DAC Recommendations at $400 Price Level

[chesebert]

California audio labs alpha dac. More musical than cheap chifi dacs. Put in a good NOS tube it will be the best dac you have heard under $500.

 

[amigastar]

I can hear very distinct differences between my Schiit Modius E vs Schiit Gungnir MB vs Mojo 2

So, how's the Mojo 2 is compared to the Gungnir MB? Is it equally good?
Very interested in your comparison.

 

[Blindranger]

Over the past year, I’ve had the chance to purchase not one, but two Gungnir Multibit DACs —scoring one at $625 and the second at an unbelievable $320. At those prices, they’re an absolute steal and remain one of the best options for a high-performing DAC at that price point. However, the true test came when I decided to pit the Gungnir MB against my Chord Mojo 2 in a direct A/B comparison.

I ran both DACs through my single-ended headphone amps—the Tor Roger and Beyerdynamic A20—feeding my trusty Sennheiser HD600s. What struck me immediately was how the Mojo 2 pulled ahead in terms of clarity and PRaT (Pace, Rhythm, and Timing). It was like peeling back an extra layer of detail in the music. Instruments felt more distinct and separated, with a more defined sense of space in the soundstage.

That said, the Gungnir MB has its strengths—it delivers a fuller, weightier bass that gives the music a satisfying physicality that the Mojo 2 doesn’t quite match. It’s a classic case of different flavors: the Gumby leans into warmth and heft, while the Mojo 2 prioritizes speed, detail, and technical precision.

Recently, I also had the chance to A/B the Chord Qutest, and it took the strengths of the Mojo 2 to the next level. The Qutest delivered even more dynamic range and clarity, with a notable improvement in bass impact and control. It retains the Mojo 2’s sense of PRaT and image separation but adds a sense of refinement and power that elevates the entire experience. In my opinion, the Qutest is hands-down the best value you can find in the used market for around $1,000. It’s a game-changer, especially if you’re looking to push your system’s performance up a notch.

In the end, it really comes down to what you value most in your system. For me, the Mojo 2 edges out the Gungnir MB overall, especially when paired with headphones like the HD600, which already thrive on clarity and balance. But if you’re after that visceral, bass-heavy presentation, the Gungnir MB still has a lot to offer. And if your budget can stretch to a used Qutest, it’s a whole new level of performance that’s hard to beat! That said, I’m eagerly awaiting the arrival of the Denafrips Pontus 15th, which I plan to use to replace both the Gungnir MB and Mojo 2 in my office system. I’m excited to hear how it compares and whether it delivers the musicality and technical performance I’m after.

 

[amigastar]

@Blindranger
Interesting comparison. thanks for that.