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

May 18, 2016 at 6:52 AM Post #17,746 of 42,916
  Anyone using QED Performance Graphite Audio J2P 3.5" to RCA with MOJO line-out or any other recommended quality 3.5" to RCA cable ?

Hello, yes i'm using that cable and for the price is very good, because i like to put the Mojo in 3 volt line out output i use adaptors to conect to the balanced in of my amplifier , i don't  know if i am making a mistake but i don't know if the normal RCA input of my amp can support 3v
 
May 18, 2016 at 7:08 AM Post #17,747 of 42,916
Hello, yes i'm using that cable and for the price is very good, because i like to put the Mojo in 3 volt line out output i use adaptors to conect to the balanced in of my amplifier , i don't  know if i am making a mistake but i don't know if the normal RCA input of my amp can support 3v


If you are worried about the line level volume setting just lower the volume by four clicks and you'll get 1.9V output from the Mojo. The line level shortcut is nothing more than a volume preset. The way Mojo's output works is more like a variable line out than a headphone amp (there is no seperate opamps or anything, it's a very simple output stage - volume control is digital). It's really quite a unique implementation in a DAC/amp and it's the same clean output no matter the volume setting.

The third post has a section on Mojo's output stage which explains in more detail from Rob.

The only thing to be aware of is the Mojo does not remember the line level setting when you power off but will remember the 1.9V setting, so caution is warranted when switching to headphones.
 
May 18, 2016 at 9:33 AM Post #17,748 of 42,916
At the moment I am trying to troubleshoot the very same issue but with an iPhone 6s plus using NePlayer and DoP. I get a dropout with DSD 128 or 256 about once every 10 minutes. I have tried airplane mode, changing USB cables etc etc, and still get the dropouts. My Mojo is a recent serial number. If there is an issue, it's more likely a design/compatibility one than a fault that swapping your Mojo will rectify.


Other people are reporting no issues using a Mojo in the same, or less powerful, configurations as I am and aren't having dropout issues ... which would make highly likely to be either a problem with my specific unit (very early unit) or some other issue common to my all systems that I've not tracked down yet.
 
May 18, 2016 at 9:40 AM Post #17,749 of 42,916
DSD is dropping out for me, even at DSD64 - iMac 2011 running 10.9.5.

But hey, no big deal for me as the only DSD stuff I've got came with that coupon included with the Mojo.

To be honest, given that DSD is such a pain in the rear format, I'd probably end up converting it to PCM anyway, even if I was getting no drop outs, as PCM is way more flexible for my purposes.
 
May 18, 2016 at 10:18 AM Post #17,752 of 42,916
DSD is dropping out for me, even at DSD64 - iMac 2011 running 10.9.5.

But hey, no big deal for me as the only DSD stuff I've got came with that coupon included with the Mojo.

To be honest, given that DSD is such a pain in the rear format, I'd probably end up converting it to PCM anyway, even if I was getting no drop outs, as PCM is way more flexible for my purposes.


So far DSD has not been an impressive experience - and when it does play for long enough without dropouts that I can listen properly, I can't hear any difference between the music being played as native DSD or if I output it as PCM.  So, in general I'd follow a similar path and just stick with PCM.
 
However, I'm currently doing a fairly extensive DAC audition series to see if there's something out there that can best my Yggdrasil - and that's going to involve listening to a bunch of DSD-capable high-end DACs.  I wanted to make sure I wasn't going to have issues there, and since the Mojo is the only DAC I currently have that I can test DSD with, that was the logical place to start.  If DSD is just going to be problematic on playback then there's no reason at all to bother with it unless for some reason one of those DACs sounds better with PCM input.
 
Things like the PS Audio Direct Stream DACs internally upsample everything to DSD, I think the Chord stuff does that too (they certainly up-sample), as that's how they say they get the best actual conversion.  So maybe there are benefits there.  But I am a LOT less likely to drop anywhere from $6 to $15K+ on a DAC that I can't use all the features of properly.
 
This means I'm stuck trying to figure this out - either to confirm it's just a Mojo issue, or if it's a broader issue and somehow common to every computer I have.
 
May 18, 2016 at 11:04 AM Post #17,753 of 42,916
I’m wondering if you guys can help me determine if it’s worth auditioning Mojo for my particular use. Here’s an overview of the ways I currently use headphones – the bolded part is where I’m strictly curious about.
 
AT THE GYM
I’ve settled on IEMs and iPod Nano. NOT looking for Mojo use here.
 
WALKING THE DOGS/OUT AND ABOUT
I’ve settled on iPod Touch + Sine with Cipher Cable. NOT looking for Mojo use here.
 
LISTENING TO MUSIC ON THE COUCH AT HOME
I’ve settled on Hifiman HE-400s. I’m currently using Dragonfly Red + Jitterbug. I’m curious if Mojo would provide an amazing upgrade…a moderate upgrade…or only a slight upgrade.
 
 
I was trying to solve for the 2nd and 3rd scenario as I’ve been auditioning various headphones and DACs. I originally was on-board with strapping together my iPod + a DAC for my dog walks – I started with OPPO HA-2. Then tried Dragonfly Red. I basically want something that is USB powered, so it can work on my walks but also when I listen on the couch at home. (reason being is I don’t want to lug down an AC-powered solution…I just want to plug into the USB of my Macbook and be ready).
 
Dragonfly Red has been great to me. I like the sound better than the HA-2 and it cost $100 less. However, since I discovered Sine + Cipher, I’ve completely resolved my dog walking/out and about scenario and am not interested in adding another device. It just sounds so good as is and adds an incredible convenience factor by not having to worry about a mini stack/straps/clunky/charge time/etc.
 
So that leaves me with the ONLY time my Dragonfly Red is being used is on the couch at home, via USB. Again, I’m happy with how it sounds right now and there’s a noticeable upgrade. Plus it was only $200. BUT – since this is the most “critical listening” of my scenarios, I’m curious if anyone has heard Red vs MOJO directly? I realize only I can answer if it’s “$400 better” than Dragonfly and thus worth it. But I’m wondering if anyone has heard both enough times to form an opinion of how much of a tangible/noticeable upgrade there is. ONLY for at-home listening. Are we talking Honda to Acura? Or Honda to Mercedes?
 
May 18, 2016 at 11:14 AM Post #17,754 of 42,916
Not too sure if this has been asked before, but does the source or dap affect the mojo in any way? Say if i were to use the mojo with either an AK 320 vs an iPhone 6. Would the sq be greatly affected? Or both combo would sound the same. 
 
May 18, 2016 at 11:33 AM Post #17,755 of 42,916
I’m wondering if you guys can help me determine if it’s worth auditioning Mojo for my particular use. Here’s an overview of the ways I currently use headphones – the bolded part is where I’m strictly curious about.

AT THE GYM
I’ve settled on IEMs and iPod Nano. NOT looking for Mojo use here.

WALKING THE DOGS/OUT AND ABOUT
I’ve settled on iPod Touch + Sine with Cipher Cable. NOT looking for Mojo use here.

LISTENING TO MUSIC ON THE COUCH AT HOME
I’ve settled on Hifiman HE-400s. I’m currently using Dragonfly Red + Jitterbug. I’m curious if Mojo would provide an amazing upgrade…a moderate upgrade…or only a slight upgrade.


I was trying to solve for the 2nd and 3rd scenario as I’ve been auditioning various headphones and DACs. I originally was on-board with strapping together my iPod + a DAC for my dog walks – I started with OPPO HA-2. Then tried Dragonfly Red. I basically want something that is USB powered, so it can work on my walks but also when I listen on the couch at home. (reason being is I don’t want to lug down an AC-powered solution…I just want to plug into the USB of my Macbook and be ready).

Dragonfly Red has been great to me. I like the sound better than the HA-2 and it cost $100 less. However, since I discovered Sine + Cipher, I’ve completely resolved my dog walking/out and about scenario and am not interested in adding another device. It just sounds so good as is and adds an incredible convenience factor by not having to worry about a mini stack/straps/clunky/charge time/etc.

So that leaves me with the ONLY time my Dragonfly Red is being used is on the couch at home, via USB. Again, I’m happy with how it sounds right now and there’s a noticeable upgrade. Plus it was only $200. BUT – since this is the most “critical listening” of my scenarios, I’m curious if anyone has heard Red vs MOJO directly? I realize only I can answer if it’s “$400 better” than Dragonfly and thus worth it. But I’m wondering if anyone has heard both enough times to form an opinion of how much of a tangible/noticeable upgrade there is. ONLY for at-home listening. Are we talking Honda to Acura? Or Honda to Mercedes?


It's more like a Honda to a Porsche. The Honda will take you where you want to go, it will be a decently smooth ride, you won't think much of it. The second you get in that Porsche, it will excite you. When you start riding it you will be overly excited. Half way into your ride you will get goosebumps running down your spine. You get the point.

A friend of mine has the dragonfly 1.2 and I've listened to it and evaluated it. The best way I can put it is that The Dragon fly is like an xray of sound, it appears to show you a lot but actually exaggerates a lot of things which in term takes me out of it.

The Mojo brings all the pieces of the music and combines it into one cohesive whole. If you close your eyes you can picture the singers and performers with excellent imagery as well as feel the weight of the instruments.

For example with the Dragon fly I can hear piano keys being played,with the Mojo I can feel the weight of the keys, texture of they keys, and hear the keys being played in a smoother more natural tone.
 
May 18, 2016 at 11:36 AM Post #17,756 of 42,916
  Not too sure if this has been asked before, but does the source or dap affect the mojo in any way? Say if i were to use the mojo with either an AK 320 vs an iPhone 6. Would the sq be greatly affected? Or both combo would sound the same. 


I get different results with my phone compared to my dap. I use OTG with my phone and optical with my dap. The dap has less interference
 
May 18, 2016 at 11:38 AM Post #17,757 of 42,916
I get different results with my phone compared to my dap. I use OTG with my phone and optical with my dap. The dap has less interference
My phone with no sim card in airplane mode is dead silent with zero interference.
 
May 18, 2016 at 11:47 AM Post #17,758 of 42,916
 
I’m wondering if you guys can help me determine if it’s worth auditioning Mojo for my particular use. Here’s an overview of the ways I currently use headphones – the bolded part is where I’m strictly curious about.

AT THE GYM
I’ve settled on IEMs and iPod Nano. NOT looking for Mojo use here.

WALKING THE DOGS/OUT AND ABOUT
I’ve settled on iPod Touch + Sine with Cipher Cable. NOT looking for Mojo use here.

LISTENING TO MUSIC ON THE COUCH AT HOME
I’ve settled on Hifiman HE-400s. I’m currently using Dragonfly Red + Jitterbug. I’m curious if Mojo would provide an amazing upgrade…a moderate upgrade…or only a slight upgrade.


I was trying to solve for the 2nd and 3rd scenario as I’ve been auditioning various headphones and DACs. I originally was on-board with strapping together my iPod + a DAC for my dog walks – I started with OPPO HA-2. Then tried Dragonfly Red. I basically want something that is USB powered, so it can work on my walks but also when I listen on the couch at home. (reason being is I don’t want to lug down an AC-powered solution…I just want to plug into the USB of my Macbook and be ready).

Dragonfly Red has been great to me. I like the sound better than the HA-2 and it cost $100 less. However, since I discovered Sine + Cipher, I’ve completely resolved my dog walking/out and about scenario and am not interested in adding another device. It just sounds so good as is and adds an incredible convenience factor by not having to worry about a mini stack/straps/clunky/charge time/etc.

So that leaves me with the ONLY time my Dragonfly Red is being used is on the couch at home, via USB. Again, I’m happy with how it sounds right now and there’s a noticeable upgrade. Plus it was only $200. BUT – since this is the most “critical listening” of my scenarios, I’m curious if anyone has heard Red vs MOJO directly? I realize only I can answer if it’s “$400 better” than Dragonfly and thus worth it. But I’m wondering if anyone has heard both enough times to form an opinion of how much of a tangible/noticeable upgrade there is. ONLY for at-home listening. Are we talking Honda to Acura? Or Honda to Mercedes?


It's more like a Honda to a Porsche. The Honda will take you where you want to go, it will be a decently smooth ride, you won't think much of it. The second you get in that Porsche, it will excite you. When you start riding it you will be overly excited. Half way into your ride you will get goosebumps running down your spine. You get the point.

I disagree with my Honda but do carry on.
tongue.gif

 
May 18, 2016 at 12:30 PM Post #17,759 of 42,916
Does anyone else own one of these?

http://m.ebay.com/itm/Pure-Solid-Silver-Lightning-to-Chord-Hugo-Mojo-interconnect-cable-Iphone-4-5-6-/172158889773?txnId=1540145164007

I just received mine in the mail and it's not working, the light goes on for the mojo and that's all.
 
May 18, 2016 at 12:37 PM Post #17,760 of 42,916
Does anyone else own one of these?

http://m.ebay.com/itm/Pure-Solid-Silver-Lightning-to-Chord-Hugo-Mojo-interconnect-cable-Iphone-4-5-6-/172158889773?txnId=1540145164007

I just received mine in the mail and it's not working, the light goes on for the mojo and that's all.

 
I use one of those.
 
It has worked fine since I received it - no issues at all.
 
I haven't not tested it with yesterday's 9.3.2 update to iOS yet, but it was certainly fine with 9.3.1.
 

Users who are viewing this thread

Back
Top