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The Chord Mojo Digital To Analogue Converter

 My Portable Audio Setup Evolution


Above: A British Audio Reviews The Chord Mojo

As a music lover, there's nothing quite like the feeling of immersing yourself in your favourite tunes. Over the years I’ve used a variety of portable audio devices while I’ve been on the go. I’ve gone from the classic Sony Walkmans in the 1980s, Panasonic walkmans in the 1990s through to an awesome Sony Mini Disc player in the early 2000s. Most recently I’ve been using mobile phones and a DAC. This brings me on to my most recent portable setup, my trusty Samsung phone, a Chord Mojo Digital To Analogue Converter (DAC) and a pair of in ear monitors (IEMs) by Master and Dynamic. I use this set up when I travel on buses to and from work every day and I absolutely love it. 


An Introduction To The Chord Mojo DAC & AMP


For me, the Chord Mojo Digital To Analogue Converter (DAC) has been a game-changer in how I experience my music. In this article, I'll share why I love my Chord Mojo DAC and everything you need to know about this incredible piece of audio technology.


Firstly, let me tell you a little bit about the Chord Mojo. This compact device packs a punch with its advanced digital-to-analogue converter and high-resolution audio playback capabilities. When compared to the sound quality of the DAC in your phone, the difference is like night and day. It’s also even more noticeable if you use high quality audio, whether that’s through streaming with high res files, or using files saved locally on your device.


The Mojo is made with precision-milled aluminium casing, which gives it a sleek and modern look while also ensuring durability (I still scratched it with my keys recently, nothings perfect). I find the Mojo's design is not only aesthetically pleasing, but it's also thoughtfully constructed with function in mind. The top of the device is adorned with three colour-coded buttons that are used to control the volume and power. The buttons are intuitive to use, and they light up to indicate sampling rate of the input signal. In all honesty, the colours signifying this aren’t the easiest to remember however, I have an idea what I’m listening to and it’s resolution at the time of listening so it’s not something I worry too much about. Qobuz provides hi-res listening, Soundcloud and Mixcloud more often than not doesn’t.  


Chord Mojo’s Technology


The Mojo's audio circuitry is the impressive bit, using an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array - whatever that is…) it creates a unique and precise digital-to-analog conversion. This technology is a major contributor to the Mojo's ability to deliver unparalleled sound quality. It can handle high-resolution files up to 768kHz, making it perfect for audiophiles who want the best possible listening experience. I could bamboozle you with audio technology talk here, but i’m not going to. All you need to know is that it works, it sounds very very good. 


One of the things I’ve come to appreciate most about the Mojo is its versatility. It's designed to work with a variety of devices, including smartphones, tablets, laptops, and other digital audio sources. It's portable and easy to take on the go, which is a significant plus for me, as I enjoy taking my music with me here, there and everywhere. It also has a variety of inputs and outputs including micro usb, optical and coax taking the form of a 3.5mm jack. Output is in the form of two 3.5mm headphone jacks. Chord claims the device has an output of 35mW into 600 ohms, rising to 720mW into 8 ohms which means the Chord Mojo can power most headphones without issue. 


When the Chord Mojo was first released, it was marketed as a high-end product with a UK price point of around £450. It was aimed primarily at audiophiles and music professionals who value accurate audio reproduction. However, over time, the Mojo has become increasingly popular among a wider audience of music lovers who are looking for an exceptional listening experience both on the go as well as at home with their HiFi.


The reception from the public and reviewers alike has been overwhelmingly positive. The Mojo has won numerous awards and accolades over the years, including "Best DAC under £1000" from What Hi-Fi? and "Product of the Year" from Hi-Fi Plus. Many reviewers have praised the Mojo's audio performance and its ability to reveal details in music that were previously hidden. The Chord Mojo Headfi.org reviews and posts have also been overwhelmingly positive, with many users praising the device over the last few years.


And What About The Follow Up Product, The Chord Mojo 2?


Since the release of the Chord Mojo, there have been several technological and design developments that have gone into the follow-up product, the Chord Mojo 2. The Mojo 2 builds on the strengths of its predecessor, with improvements to the audio circuitry, battery life, and overall performance. 


This product in turn has also won numerous awards and has also been received positively by many reviewers. It’s been a What HiFi Awards 2022 winner and quoted by the publication as being a ‘mobile joy’.


Chord Poly


Chord has also released a sister product to the Mojo and Mojo 2, called the Chord Poly. The Poly is a wireless streaming module that can be used with the Mojo and Mojo 2 to stream music from your phone or other digital audio source. This adds even more versatility to the Chord Mojo system and makes it a truly exceptional all round audio experience.


So, how can you find more information about the Chord Mojo and its sister products? A simple internet search will yield plenty of results, including reviews, technical specifications, and pricing information. You can also visit the Chord website here to learn more about their products and the technology behind them.


If you want to read a review of the Chord Mojo, you can find one here, and another for the Chord Mojo 2 here and the Chord Poly here. 


And To Conclude


The Chord Mojo Digital To Analogue Converter is an exceptional piece of audio technology that has changed the way I experience music. Its precision-milled aluminium casing, intuitive button controls, and advanced audio circuitry make it a joy to use. The Mojo's versatility and portability are also significant advantages, making it the perfect choice for audiophiles and music lovers types like me who want the best possible listening experience on the go. With the Chord Mojo 2 and Chord Poly, Chord has built on the strengths of the original Mojo to create an even more exceptional audio system. If you're looking for a high-quality digital-to-analogue converter, the Chord Mojo, Chord Mojo 2 and the Chord Poly are definitely worth considering.


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