Chord Mojo 2: As I have done in recent years, I would like to introduce you to some personal finds this summer, which are particularly well-suited for mobile use on warm summer nights and, in my opinion, also have outstanding sound.
Starting today is an old acquaintance – the CHORD MOJO 2, together with its in-house partner POLY, is rocking the backyard. Designed and manufactured in Great Britain, this congenial combination represents, according to the British manufacturer, the most advanced portable combination in the world.
This, of course, remains to be verified. Nevertheless, the MOJO 2 undoubtedly benefits from Chord Electronics’ innovative FPGA technology, which, in the latest version of this mobile pioneer, also incorporates a lossless DSP into the high-quality, CNC-machined, black anodized aircraft aluminum housing.
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Another key feature is the MOJO 2’s expanded menu system with a fourth spherical element, which now allows for muting, crossfeed, key lock, and, of course, much more extensive sound control.
The smallest CHORD also features improved battery management with faster charging times, a 75% reduction in power loss, and a 9% increase in capacity. A new USB-C input provides greater flexibility, and the sonic transparency has been significantly increased, according to the British company, thanks to an improved noise shaper and lower distortion levels.
Brilliant streamer and a great storage medium
In conjunction with the CHORD POLY, the MOJO 2 can, of course, also be operated completely wirelessly. The small, revolutionary streamer from the British manufacturer also functions as a veritable storage device – a micro SD card slot with virtually “unlimited” capacity, according to Chord Electronics, can accommodate even the most extensive music libraries.
App-based control via standard smartphones (Apple and Android) also enables seamless music playback, regardless of whether it’s streamed or played from the SD card storage. POLY can also communicate with computers and laptops and access networked audio material, such as that stored on NAS drives, using common DLNA applications.
Playback is again handled via the MOJO 2, which features two identical headphone outputs in an unbalanced 3.5 mm jack format for this purpose. Why Chord Electronics still doesn’t offer a balanced connection option in 2023, however, is (still) unclear to me.
The small streamer automatically connects to known Wi-Fi networks – including mobile hotspots – and, thanks to the integrated Bluetooth®, AirPlay, and DLNA connectivity, guarantees uninterrupted music playback even when moving between rooms and then operating outdoors.
The POLY’s LiPo batteries, together with the MOJO 2, offer a runtime of up to 9 hours – in contrast, the two CHORD devices can be fully charged in just 4 hours. This mobile Hi-Res combination, which even supports PCM data with a resolution of up to 768 kHz and DSD256, can also be conveniently complemented with a custom-made case made of fine animal hide for use in rugged everyday life.
Musical performance with an analog touch
In our listening test, the CHORD MOJO 2 impressed with its highly engaging and dynamic playing, lending the musical performance a certain analog touch without unduly straying from the path of neutrality. The sound can be modified as desired using the integrated colorful spheres – but only if you have memorized the key assignments and combinations thoroughly beforehand.
The rather complex menu navigation is one of the few criticisms that can be leveled at this British midget, along with the limited connection options, although operation does indeed become intuitive after a while. From a purely acoustic perspective, however, the MOJO 2 impresses with its enormously high level of detail, excellent color reproduction, and outstanding midrange clarity.
Thanks to its sufficiently high power output, the smallest CHORD is easily capable of driving both demanding IEMs—such as a CAMPFIRE SUPERMOON—and more efficient over-ear headphones like the MEZE ELITE at an adequate level. Only with very insensitive earphones like the DAN CLARK STEALTH does the MOJO 2 lose its acoustic potential at overly ambitious volume settings.
As a result, even after many years of musical existence, the CHORD MOJO 2 is certainly one of the best portable devices you can buy in this price range. Especially since the German distributor significantly reduced the retail prices just in time for the start of summer. Both the MOJO 2 and the POLY are now available for a mere €499, down from €649 – a real ray of hope in the current price spiral.
Small but fine overall package
For a total price of 998 euros, the dedicated knight of fine tones receives a truly excellent mobile package for audiophile use in the wild. I can recommend it with a clear conscience, provided you can accept the slightly quirky menu design of the British hi-fi manufacturer.
Before I forget, the black leather case (pictured above) is free with both CHORDs until September 15th. Which makes this small but elegant combination almost a bargain.
Rating
Sound quality (60%): 5 out of 5 ears
Features (20%): 4 out of 5 ears
Processing (20%): 5 out of 5 ears
Pros of the Chord Mojo 2
✅ Superior Sound Quality
- FPGA-based “WTA” filtering (40,960 taps) for ultra-precise digital reconstruction.
- Class-leading dynamic range (125dB) and low distortion.
- More neutral and detailed than the original Mojo, with improved staging depth.
✅ Advanced DSP Features
- UHD DSP EQ (4-band adjustment with ±9dB tuning) for personalized sound.
- Crossfeed function for a speaker-like soundstage on headphones.
✅ Portable Yet Powerful
- 600mW @ 32Ω—enough for most planar and dynamic headphones.
- Supports high-res formats: PCM 32-bit/768kHz & DSD256.
✅ Improved Battery & Charging
- 8+ hours of battery life (varies with headphone load).
- Intelligent Desktop Mode prevents overcharging when plugged in.
✅ Dual Headphone Outputs
- Two 3.5mm jacks allow shared listening (though the volume is not independently adjustable).
Cons of the Chord Mojo 2
❌ Outdated I/O Choices
- Still uses micro-USB for charging (USB-C is data-only).
- No balanced output (only 3.5mm single-ended).
❌ Noise Floor with Sensitive IEMs
- Higher noise floor than some modern dongles (e.g., iFi Go Bar).
❌ Complex Interface
- Color-coded orb controls can be confusing without the manual.
- No app control (unlike competitors like Qudelix 5K).
❌ Gets Warm During Use
- Heat buildup when used for extended periods, especially in a pocket
Full Specifications Chord Mojo 2
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| DAC Technology | FPGA-based Pulse Array (40,960-tap WTA filter) |
| Amplifier | Class A, single-ended |
| Output Power | 600mW @ 32Ω, 90mW @ 300Ω |
| Supported Formats | PCM (32-bit/768kHz), DSD256, DoP |
| Inputs | USB-C (data), micro-USB (data/charging), coaxial, optical |
| Outputs | Dual 3.5mm headphone jacks |
| Battery Life | ~8 hours (varies with load) |
| Charging | Micro-USB only (5V/2A recommended) |
| Dimensions | 83mm × 62mm × 22.9mm (185g) |
| Key Features | UHD DSP EQ, Crossfeed, Intelligent Desktop Mode |
