Stored Category Comparison

Chord Mojo 2 vs JDS Labs Element IV

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

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Sound Profile Radar

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Chord Mojo 2
JDS Labs Element IV

Category Scores

Stored score comparison

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

AxisMojo 2Element IVDelta
Bass
8.5
8
-0.5
Mids
8.6
8
-0.6
Treble
8.3
8
-0.3
Technicalities
8.5
8.3
-0.2
Soundstage
8.2
7.8
-0.4
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.

JDS Labs Element IV

The Element IV is JDS Labs' flagship all-in-one: a clean-measuring DAC/amp delivering up to 3.2W per channel into 32 ohms, wrapped in the signature single-knob minimalist chassis, with the Core web application adding a 12-band parametric EQ that runs on the device itself. Coverage and member reviews agree on its identity: a straightforward, powerful, transparency-first desk unit whose EQ implementation is the differentiator: it effortlessly powers planars and delivers stellar EQ functionality without a dongle-app ecosystem or DSP license fees. Criticisms are few and structural: transparent-neutral is the only flavor on offer, and single-ended-only output disappoints spec-sheet shoppers at the price.

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

JDS Labs • DACs

JDS Labs Element IV

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The Element IV is JDS Labs' flagship all-in-one: a clean-measuring DAC/amp delivering up to 3.2W per channel into 32 ohms, wrapped in the signature single-knob minimalist chassis, with the Core web application adding a 12-band parametric EQ that runs on the device itself. Coverage and member reviews agree on its identity: a straightforward, powerful, transparency-first desk unit whose EQ implementation is the differentiator: it effortlessly powers planars and delivers stellar EQ functionality without a dongle-app ecosystem or DSP license fees. Criticisms are few and structural: transparent-neutral is the only flavor on offer, and single-ended-only output disappoints spec-sheet shoppers at the price.

Strengths

  • 3.2W into 32 ohms drives demanding planars with ease
  • On-device 12-band parametric EQ via the Core web app: no drivers, no fees
  • Measurement-transparent performance in a beautifully minimal one-knob design

Weaknesses

  • Strictly neutral: no tubes, no flavor switches
  • Single-ended output only, despite the flagship price
  • Minimalism means few physical controls beyond the knob