Short answer: the Chord Mojo 2. It ranks #21 of 43 DAC and headphone amp combos by measured performance, rated 4.3/5, at $566.86; the Essence HDACC II-4K ranks #37, rated 3.2/5, and costs $649, which makes this an easy call rather than a real tradeoff.
The Chord Mojo 2 is the better-sounding option. Audio Science Review measured a SINAD of 110 dB, which is clean for nearly all listening. The tradeoff: It costs far more than the TRN Black Pearl, which rates higher and measured cleaner at 117 dB.
The case for the Essence HDACC II-4K: It accepts four HDMI inputs with pass-through plus USB, optical, coaxial and analog, making it a hub for TV and console audio. The tradeoff: Audio Science Review measured 99 dB SINAD, fine for most headphones but sensitive in-ear monitors may reveal hiss.
Buy the Chord Mojo 2. It is rated higher than the Essence HDACC II-4K and costs less, so it is the default pick unless a specific strength of the other one matters more to you.
Still deciding? The full Headphone Amps and DACs rankings cover every ranked option.
Specifications Side By Side
| Chord Mojo 2 | Essence HDACC II-4K | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $566.86 | $649.00 |
| Ranked | #21 of 43 in DAC and Headphone Amp Combos | #37 of 43 in DAC and Headphone Amp Combos |
| Device Type | DAC and headphone amp | DAC and headphone amp |
| SINAD | 110 dB (measured by Audio Science Review) | 99 dB (measured by Audio Science Review) |
| Output Power (32 ohms) | 600 mW into 30 ohms (manufacturer rated) | - |
| Output Power (300 ohms) | 90 mW (manufacturer rated) | - |
| Headphone Outputs | 3.5 mm, 4.4 mm | 6.35 mm |
| Inputs | USB-C, Micro-USB, optical, coaxial | 4 x HDMI, USB-B, optical, coaxial, 3.5 mm analog |
| Equalizer | Yes (UHD DSP tone control) | - |
| Dimensions | 3.3” x 2.4” x 0.9” (83 x 62 x 22.9 mm) | 8.8” x 1.9” x 5.7” (223 x 48 x 145 mm) |
| Weight | 0.4 lbs (185 g) | 2 lbs (886 g) |
| Balanced Output | - | Yes (XLR line out) |
| Outputs | - | RCA, XLR, optical, coaxial, HDMI pass-through |
| DAC Chip | - | ES9028PRO |
| Volume Control | - | Hardware knob, remote |
Related Amp and DAC Comparisons
More top alternatives to Chord Mojo 2:
- SMSL DO400 vs Chord Mojo 2
- D&A Alpha Pro vs Chord Mojo 2
- JDS Labs Element IV vs Chord Mojo 2
- Chord Mojo 2 vs Gustard A20H
- Chord Mojo 2 vs Woo Audio WA11 Topaz
Prices on this page were last checked October 11, 2026 at 4:59 PM UTC. Product prices and availability are accurate as of that date/time and are subject to change; the price and availability shown on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
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The Two Amps and DACs In Full
Chord Mojo 2: $566.86 Amazon eBay
Pros: Audio Science Review measured a SINAD of 110 dB, which is clean for nearly all listening. A rated 600 mW into 30 ohms is enough for most planar magnetic headphones, unusual muscle for something this portable. It takes USB-C, Micro-USB, optical and coaxial inputs, offers both 3.5 mm and 4.4 mm outputs, and includes built-in DSP tone control.
Cons: It costs far more than the TRN Black Pearl, which rates higher and measured cleaner at 117 dB. The Fosi Audio DS3 also matches its rating for much less. At 185 g it is much bigger and heavier than a typical dongle, so it is less convenient to carry with a phone.
Full Chord Mojo 2 review and specifications →
| Released | 2022 (4 years ago) |
|---|---|
| Device Type | DAC and headphone amp |
| Dimensions | 3.3” x 2.4” x 0.9” (83 x 62 x 22.9 mm) |
| Equalizer | Yes (UHD DSP tone control) |
| Headphone Outputs | 3.5 mm, 4.4 mm |
| Inputs | USB-C, Micro-USB, optical, coaxial |
| Output Power (300 ohms) | 90 mW (manufacturer rated) |
| Output Power (32 ohms) | 600 mW into 30 ohms (manufacturer rated) |
| SINAD | 110 dB (measured by Audio Science Review) |
| Weight | 0.4 lbs (185 g) |
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
Essence HDACC II-4K: $649.00 Essence Electrostatic eBay
Pros: It accepts four HDMI inputs with pass-through plus USB, optical, coaxial and analog, making it a hub for TV and console audio. RCA and balanced XLR outputs, digital outputs and a remote controlled volume knob add flexibility.
Cons: Audio Science Review measured 99 dB SINAD, fine for most headphones but sensitive in-ear monitors may reveal hiss. Essence doesn’t publish a 32 ohm power figure, there is only a 6.35 mm headphone jack, and the Neutron HiFi DAC V1 rates higher for much less.
Full Essence HDACC II-4K review and specifications →
| Balanced Output | Yes (XLR line out) |
|---|---|
| DAC Chip | ES9028PRO |
| Device Type | DAC and headphone amp |
| Dimensions | 8.8” x 1.9” x 5.7” (223 x 48 x 145 mm) |
| Headphone Outputs | 6.35 mm |
| Inputs | 4 x HDMI, USB-B, optical, coaxial, 3.5 mm analog |
| Outputs | RCA, XLR, optical, coaxial, HDMI pass-through |
| SINAD | 99 dB (measured by Audio Science Review) |
| Volume Control | Hardware knob, remote |
| Weight | 2 lbs (886 g) |
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons