When treading the waters of portable hi-fi, it is difficult to avoid the names iFi and Chord Electronics. Each have constructed enduring legacies for themselves, pushing the potential for portable DAC/Amps with their standard-defining products. How does iFi’s new redesign of their xDSD Gryphon, the iDSD GR 2, compare to Chord’s recently revised Mojo 2? What features should one look out for when deciding between them?
What You Get:
| iDSD GR 2 | Chord Mojo 2 |
|
|
Design
The standout difference for these DAC/amplifiers is size, with the Mojo 2 being significantly smaller. While this might imply a unilateral portability victory for the Mojo 2, the GR 2 remains competitive with strong Bluetooth capabilities. For the Mojo 2 to have Bluetooth, an additional module is required, bumping the already higher price and adding potential inconveniences with additional hardware. For those looking for a strictly wired connection, however, the Mojo 2’s compact design makes much easier to carry.
Visually, the products have opposite philosophies. The GR 2 is more industrial. Utilizing a sleek frame and bolder fonts on its OLED display, The GR 2 illustrates a serious, technologically advanced product. By contrast, the Mojo 2 feels more playful, opting for a free flowing font for the logo and glowing sphere buttons for controlling volume and EQ. I am more personally drawn to the abstract uniqueness of the Mojo 2, but I can see why some might find it awkward or goofy.
Build wise, the GR 2’s frame feels significantly tougher than the Mojo 2. While slightly heavier, the GR 2 feels reliably sturdy. What concerns me even with its overall durability is the reliance on touch screen controls. The Mojo 2’s build quality doesn’t feel as externally dense, but merely damaging the GR 2’s screen could limit much more utility. Physical button options on the side of the GR 2 cover some of these worries, but breaking the screen when the device lock is turned on might brick the physical device and place reliance on the “iFi Nexis” smartphone app.
Features and Functionality
iFi’s approach feels much more ambitious in terms of features. As mentioned previously, the GR 2 features Bluetooth 5.4 connectivity, giving the DAC/amp wireless versatility in connections beyond its wired options. Codec support is vast and powerful, causing minimal compromise if opting for Bluetooth over wired. The GR 2’s connective capabilities are further enhanced through the Burr-Brown PCM1795 chipset and manual resolution selection. For those desiring sound adjustments, high and low gain modes are available alongside XBass and XSpace, which amplify the bass and soundstage respectively. I appreciated having these options for more control, though some might find the X settings to feel artificial.
The Mojo 2 might be lacking more meticulous settings, but its simplified direction is also appealing. Chord’s DAC/amp setup doesn’t need anything fancy, just four buttons for volume, EQ, and status controls. Somebody wanting a plug-and-play seamless experience will find much more satisfaction in the Mojo 2.
Control scheme varies significantly in both devices. Necessary for its broader skillset, the GR 2 uses a touch screen to select features, with additional buttons for volume and XBass/XSpace. I found it to be responsive and legible, making adjustments quick and easy. The “iFi Nexus” app extends the device’s control with remote operation, over-the-air updates, and EQ customization; if one screen wasn’t enough. Although I typically prefer full button controls like the Mojo 2, the GR 2’s setup is also inviting and encourages testing its many assets.
Battery
Looking at raw numbers, the GR 2 has less battery life, with seven hours playback to the Mojo 2’s eight. However, both utilize intelligent battery systems, allowing them to extend life through external supplies they are connected to. Both should be able to drive headphones for any extended listening session, even with the Mojo 2 having an edge.
Sound
Challenging both DAC/amps with different power-reliant headphones carved distinct sonic identities for each. The Sennheiser HD 600 unveiled their warmer signatures, with the GR 2 feeling smoother and the Mojo 2 having dynamic weight. Crafting a portable experience requires comfort in sound as much as feel, and each has their own approach. The GR 2 is more distinctly relaxing, opting to forego significant force for an expanded low range. Chord cuts no expense with the Mojo 2’s lower ranges, pushing headphones to equally satisfy impact and musicality. Neither have particularly sparkly high ends, but I found the Mojo 2’s to be more defined. Even considering these differences, the modifications available on the GR 2 and the EQ settings available with the Mojo 2 and iFi app can fine tune the sounds more to your preferences.
Switching to the Dan Clark Noire X provided insight towards their soundstage impact. These headphones are unapologetically closed, prioritizing natural strengths instead of compromising inevitable shortcomings. I wanted to see how these amps might support or create new avenues for this design. The GR 2 works with the intimate soundstage, further cleaning the Noire X’s preexisting nuance. By contrast, the Mojo 2 uses its increased force to push the stage outward, giving a broader definition to instrument and vocal placements.
Finishing up with the ABYSS Diana TC Signature clarified how each functioned as amplifiers. Fortunately, both were up to the task of driving such a demanding pair of headphones. Though the GR 2 still had some headroom to play with, I found the Mojo 2 to have more power leftover. As for enhancing the TC Signature, the GR 2 put more direction behind the headphone’s colossal soundstage, while the Mojo 2 encouraged it to run even farther without compromising clarity.
Summary
The GR 2 proves to be an exciting alternative to the still amazing Mojo 2. With an expanded set of features, connection varieties, and smoother sound, iFi’s newest outing carves a sturdy seat at the portable DAC/amp table. Four years after the original release, Chord Electronics’ 2026 Mojo 2 maintains a tight grip on the space with a tiny frame, simplistic interface, and giant sound potential.
Choosing which is right for you will depend on personal preference. If you want a feature rich, highly polished Bluetooth device, the GR 2 will have a lot to offer. However, if you want colossal audio feel in a concise package, the Mojo 2 endures as a fantastic option.
The iDSD GR 2 and Mojo 2 are available at Audio46.
