged in it doesn't use the battery down that much. Maybe to 85% or something. Because after using it while plugged in, it never charges for an amount of time like as if the battery was that empty afterwards.

 

[gazzington]

Well after a lot of pondering I've ordered a mojo this morning and some hd650 headphones.

 

[krismusic]

Well after a lot of pondering I've ordered a mojo this morning and some hd650 headphones.

Good times. Enjoy your music.

 

[CoCostanza]

Sometimes this happens:
I get this interruptions, like every 2 seconds. It is clicks/pops. It usually happens after 2-3 hours when playing.
But the funny thing is ( it could be me but Im sure its not) the sound is much better. Everything sounds way better than when its not clicking/popping. These are the only times I am amazed by the sound quality exept you cant listen because of the interruptions.
Anyone have an idea what this is?
It is connected to Onkyo dp-x1a and player app is usb audio pro.

 

[greatwhite58]

Well after a lot of pondering I've ordered a mojo this morning and some hd650 headphones.

Thats what I have got and I think that it is an awesome combo. Enjoy when they arrive.

 

[gazzington]

Thats what I have got and I think that it is an awesome combo. Enjoy when they arrive.

What dap do you use with this set up?