Is the Chord Mojo 2 Worth it After All These Years?

The Chord Mojo 2 has been a fixture in the portable DAC and headphone amp market since its debut. Despite being around for years, its successor, it still commands a premium price of $650 USD as of today on Amazon. For a product to maintain its value in such a fast-evolving market speaks volumes about its reputation and quality. But does it still hold up against the competition, or is it time to let the Mojo rest? Let’s dive into this practical review to find out.

If you’re reading this, chances are you’ve already come across glowing reviews about the Chord Mojo 2 (or its predecessor) and might be considering buying one. This isn’t meant to be a deep technical dive but rather a hands-on perspective for a very specific use case: Is the Chord Mojo 2 worth it? And how does it stack up against an older internal DAC, like the one in my Naim Uniti (1st generation)?

The Chord Mojo 2 Basics

The Chord Mojo 2 is a **portable DAC (digital-to-analog converter)** and headphone amplifier. It leverages Chord’s proprietary **FPGA technology** to deliver rich, detailed sound that stays true to the original recording. Designed for versatility, it includes multiple input options: USB, optical, coaxial, and Bluetooth, making it compatible with a range of devices. Its **high-power output** ensures it can drive demanding headphones with ease.

While technical details abound on Chord’s official site, this article focuses on practical usage rather than repeating specifications.

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Initial Unboxing and Impressions

The Mojo 2 feels compact and solid, with its curved aluminum casing and signature colorful button interface. It comes with a **USB-C to USB-A cable** and a user manual. Trust me—you’ll need the manual. The interface is far from intuitive, especially if you plan to use it in a stationary setup. Cool? Yes. Convenient? Not so much.

A sample snippet of the Mojo 2’s colorful button interface. Cool but not user-friendly.

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Chord Mojo 2 vs. Naim Uniti’s Internal DAC

My Naim Uniti (1st generation) has been a reliable companion for over 12 years. Could the Mojo 2 deliver a clear improvement? Testing involved lossless tracks from Apple Music, streamed via a Wiim Mini into the Mojo 2’s optical input. Speakers were my trusted **Totem Staff**, known for their clarity and warmth.

Results? The Mojo 2 sounded excellent, with rich detail and punchy bass—qualities I’ve come to expect from my Naim setup. However, after A/B testing various tracks (Dire Straits, Radiohead, Miles Davis), I found the differences were subtle at best. While the Mojo 2 offered a slightly warmer tone, it wasn’t enough to justify the $650 price tag for my use case.

Final Verdict: Is the Chord Mojo 2 Worth It?

The Chord Mojo 2 is certainly among the best options for those with mobile Hi-Fi listening needs. Its versatility, portability, and excellent sound quality make it a worthy investment. However, if you already own a high-quality integrated amp with a decent DAC, like my Naim Uniti, the Mojo 2 might not offer a significant sonic upgrade to justify its price.

Ultimately, on the question “Is the Chord Mojo 2 worth it” it depends on your specific setup and use case. Listen critically, compare, and let your ears decide. If you’re intrigued, check it out for yourself here for $650 USD as of today. For me, my trusty Naim Uniti keeps the crown for now—and the Mojo 2 heads back in its box.

Now, where’s that darn box…