Mojo 2 is very impressive. In my speaker setup, I put it up against my Prism Sound Titan (studio version of their Calia), and the Mojo 2's tonality was quite similar. The soundstage wasn't as broad, but for such a small unit operating on battery, I was astonished how close it came. I ended up using the Mojo 2 in my second setup, and have found that placing a Fosi P1 in the chain has further broadened the imaging. Very satisfied with this setup.
This is so amazing! I've only tried and own the mojo 2 of the chord family but owning other high end equipment and always wondered how the cheapest product of this firm can have this absurdly high resolution and recording insight.. Now I know 😂👌I am also waiting for the hugo 3 now and this will be my endgame for driving my iems 👍until then I can focus on my over ear chain 👌 Thx a lot(!) for this honest review! Best regards..
5 🐅 to this spot on review!! (As usual) Thank you!! I had both Mojo2 and Hugo2 for a while and ended up keeping Mojo2. The DSP correction and form factor does play a huge part in the role of a portable/transportable device of this kind. Also, Mojo2’s intelligent desktop mode was better than Hugo2 as well. 🐤 A reliable bird told me that the next development of Hugo will not come in the near future. So I will be happily waiting with the Mojo2. Furthermore, Hugo2 at its new MSRP of $2950 in the US it is hard to justify in 2023.
Excellent, as always. I started my audiophile journey with the first Hugo, and since tried other Chord products. Currently, TT2/MS at home and Mojo away. DAVE, one day…. 😏 Thank you 🙏
I just picked up a Hugo 2 demo unit from an AD recently and really like it. My box appears to be the older generation with the choird logo in shiny black multiple times over. Anyone know when they implemented that change? Hugo 2 is a fantastic device paired with my Meze Elites!
I love my Mojo 2 + Poly and this review makes me love them even more. It's really a great value combo. When at the desk, I pair them with a Cayin C9 for better amplification.
it is easy to get 4.4 mm output from Hugo 2 , there is an adapter from PW Audio that allows you to use the ground of 4.4mm or 2.5 mm balanced. i found another adapter from PW Audio for Mojo 2 , to get 4.4 mm balanced output.
I bought 2 mojos 2. One as a backup. After 5 years I'll be ready for mojo 3s. The sound has soul. You can buy Chinese or made in china amps and speakers, but DACs must come from European hands. The heart cannot be made in china
Great review! I heard people saying Hugo2/Qutest have wider/deeper soundstage than Moko 2. Do you feel the same? Currently I am using Mojo 2 to drive stereo speakers. Mojo 2 works very well, but I just wonder if the soundstage can be thrown even further.
It’s strange you ask this question at this moment in time, I am literally sitting with the unit and the 2go with the LCD5 When you pair these two accessories together, it’s the next big step up from Mojo two, incidentally, by itself. I never found it that impressive. I never understood why but the to go the very fiddly does exponentially improve sound, quality, performance and noise Especially when streaming directly to it to the poly, yes, it’s definitely the next big step up without a doubt but I do recommend pairing it with it 2go
@@ConvinceMeAudioYes there're lots of strange things happening in HIFI that are hard to explain. I am feeding music from PC (foobar2000) to Mojo2 via USB. Upgrading USB cable significantly improved sound quality. I guess one reason is that good cables can reduce more noises (EMI/RFI). Thanks for your information I will try poly (or 2go if I will get a Hugo2) myself. I guess these streamers get noise to a even lower level? Another possible reason these streamers should have better sound, could be less error rates. USB Audio uses Isochronous protocol which doesn't have error correction (unlike file copying which uses bulk protocol and havs error correction). In this case streamers might have less error rates compare to long USB cables.
@@jefflee8102 I think it comes down to separating the unit and using battery, away from the main OS and system and noisy USB protocol, USB can be fantastic if it’s galvanically isolated, but it’s best to keep your audio equipment away
Hi many thanks for your reviews...I would kindly ask you for a recommendation for a portable dac/amp for my Quad era1 and sennhiser hd660s2 at home for them I use a valve amp Rogue Audio Cronus Magnus II headphones out. Many thanks 🙏
@@ConvinceMeAudio I went for the fiio q15 in the end found it on eBay for less than 400 will let you know how it goes in balanced out. Many thanks for pointing me in the right direction
Hey there! Thanks a bunch for all the amazing videos you've put out! I recently got my hands on the Chord Qutest and I'm trying to figure out which amp would be a good match for it. I'm hoping to find an amp that won't break the bank but will still allow me to get the most out of the Qutest. Do you have any recommendations for me? Thanks so much!
@@omenworks first and foremost, I would highly recommend going onto the used market GSX mini hdvd800 hdvd820 Dynalo to be honest it’s quite slim pickings at this price point Thousand dollars in below is the SMSL and top and stuff that I don’t like much And the units I really like are above 2000 even used What these are the ones I would choose if I was in this category personally A90d it’s supposed to be okay as well topping but I have not reviewed this variant
I've owned this. Really great performer. But you have to ask yourself this question - is it really worth the money. Chord products are exorbitantly priced (not a new thing in this audio hobby). You might as well get a DAC/AMP combo with some discrete components in the DAC's analog stage. You'll be surprised. Try the Aune X8 with Burson/Sparkos op amps - trust me, for a fraction of the price you are getting equal if not better sonic performance.
Yeah true but my best bet is just get a all in one dac amp combo instead of a dac and a amp stack! Lots of people don’t wanna mess with cables. Can be confusing for some! I own a EF 400 dac amp combo and love it because I can just hook up usb then I’m all set lol
Nah, not for me. Every time I left Chord to try some dac with off the shelf chip (no matter how fancy the implementation) I regretted it. The performance is just not there.
Also the alternative you are recommending here is not portable. You are stuck to a fixed listening spot in your house. That is outdated and obsolete if you have something like Hugo 2.
@@ConvinceMeAudioThanks, then would a Hugo or Hugo 2 without extra amp be okay? I know you recommend something like a Dave. But this is just too astronomically for me. I recently got the LCD5 pretty cheap and have no amp so far. Portability within my house would be great, so I thought I could start with a Hugo or so. Also, I don't need to get 100% out of the headphones for now. Just a decently working setting for a good price tag would be fine. Yes I am a beginner. And maybe it's stupid so start with the LCD5. But I had this chance to get them so attractively "cheap"...
@@ConvinceMeAudio Portability is not the most important thing, would be a nice-to-have. My application is listening to classical music. I like transparent and "airy" sound with a not too narrow sound stage. I like details but it should not be tooo analytically cold. I think adding a little bit warm cushiness would be enjoyable for me. My budget is very limited. Maybe in the 2k order.
Unfortunately this unit plus the organic are the two units I’ve not tested here but I don’t see it having too much problem with it to be honest but best to air on the side of caution due to the current required but stealth from DCA is superb on it
@@ConvinceMeAudio thanks brother, i appreciate the reply. im running hugo2 with clear focal now and im hesitant to get he1000 cause ive heard it to be hard to drive.
@@christianlee1423 DCA stealth truly surprised me on that unit sounding better than a lot of desktop set ups, but I do use to go as well to isolate, in regards to the other stealth. It is very possible it could be a toss up.
I have both units here and have spent considerable amount of time with them since this review I think it just comes down to the way the DAC is tuned Hugo to, and to go is definitely a big step up, together, but by itself honestly, it’s terrifying when it comes to technicality how close they are I think the primary reason is the output stage and amplification is playing a very big role in these two units
I really like the sound of my mojo 2. But, I'll never buy another product with that screwy colored ball setup. I don't have operational problems as I've had it for awhile. It's still an awkward solution.
Chord products confuse me a bit. The form factors are odd and the prices are high. Some say they are great, some remark upon poor measurements, and some dislike the sound. There does not seem to be a consensus. They all also seem a bit outdated. Can't make sense of it all.
They are fantastic. I have had 3 of them. Maybe just go and actually try them instead of just getting your opinion from You Tube or sponsored magazines.
@@saschamilenkovic4320 I never thought of going to hear them myself. That would be so much easier than collating the evidence of measurements and subjective experiences of others to find a consensus. I'll head over to my local Best Buy and have a listen. If they are sold out I'll try Walmart.
@@Masimo_Yovanni P6 pro it’s not even close it’s untouchable even now I would say PXP is at least two classes above it if your priority is organic realistic sound quality
Mojo 2 is very impressive. In my speaker setup, I put it up against my Prism Sound Titan (studio version of their Calia), and the Mojo 2's tonality was quite similar. The soundstage wasn't as broad, but for such a small unit operating on battery, I was astonished how close it came.
I ended up using the Mojo 2 in my second setup, and have found that placing a Fosi P1 in the chain has further broadened the imaging. Very satisfied with this setup.
This is so amazing! I've only tried and own the mojo 2 of the chord family but owning other high end equipment and always wondered how the cheapest product of this firm can have this absurdly high resolution and recording insight.. Now I know 😂👌I am also waiting for the hugo 3 now and this will be my endgame for driving my iems 👍until then I can focus on my over ear chain 👌
Thx a lot(!) for this honest review!
Best regards..
5 🐅 to this spot on review!! (As usual) Thank you!!
I had both Mojo2 and Hugo2 for a while and ended up keeping Mojo2. The DSP correction and form factor does play a huge part in the role of a portable/transportable device of this kind. Also, Mojo2’s intelligent desktop mode was better than Hugo2 as well.
🐤 A reliable bird told me that the next development of Hugo will not come in the near future. So I will be happily waiting with the Mojo2. Furthermore, Hugo2 at its new MSRP of $2950 in the US it is hard to justify in 2023.
Excellent, as always. I started my audiophile journey with the first Hugo, and since tried other Chord products. Currently, TT2/MS at home and Mojo away. DAVE, one day…. 😏 Thank you 🙏
Thank you for the support. I really do appreciate it,
🐅
Danke!
A heart felt thank you, from CMA 🐅
Fabulous review. Great knowledge and tips
I just picked up a Hugo 2 demo unit from an AD recently and really like it. My box appears to be the older generation with the choird logo in shiny black multiple times over. Anyone know when they implemented that change? Hugo 2 is a fantastic device paired with my Meze Elites!
It's my favourite dac by a long way
Chord Mojo 2 price revised to £395, was going to buy on eBay recently but probably go to a dealer now.
You're lucky
I have 2 mojo 2s one as a back up. That good
I love my Mojo 2 + Poly and this review makes me love them even more. It's really a great value combo. When at the desk, I pair them with a Cayin C9 for better amplification.
it is easy to get 4.4 mm output from Hugo 2 , there is an adapter from PW Audio that allows you to use the ground of 4.4mm or 2.5 mm balanced.
i found another adapter from PW Audio for Mojo 2 , to get 4.4 mm balanced output.
It's not actually balanced because the unit itself isn't balanced no matter what adaptors you buy it doesn't have a balanced circuitry
Great review. Care to elaborate on why you don't like chord with focal?
It feels a little soft and gooey
It loses that visceral incisive edge of attack violence
@@ConvinceMeAudio Big shame. Why do you think that happens to focals?
@@thor_86 unfortunately, synergy is a thing, especially with high, resolving drivers, and they just don’t match. It’s one of those annoying situations
I bought 2 mojos 2. One as a backup. After 5 years I'll be ready for mojo 3s. The sound has soul. You can buy Chinese or made in china amps and speakers, but DACs must come from European hands. The heart cannot be made in china
Great review!
I heard people saying Hugo2/Qutest have wider/deeper soundstage than Moko 2. Do you feel the same? Currently I am using Mojo 2 to drive stereo speakers. Mojo 2 works very well, but I just wonder if the soundstage can be thrown even further.
It’s strange you ask this question at this moment in time, I am literally sitting with the unit and the 2go with the LCD5
When you pair these two accessories together, it’s the next big step up from Mojo two, incidentally, by itself. I never found it that impressive. I never understood why but the to go the very fiddly does exponentially improve sound, quality, performance and noise
Especially when streaming directly to it to the poly, yes, it’s definitely the next big step up without a doubt but I do recommend pairing it with it 2go
@@ConvinceMeAudioYes there're lots of strange things happening in HIFI that are hard to explain. I am feeding music from PC (foobar2000) to Mojo2 via USB. Upgrading USB cable significantly improved sound quality. I guess one reason is that good cables can reduce more noises (EMI/RFI). Thanks for your information I will try poly (or 2go if I will get a Hugo2) myself. I guess these streamers get noise to a even lower level?
Another possible reason these streamers should have better sound, could be less error rates. USB Audio uses Isochronous protocol which doesn't have error correction (unlike file copying which uses bulk protocol and havs error correction). In this case streamers might have less error rates compare to long USB cables.
@@jefflee8102 I think it comes down to separating the unit and using battery, away from the main OS and system and noisy USB protocol, USB can be fantastic if it’s galvanically isolated, but it’s best to keep your audio equipment away
@@ConvinceMeAudio Totally agree! Thanks for your video and comments.
@@ConvinceMeAudioI think that is absolutely right. These things do make a difference.
Hi many thanks for your reviews...I would kindly ask you for a recommendation for a portable dac/amp for my Quad era1 and sennhiser hd660s2 at home for them I use a valve amp Rogue Audio Cronus Magnus II headphones out.
Many thanks 🙏
@@toneotoneo the quad are pretty hard to drive, how much do you wanna spend?
@@ConvinceMeAudio mmm well under 1000 preferably...not sure if above that is going to be worthwhile with these 2 medium level headphones 🤔
@@toneotoneo questyle cma18p Diablo two
Will do a perfectly excellent job with both, both reviews are on the channel
@@ConvinceMeAudio many thanks I will watch them 🙏
@@ConvinceMeAudio I went for the fiio q15 in the end found it on eBay for less than 400 will let you know how it goes in balanced out. Many thanks for pointing me in the right direction
Hi I’m looking for a combo for 2000 usd to my Hifiman he1000 se v2 stealth, this could handle it ?, thanks and an amazing channel.
I have a chord mojo 2 and drives both those headphones phenomenal 😀
Hey there! Thanks a bunch for all the amazing videos you've put out! I recently got my hands on the Chord Qutest and I'm trying to figure out which amp would be a good match for it. I'm hoping to find an amp that won't break the bank but will still allow me to get the most out of the Qutest. Do you have any recommendations for me? Thanks so much!
How much would you like to spend?
Thank you for the kind words I do appreciate it, and welcome to the Femme 🐅
I was aiming to spend around 1000 USD on amp. Depending on my options at this price range I could go little over budget. Thanks
@@omenworks first and foremost, I would highly recommend going onto the used market
GSX mini hdvd800 hdvd820 Dynalo to be honest it’s quite slim pickings at this price point
Thousand dollars in below is the SMSL and top and stuff that I don’t like much
And the units I really like are above 2000 even used
What these are the ones I would choose if I was in this category personally
A90d it’s supposed to be okay as well topping but I have not reviewed this variant
How does it sound w the Warwick sonoma m1?
I've owned this. Really great performer. But you have to ask yourself this question - is it really worth the money. Chord products are exorbitantly priced (not a new thing in this audio hobby). You might as well get a DAC/AMP combo with some discrete components in the DAC's analog stage. You'll be surprised. Try the Aune X8 with Burson/Sparkos op amps - trust me, for a fraction of the price you are getting equal if not better sonic performance.
Yeah true but my best bet is just get a all in one dac amp combo instead of a dac and a amp stack! Lots of people don’t wanna mess with cables. Can be confusing for some! I own a EF 400 dac amp combo and love it because I can just hook up usb then I’m all set lol
@@colingordon0986Yes, component stacks are a thing of the past.
Nah, not for me. Every time I left Chord to try some dac with off the shelf chip (no matter how fancy the implementation) I regretted it. The performance is just not there.
Also the alternative you are recommending here is not portable. You are stuck to a fixed listening spot in your house.
That is outdated and obsolete if you have something like Hugo 2.
Will you be doing an M Scaler vs HQ Player video?
Most definitely, and with a bit of luck, including rockna
Hey Koji what headphone outputs are there? 6.3 & 3.5 only SE no balanced 4.4 or 2.5?
3.5 - 6.3 single ended
2.5 4.4 Pentcon 4Pin XLR dual 3 pin XLR balanced, are the common ones
@@ConvinceMeAudio I meant on the Hugo2
@@Puroplatino ah lol ok
3.5 6.3 rca
optical and coax and USB as inputs
are these accessible at all? volume at "a bit of blue"?
If you let me know in a little bit more detail what you mean by accessible
@@ConvinceMeAudio I wonder how (colour)blind people can use these.
@@arielext with extraordinarily difficulty I don’t think you can mate, to be honest with you not accurately
I own chord Hugo 2, do you think it is worthwhile to upgrade to Dave？ alternatively, purchase a Mscaler , will the sound improve a lot?
It’s in another universe mate, yes exponentially it’s in a whole different league
can the Mojo 2 drive a LCD-5 well?
No chance, not even just okay
@@ConvinceMeAudioThanks, then would a Hugo or Hugo 2 without extra amp be okay? I know you recommend something like a Dave. But this is just too astronomically for me. I recently got the LCD5 pretty cheap and have no amp so far. Portability within my house would be great, so I thought I could start with a Hugo or so. Also, I don't need to get 100% out of the headphones for now. Just a decently working setting for a good price tag would be fine. Yes I am a beginner. And maybe it's stupid so start with the LCD5. But I had this chance to get them so attractively "cheap"...
@@powermod6772 I think a better question would be, how much do you want to spend, and will match it to the capabilities that you require
@@powermod6772 also is the portable aspect important
@@ConvinceMeAudio Portability is not the most important thing, would be a nice-to-have. My application is listening to classical music. I like transparent and "airy" sound with a not too narrow sound stage. I like details but it should not be tooo analytically cold. I think adding a little bit warm cushiness would be enjoyable for me. My budget is very limited. Maybe in the 2k order.
does hugo have enough power for he 1000 stealth
Unfortunately this unit plus the organic are the two units I’ve not tested here but I don’t see it having too much problem with it to be honest but best to air on the side of caution due to the current required but stealth from DCA is superb on it
@@ConvinceMeAudio thanks brother, i appreciate the reply. im running hugo2 with clear focal now and im hesitant to get he1000 cause ive heard it to be hard to drive.
@@christianlee1423 DCA stealth truly surprised me on that unit sounding better than a lot of desktop set ups, but I do use to go as well to isolate, in regards to the other stealth. It is very possible it could be a toss up.
@@ConvinceMeAudio if hugo2 can drive DCA stealth properly, it means hugo2 can drive most planars, maybe except susvara.
Got the he1000 v2 stealth and hugo2 , and they sound amazing! Its crazy @@ConvinceMeAudio
Interesting that you feel the mojo 2 has better detail retrieval than the hugo 2!
I have both units here and have spent considerable amount of time with them since this review
I think it just comes down to the way the DAC is tuned
Hugo to, and to go is definitely a big step up, together, but by itself honestly, it’s terrifying when it comes to technicality how close they are
I think the primary reason is the output stage and amplification is playing a very big role in these two units
@@ConvinceMeAudio thanks for the insight. I want to demo both myself as well!
I really like the sound of my mojo 2. But, I'll never buy another product with that screwy colored ball setup. I don't have operational problems as I've had it for awhile. It's still an awkward solution.
Chord products confuse me a bit. The form factors are odd and the prices are high. Some say they are great, some remark upon poor measurements, and some dislike the sound. There does not seem to be a consensus. They all also seem a bit outdated. Can't make sense of it all.
I hope dive in through our reviews of the units. Some of these confusions might be answered, but controversial most definitely.
They are fantastic. I have had 3 of them.
Maybe just go and actually try them instead of just getting your opinion from You Tube or sponsored magazines.
@@saschamilenkovic4320 I never thought of going to hear them myself. That would be so much easier than collating the evidence of measurements and subjective experiences of others to find a consensus. I'll head over to my local Best Buy and have a listen. If they are sold out I'll try Walmart.
Your accent is interesting. It sounds half England half Germany.
Lol pure London bread haha no German origins
Haha oh nice. I'm a Londoner too. Sound quality question, Luxury 6pro vs Sp3000?
@@Masimo_Yovanni P6 pro it’s not even close it’s untouchable even now
I would say PXP is at least two classes above it if your priority is organic realistic sound quality