Chord Mojo 2 Thread ___ [product released January 31, 2022 -- starting on page 95 of thread]

Mar 12, 2022 at 1:49 PM Post #3,136 of 12,508
Thank you for your reply, so to clarify, by in-house, do you mean that in an eventual firmware update we would have to return the units to Chord? Or, the device can accept a firmware update over USB?
Well, so far and to my knowledge , no DAC has had a firmware update.
Be it in-house, outhouse, usb or internet.
Think about it, Mojo2 is almost a Mojo classic with firmware update.
Same Usb chip, same FPGA, almost same output section.
 
Mar 12, 2022 at 2:00 PM Post #3,137 of 12,508
Thank you for your reply, so to clarify, by in-house, do you mean that in an eventual firmware update we would have to return the units to Chord? Or, the device can accept a firmware update over USB?
It would have to be returned to Chord. But as noted above, no Chord DAC has actually had a firmware update in lieu of a new model.
 
Mar 12, 2022 at 2:25 PM Post #3,139 of 12,508
Please tell us more :ksc75smile:
Testing now, here's my observations (no EQ/filters involved here):

1. On IEMs - in my case, IE900 - the difference between Hugo 2 and Mojo 2 is rather subtle. Hugo 2 has better micro-detail, better layering, better imaging, but the difference on a technical level is notably closer than between Hugo 2 and Mojo OG. Hugo 2 hits harder - has better dynamics - than Mojo 2, and generally has more of an authoritative feel.

2. Bigger differences come into play with full-size headphones that are moderately hard to drive. On the ZMF VC, there's no doubt that the Mojo 2 can drive with some headroom to spare. But the Hugo 2 offers a more defined presentation, with a greater sense of space. Mojo 2 has a sight "softness" in comparison, where separation especially isn't as precise (though I have to say again, it's a marked improvement on Mojo OG). I'm also comparing this on my TT2, incidentally, and as you might expect - there's a continuity with Hugo 2 and Mojo 2, but TT2 offers a level of micro-detail and clarity that is lacking on the others.

3. In terms of timbre/tonality, this was interesting. With the VC, my preferred source is Hugo 2 by far. The Hugo 2 has a super clean presentation which works especially well with warmer headphones, I find. The Mojo 2's timbre is close to Hugo 2, but it's nowhere as forward as Hugo 2. Mojo 2 has a slightly smoother/rounder top-end, whereas Hugo 2 is ultra-energetic in comparison. I'm a big fan of pairing Hugo 2 with tube amps; this is where the Hugo 2's magic really comes to the foreground, IMO. Some will likely prefer Mojo 2's slightly more cohesive timbre, I expect. The TT2 tonality is interesting - it has more body than Mojo 2 and Hugo 2. The overall presentation is more refined, more subtle than Hugo 2. On brighter headphones - Kennerton Rognir/HD800s - the TT2 is by far the "winner" in terms of synergy. The lower end body gives a tremendous sense of body that is not as evident in Hugo 2 or Mojo 2.

In sum: Mojo 2, Hugo 2, and TT2 are - IMO - mutually edifying and complementary. And, of course, they each serve a different function. They share the same Chord signature, but present in different ways and with varying levels of technical excellence. Placing the Mojo 2 against even the TT2, it's impressive how well the former fairs. I remember doing multiple tests with Mojo OG, and it felt like a huge step downward switching between TT2/Hugo 2 to Mojo OG. The Mojo 2 holds its ground with ease. It's an amazing achievement.

20220312_202436.JPG
 
Mar 12, 2022 at 3:07 PM Post #3,140 of 12,508
Testing now, here's my observations (no EQ/filters involved here):

1. On IEMs - in my case, IE900 - the difference between Hugo 2 and Mojo 2 is rather subtle. Hugo 2 has better micro-detail, better layering, better imaging, but the difference on a technical level is notably closer than between Hugo 2 and Mojo OG. Hugo 2 hits harder - has better dynamics - than Mojo 2, and generally has more of an authoritative feel.

2. Bigger differences come into play with full-size headphones that are moderately hard to drive. On the ZMF VC, there's no doubt that the Mojo 2 can drive with some headroom to spare. But the Hugo 2 offers a more defined presentation, with a greater sense of space. Mojo 2 has a sight "softness" in comparison, where separation especially isn't as precise (though I have to say again, it's a marked improvement on Mojo OG). I'm also comparing this on my TT2, incidentally, and as you might expect - there's a continuity with Hugo 2 and Mojo 2, but TT2 offers a level of micro-detail and clarity that is lacking on the others.

3. In terms of timbre/tonality, this was interesting. With the VC, my preferred source is Hugo 2 by far. The Hugo 2 has a super clean presentation which works especially well with warmer headphones, I find. The Mojo 2's timbre is close to Hugo 2, but it's nowhere as forward as Hugo 2. Mojo 2 has a slightly smoother/rounder top-end, whereas Hugo 2 is ultra-energetic in comparison. I'm a big fan of pairing Hugo 2 with tube amps; this is where the Hugo 2's magic really comes to the foreground, IMO. Some will likely prefer Mojo 2's slightly more cohesive timbre, I expect. The TT2 tonality is interesting - it has more body than Mojo 2 and Hugo 2. The overall presentation is more refined, more subtle than Hugo 2. On brighter headphones - Kennerton Rognir/HD800s - the TT2 is by far the "winner" in terms of synergy. The lower end body gives a tremendous sense of body that is not as evident in Hugo 2 or Mojo 2.

In sum: Mojo 2, Hugo 2, and TT2 are - IMO - mutually edifying and complementary. And, of course, they each serve a different function. They share the same Chord signature, but present in different ways and with varying levels of technical excellence. Placing the Mojo 2 against even the TT2, it's impressive how well the former fairs. I remember doing multiple tests with Mojo OG, and it felt like a huge step downward switching between TT2/Hugo 2 to Mojo OG. The Mojo 2 holds its ground with ease. It's an amazing achievement.

20220312_202436.JPG
Excellent write-up. It's sounds like the Mojo 2, although very improved, still sits behind the Hugo 2 in sonics. It seems like the Chord hierarchy remains in tack for now!
 
Mar 12, 2022 at 3:29 PM Post #3,141 of 12,508
Testing now, here's my observations (no EQ/filters involved here):

1. On IEMs - in my case, IE900 - the difference between Hugo 2 and Mojo 2 is rather subtle. Hugo 2 has better micro-detail, better layering, better imaging, but the difference on a technical level is notably closer than between Hugo 2 and Mojo OG. Hugo 2 hits harder - has better dynamics - than Mojo 2, and generally has more of an authoritative feel.

2. Bigger differences come into play with full-size headphones that are moderately hard to drive. On the ZMF VC, there's no doubt that the Mojo 2 can drive with some headroom to spare. But the Hugo 2 offers a more defined presentation, with a greater sense of space. Mojo 2 has a sight "softness" in comparison, where separation especially isn't as precise (though I have to say again, it's a marked improvement on Mojo OG). I'm also comparing this on my TT2, incidentally, and as you might expect - there's a continuity with Hugo 2 and Mojo 2, but TT2 offers a level of micro-detail and clarity that is lacking on the others.

3. In terms of timbre/tonality, this was interesting. With the VC, my preferred source is Hugo 2 by far. The Hugo 2 has a super clean presentation which works especially well with warmer headphones, I find. The Mojo 2's timbre is close to Hugo 2, but it's nowhere as forward as Hugo 2. Mojo 2 has a slightly smoother/rounder top-end, whereas Hugo 2 is ultra-energetic in comparison. I'm a big fan of pairing Hugo 2 with tube amps; this is where the Hugo 2's magic really comes to the foreground, IMO. Some will likely prefer Mojo 2's slightly more cohesive timbre, I expect. The TT2 tonality is interesting - it has more body than Mojo 2 and Hugo 2. The overall presentation is more refined, more subtle than Hugo 2. On brighter headphones - Kennerton Rognir/HD800s - the TT2 is by far the "winner" in terms of synergy. The lower end body gives a tremendous sense of body that is not as evident in Hugo 2 or Mojo 2.

In sum: Mojo 2, Hugo 2, and TT2 are - IMO - mutually edifying and complementary. And, of course, they each serve a different function. They share the same Chord signature, but present in different ways and with varying levels of technical excellence. Placing the Mojo 2 against even the TT2, it's impressive how well the former fairs. I remember doing multiple tests with Mojo OG, and it felt like a huge step downward switching between TT2/Hugo 2 to Mojo OG. The Mojo 2 holds its ground with ease. It's an amazing achievement.

20220312_202436.JPG
Testing now, here's my observations (no EQ/filters involved here):

1. On IEMs - in my case, IE900 - the difference between Hugo 2 and Mojo 2 is rather subtle. Hugo 2 has better micro-detail, better layering, better imaging, but the difference on a technical level is notably closer than between Hugo 2 and Mojo OG. Hugo 2 hits harder - has better dynamics - than Mojo 2, and generally has more of an authoritative feel.

2. Bigger differences come into play with full-size headphones that are moderately hard to drive. On the ZMF VC, there's no doubt that the Mojo 2 can drive with some headroom to spare. But the Hugo 2 offers a more defined presentation, with a greater sense of space. Mojo 2 has a sight "softness" in comparison, where separation especially isn't as precise (though I have to say again, it's a marked improvement on Mojo OG). I'm also comparing this on my TT2, incidentally, and as you might expect - there's a continuity with Hugo 2 and Mojo 2, but TT2 offers a level of micro-detail and clarity that is lacking on the others.

3. In terms of timbre/tonality, this was interesting. With the VC, my preferred source is Hugo 2 by far. The Hugo 2 has a super clean presentation which works especially well with warmer headphones, I find. The Mojo 2's timbre is close to Hugo 2, but it's nowhere as forward as Hugo 2. Mojo 2 has a slightly smoother/rounder top-end, whereas Hugo 2 is ultra-energetic in comparison. I'm a big fan of pairing Hugo 2 with tube amps; this is where the Hugo 2's magic really comes to the foreground, IMO. Some will likely prefer Mojo 2's slightly more cohesive timbre, I expect. The TT2 tonality is interesting - it has more body than Mojo 2 and Hugo 2. The overall presentation is more refined, more subtle than Hugo 2. On brighter headphones - Kennerton Rognir/HD800s - the TT2 is by far the "winner" in terms of synergy. The lower end body gives a tremendous sense of body that is not as evident in Hugo 2 or Mojo 2.

In sum: Mojo 2, Hugo 2, and TT2 are - IMO - mutually edifying and complementary. And, of course, they each serve a different function. They share the same Chord signature, but present in different ways and with varying levels of technical excellence. Placing the Mojo 2 against even the TT2, it's impressive how well the former fairs. I remember doing multiple tests with Mojo OG, and it felt like a huge step downward switching between TT2/Hugo 2 to Mojo OG. The Mojo 2 holds its ground with ease. It's an amazing achievement.

20220312_202436.JPG
Totally agree with everything you have said. 👍

I find the Mojo 2 a absolute joy for a portable dac/amp.
 
Mar 12, 2022 at 3:34 PM Post #3,142 of 12,508
Excellent write-up. It's sounds like the Mojo 2, although very improved, still sits behind the Hugo 2 in sonics. It seems like the Chord hierarchy remains in tack for now!
Thanks, glad it's helpful. I would say so, yup. Mojo 2 is definitely best bang for the buck, I will say.

You'll have to let us know where the Dave vs. Mojo 2 showdown fits in!
 
Mar 12, 2022 at 4:01 PM Post #3,143 of 12,508
Mar 12, 2022 at 4:17 PM Post #3,145 of 12,508
Mar 12, 2022 at 4:29 PM Post #3,146 of 12,508
Thanks, glad it's helpful. I would say so, yup. Mojo 2 is definitely best bang for the buck, I will say.

You'll have to let us know where the Dave vs. Mojo 2 showdown fits in!
Surely Dave vs Mojo 2 + Mscaler be more meaningful 😆In so many ways it should not would and fits No use case but hey that’s what Saturday night testing is for!
 
Mar 12, 2022 at 4:50 PM Post #3,147 of 12,508
The M2 must be nice with the WA8 yeah?
I no longer have the WA8.
I sold it when I bought a TT2 .
I used the WA8 along with a Hugo 2.
I still wish I kept the WA8 but found I used the Vorzuge Pure ii+ more often .
The WA8 is a great sounding amp.
I even used it as a pre amp for a vinyl set up for a few years.
It embarrassed some quite expensive preamps.
 
Mar 12, 2022 at 5:09 PM Post #3,149 of 12,508
For those who like classical music, I find this album both: great recording and demonstration of Mojo 2 capabilities, especially when you want to expose most if not all of this little marvel strengths. It also shows that Mojo 2 can be great even for very critical listening longer sessions and it can easily compete with a lot more expensive dacs and amps.

1647122874074.png
 
Mar 12, 2022 at 5:55 PM Post #3,150 of 12,508
For those who like classical music, I find this album both: great recording and demonstration of Mojo 2 capabilities, especially when you want to expose most if not all of this little marvel strengths. It also shows that Mojo 2 can be great even for very critical listening longer sessions and it can easily compete with a lot more expensive dacs and amps.

1647122874074.png
Perfect, what is your streamer and what headphones are you using?
 

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