Stored Category Comparison

Chord Mojo 2 vs iFi hip-dac 3

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 iFi hip-dac 3

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Chord Mojo 2
iFi hip-dac 3

Category Scores

Stored score comparison

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

AxisMojo 2hip-dac 3Delta
Bass
8.5
8
-0.5
Mids
8.6
7.9
-0.7
Treble
8.3
7.5
-0.8
Technicalities
8.5
7.6
-0.9
Soundstage
8.2
7.6
-0.6
Value
7.8
8.2
+0.4

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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.

iFi hip-dac 3

The third-generation hip-dac keeps the flask-shaped, battery-powered formula at $199 and fixes its one chronic flaw: Headfonics rates it the best version of the compact DAC/amp to date, specifically because the new IEMatch attenuation remedies the channel-imbalance issue that dogged sensitive IEMs on earlier models while improving synergy overall. The consensus character is classic iFi (warm, smooth, analog-leaning with XBass on tap), plus the practical win of an internal battery that spares the phone. Tradeoffs stay familiar: it is pocket-bulky compared to dongles, the warm tilt is a choice rather than a reference, and resolution sits at good-for-$199 rather than giant-killing.

Chord • DACs

Chord Mojo 2

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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

iFi • DACs

iFi hip-dac 3

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The third-generation hip-dac keeps the flask-shaped, battery-powered formula at $199 and fixes its one chronic flaw: Headfonics rates it the best version of the compact DAC/amp to date, specifically because the new IEMatch attenuation remedies the channel-imbalance issue that dogged sensitive IEMs on earlier models while improving synergy overall. The consensus character is classic iFi (warm, smooth, analog-leaning with XBass on tap), plus the practical win of an internal battery that spares the phone. Tradeoffs stay familiar: it is pocket-bulky compared to dongles, the warm tilt is a choice rather than a reference, and resolution sits at good-for-$199 rather than giant-killing.

Strengths

  • IEMatch finally fixes low-volume channel imbalance for sensitive IEMs
  • Warm, smooth, fatigue-free iFi house sound with genuine XBass fun
  • Own battery means zero phone drain: rare at this price

Weaknesses

  • Flask body is bulky next to modern dongles
  • Warm coloration is not for neutrality-first listeners
  • Resolution ceiling is fair for the $199 class