Chord "Mojo"

Discussion in 'Digital: DACs, USB converters, decrapifiers' started by Judeus, Oct 12, 2015.

  1. imackler

    imackler Key Lime Pie Infected Aberdeen Wings Spy

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    I know Headfonia doesn't get a lot of love around here but -although I have to translate some of his gobbleygook- I appreciate how Nathan/shigzeo is willing to criticize, complain, gripe, talk specs, etc. What do you all think of his short review on the Mojo? http://www.headfonia.com/review-chord-mojo-the-chosen-one/

    At 599, am I on the only one a little tempted?
     
  2. purr1n

    purr1n Desire for betterer is endless.

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    He called a it reference DAC. My question is what DACs he would consider reference. Also, why no comparisons with the other stuff he talked about? The AK100, AK380, DP-X1, at least from a subjective angle? What's the load (for his "unloaded" measurements) and voltage with the measurements he's talking about? Why is he not using a realistic load? It all seems a mystery.
     
    Last edited: Dec 9, 2015
  3. imackler

    imackler Key Lime Pie Infected Aberdeen Wings Spy

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    You are a truthsayer and I a neophyte. Thanks for weighing in.
     
  4. zaisan

    zaisan New

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    What electronics mumbo jumbo can be most associated with this "juice"? If volume is all I'd wan't, I'd probably buy an O2/E12 and call it a day, but then most people would often say that they lack the 'oomph' etc. to drive high impedance cans like the HD600 properly.

    Due to my frequent travels, high-end portable amps is the only way to go. The HD600 is bulky enough, so adding a fairly large amp is too much. Was hoping that either Theorem or Mojo would solve that, but it seems not. Probably will take a dive at the RX MK3B+.
     
  5. Hands

    Hands Overzealous Auto Flusher - Measurbator

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    Seems more led by measurements than critical, subjective listening. I don't put a lot of stock in reviews that start with measurements from most individuals.
     
  6. zaisan

    zaisan New

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    I know that the GO V2 has set the bar quite high with its performance/price ratio, but would it mean that all other offerings suck? I mean, if you'd compare the SR-009 and the new Orpheus, I doubt that the 10x difference in price would justify the difference in sound quality, but I'm damn sure that they both still sound hi-fi, just different in presentation.

    Take away the price difference between the two, would you put the sound of the Mojo and GO v2 in the same tier? I'm willing to take the extra cost if that's the case since the GO isn't readily available here in my place (I wouldn't risk with international shipping TBH).
     
  7. lukeap69

    lukeap69 Pinoy Panther

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    If you know somebody who has the Mojo, I suggest you try it. It was not too bad with my HD800.
     
  8. joeexp

    joeexp Don't ship this man FD-X1 ever

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    It's a shame but Mojo/Hugo with the HD800 = lean and strident with no or little bass slam. HD800s [FaceTweeter] are notoriously difficult to drive.
    It's loud ok, but shouting doesn't make you more understandable….

    just try to explain on HF that you might need an external amp for Mojo/Hugo to drive full-size Headphones decently and you get your head ripped off.

    Re: Headfonia Article:
    "Are you looking for a reference-quality DAC that won’t break the bank?"
    "How ‘bout a best-of-breed good amp to go with that?"
    Look no further than Mojo."

    No further questioning …
    Clearly an early onset of dementia! What reference is this guy talking about?
    What Planet does he live on?
    What is he comparing the Mojo with?
    And you wonder why Headfonia doesn't get much love around here ...
     
    Last edited: Dec 10, 2015
  9. Chris1967

    Chris1967 Friend

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    It sounded nice with my HD800 (and HE500) as i said above, i heard no shouting.
     
  10. joeexp

    joeexp Don't ship this man FD-X1 ever

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    You are in love with your new purchase - I understand. How cute! :)

    I guess it all comes down to experience. If you ever heard the HD800s driven correctly you'd know what they are capable of. They are high impedance phones and not a good match for the Mojo/Hugo or any battery powered device.

    Would I use the Mojo/Hugo in an emergency if nothing else is around - sure.
    Would the Mojo/Hugo be my reference DAC/AMP for the HD800 - surely not. But that's to be expected, as there is gear that can drive the HD800 with much more control and authority.
     
    Last edited: Dec 10, 2015
  11. Chris1967

    Chris1967 Friend

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    I havnt purchased the Mojo, i have just heard it with two of my phones, thats all, and i liked the resulting sound.

    I might cosider it since i do travel and i want something on the go, i do not have access to hear the new GO but i didnt like the older GO750, so this is my take on the matter.

    I have my HD800 for 5 years now and i know how it sounds, i dont have to explain how wrong your assumptions are about me not knowing what they are capable of.

    I never said anything that might assume that i am a fanboy of the Mojo.

    On the contrary you are continously running down the mojo, and really i dont know why.

    I think all of us have listened to you and have acknoledged your dislike, no need to go on about it at every one who might have another opinion
     
  12. joeexp

    joeexp Don't ship this man FD-X1 ever

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    Thanks god we are on SBAF and not HF otherwise Judeus would have to eat his Pubes now - :D
     
    Last edited: Dec 11, 2015
  13. Big Mac

    Big Mac New

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    Would the mojo amp be a big up grade over the ifi micro amp.
     
  14. thegunner100

    thegunner100 Hentai Master Chief

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    Please lurk and read around a bit more.
     
  15. Ryanr1987

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    Seriously? people are actually doubting it's a high quality DAC without even hearing it..I left head-fi because of all the silly FOTM and parroted comments and now here is the exact opposite, no middle ground with negativity without hearing a product...

    I own the Mojo, I have paired it with the HD650, LCD-2, HE-500, Nighthawk and some others but those are my favs. It actually performs really well. It brings plenty of emotion, it isn't the most spacious sounding but it technically performs really well. At the end of the day, it comes down to sound and it sounds damn good. Does it replace a desktop setup? for me it certainly does, try it and don't let hatred cloud your judgement but I think if you come into it with a negative approach I doubt it will change.

    The Hugo was a good product, it was way overpriced though, I prefer the Mojo and think the Hugo should be priced closer to the Mojo. The GO's that people seem to praise, I found them just ok personally.
     
  16. rott

    rott Secretly hates other millenials - Friend

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    I am intrigued by it, seems to be a good option for portable use at that price point. I'm not in the market for a portable but would certainly try one out if I was. From what I've read the GO models are competitive and have a bit of price advantage as well as balanced-out capability (which apparently needs to be used to get the best out of them).

    My guess is that if Chord hadn't triggered such a negative reaction due to the absurd pricing of the Hugo in the first place, there would be less overt negativity towards the Mojo. But then again, maybe people around here who have actually spent decent time evaluating it really just don't think it's anything special even at its price, compared to what else is available.
     
  17. joeexp

    joeexp Don't ship this man FD-X1 ever

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    Get the GeekOut V2 - more bang for your buck. I probably will get attacked for this again but the Hugo/Mojo has a really narrow sound-stage with hardly any depth - right in your face. (And I blamed my LCD-2s). I had the Hugo for 1 1/2 years I know what I am talking about.
    As somebody else previously said the Hugo/Mojo doesn't do anything terribly wrong but it doesn't do anything terribly brilliant either. It's just mediocre - I fell for the hype too. Those reviews are all made up! There is nothing "Reference" about the Chord Hugo/Hugo TT/Mojo.

    PS: Please guys don't attack me for telling what I am hearing.
    Just get a trial/loaner Schiit Bifrost Multibit and compare it to a Hugo/Mojo (Roughly the same price as the Mojo) and you will flush those Chord Products down the toilet!

    I would get tarred and feathered for saying this on HF!
     
    Last edited: Dec 21, 2015
  18. Ryanr1987

    Ryanr1987 Facebook Friend

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    Sounds more like a Chord hate post..

    Yeah I agree Rott, if the Hugo wasn't so damn expensive things would be different. I think the Mojo is priced just right personally and is excellent value. What I like about the Mojo is it brings so much more emotion into it than the Hugo did, using the Mojo with the 650 vs the Valhalla 2 for example, you can feel the liquidity in the voices with the Mojo vs the dry sound of the Val2. The Val2 is fantastic though, just even with warmer tubes it was still on the dry and lean side. The Mojo also punches really well in the bass.
     
    Last edited: Dec 21, 2015
  19. SKiring

    SKiring Friend

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    To be fair one of my problems with the GO2 is that they won't really collaborate on helping out on import tax and everything out here. So if I would want to go that route, it will cost me $400 (I'd want the GO2+) + 40-140$ in shipping + $100-160 in taxes. This totals: $540-700 depending how it goes. I can buy a Mojo readily here for about €550. I too owned the Hugo, I thought the amp + DAC was a fantastic pairing with my 1540s, which is what the Mojo will be pre-dominantly used for. Plus I can actually go out and give them an audition in the coming weeks when I'm free.

    Based on this, the QC issues I'm reading about on the GO2 and how I have no reference to compare them to (maybe the HA-2 which I didn't like with my 1540s), it's really a hard pick. That's a big leap of faith.

    Not taking any sides, I'm gonna audition the Mojo soon and compare them to a few more portables (C5D, HA-2 etc.), just shedding some light that is a thing for many living in Europe.
     
    Last edited: Dec 21, 2015
  20. Hands

    Hands Overzealous Auto Flusher - Measurbator

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    Not downplaying negative opinions from those that have heard it, but while I don't necessarily encourage outright negative opinions on an unheard product, I'm guessing these guys felt burnt or sorely disappointed by other Chord products.

    I would be curious to try the Mojo myself, or any of the Chord products, really. Who wants to send me one? :)
     

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