DACs — Chord Mojo 2

The Mojo 2 is a portable DAC and headphone amplifier from Chord, built with wide digital format support in an exceptionally compact chassis. This model represents Chord's most accessible and compact portable converter, bringing the brand's FPGA conversion technology to an even smaller and more affordable format than the Hugo 2.

Position in line

It sits below the Hugo 2 and Dave in Chord's DAC hierarchy, as the brand's most compact and accessible portable converter. As the entry point into Chord's portable DAC range, the Mojo 2 likely trades some of the Hugo 2's additional features and refinement for a pocketable size and more accessible price.

Key specs that matter

It handles PCM up to 32-bit/768kHz and DSD256. Distortion is 0.00027% at 22 kHz. At 83 x 62 x 23 mm it is small enough to carry alongside a phone, one of the more compact serious DACs available in the portable category.

Sound and use context

Expect a clean, low-distortion presentation typical of Chord's conversion approach, scaled to a pocketable size - a remarkably capable performer for its diminutive size, reflecting Chord's characteristic engineering ambition applied to an accessible price point.

Pairing

Drives headphones directly from its built-in amplifier stage, or feeds a line-level input on a larger system, giving genuine flexibility for different use cases.

Alternatives

The Hugo 2 sits above this model in Chord's portable range with more features and higher output; the Dave sits at the top as the brand's flagship, worth the further investment if this model's already impressive performance still leaves ambitions for Chord's more elaborate portable or desktop options. Chord distinctive spherical control ball design, a recognisable feature across the brand portable range, provides tactile volume and input control without a conventional screen or button interface. Battery life specifically is worth confirming against a buyer typical daily usage pattern, since portable DACs of this kind vary considerably in real-world runtime depending on headphone impedance and volume level. Overall this remains an impressive, compact entry point into Chord distinctive FPGA conversion technology. A protective case is a worthwhile accessory purchase given how frequently a device this compact is likely to travel. A dealer visit remains the simplest way to compare this unit against the larger Hugo 2 side by side.