Stored Category Comparison

Chord Mojo 2 vs iBasso DC-Elite

This page compares two published dacs profiles using stored summaries, source-attributed scoring, and a single lines-only radar for fast visual difference checks.

Back to Chord Mojo 2Open iBasso DC-Elite

Sound Profile Radar

Hover any axis point to see both stored scores for that exact category edge.

Chord Mojo 2
iBasso DC-Elite

Category Scores

Stored score comparison

Every score is pulled from the stored product intelligence snapshot for this category pair.

AxisMojo 2DC-EliteDelta
Bass
8.5
8.6
+0.1
Mids
8.6
8.6
Even
Treble
8.3
8.5
+0.2
Technicalities
8.5
8.7
+0.2
Soundstage
8.2
8.4
+0.2
Value
7.8
7.6
-0.2

Compare To

Compare this dacs against another stored profile.

Chord Mojo 2 can only be compared against published dacs profiles.

Quick Read

Chord Mojo 2

Six years after the original defined the category, the Mojo 2 updated Chord's FPGA-based portable DAC/amp with finer filtering, the lossless UHD DSP tone system, 32bit/768kHz support, and 600mW of output at £449. Approved reviews agree the sequel earns the name: Headfonics hears a more accurate, more energetic presentation than the V1 with the DSP applied seamlessly (no dynamic-range or volume penalty) while MajorHiFi and Headfonia treat it as the transportable benchmark for musical, dense, analog-flavored sound. Standing criticisms: the polychromatic button interface remains famously cryptic, there is no proper desktop-charging thermal comfort, and phone-stack ergonomics lag dongle rivals.

iBasso DC-Elite

The DC-Elite is iBasso's statement that a dongle can play in flagship territory: ROHM's flagship BD34301EKV MUS-IC DAC, a true 24-step attenuator, a custom FPGA clocked by an NDK oscillator, and 280mW of very high-quality output for $449. Approved coverage is unusually unanimous: Headfonics hears a monster of a dongle, detailed, clean, and highly dynamic, even slightly smoother than the DX320 MAX Ti flagship DAP; Headfonia rates it one of the best USB DAC/amps they have heard in a long while and added it to their Recommended Buys. The criticisms are inherent to the concept: dongle-class output power, no battery of its own, and a price that overlaps real DAPs.

Chord • DACs

Chord Mojo 2

Open page

Six years after the original defined the category, the Mojo 2 updated Chord's FPGA-based portable DAC/amp with finer filtering, the lossless UHD DSP tone system, 32bit/768kHz support, and 600mW of output at £449. Approved reviews agree the sequel earns the name: Headfonics hears a more accurate, more energetic presentation than the V1 with the DSP applied seamlessly (no dynamic-range or volume penalty) while MajorHiFi and Headfonia treat it as the transportable benchmark for musical, dense, analog-flavored sound. Standing criticisms: the polychromatic button interface remains famously cryptic, there is no proper desktop-charging thermal comfort, and phone-stack ergonomics lag dongle rivals.

Strengths

  • Class-reference musical density and timbre from Chord's FPGA approach
  • Lossless UHD DSP tone controls with zero dynamic-range penalty
  • 600mW drives IEMs and most headphones with authority

Weaknesses

  • Cryptic color-coded sphere interface still needs the manual
  • Bulkier and less phone-friendly than modern dongles
  • Battery management and heat remain the platform's weak spot

iBasso • DACs

iBasso DC-Elite

Open page

The DC-Elite is iBasso's statement that a dongle can play in flagship territory: ROHM's flagship BD34301EKV MUS-IC DAC, a true 24-step attenuator, a custom FPGA clocked by an NDK oscillator, and 280mW of very high-quality output for $449. Approved coverage is unusually unanimous: Headfonics hears a monster of a dongle, detailed, clean, and highly dynamic, even slightly smoother than the DX320 MAX Ti flagship DAP; Headfonia rates it one of the best USB DAC/amps they have heard in a long while and added it to their Recommended Buys. The criticisms are inherent to the concept: dongle-class output power, no battery of its own, and a price that overlaps real DAPs.

Strengths

  • Flagship ROHM DAC and FPGA/NDK clocking deliver DAP-grade refinement
  • True stepped attenuator gives precise, channel-perfect volume
  • Detailed, clean, highly dynamic sound with premium build

Weaknesses

  • 280mW ceiling keeps hard-to-drive headphones off the menu
  • Draws from the phone: no internal battery
  • $449 buys an entire midrange DAP instead