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 Luxsin X8 ranks #30, rated 4.0/5, and costs $699, which makes this an easy call rather than a real tradeoff.
What the Chord Mojo 2 does well: Audio Science Review measured a SINAD of 110 dB, which is clean for nearly all listening. Watch for: It costs far more than the TRN Black Pearl, which rates higher and measured cleaner at 117 dB.
What the Luxsin X8 does well: Audio Science Review measured 120 dB SINAD, so its noise and distortion are transparent. The tradeoff: The maker doesn’t publish a 32 ohm power figure, so its headroom for demanding headphones is unknown.
Buy the Chord Mojo 2. It is rated higher than the Luxsin X8 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 | Luxsin X8 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $566.86 | $699.00 |
| Ranked | #21 of 43 in DAC and Headphone Amp Combos | #30 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) | 120 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, 4.4 mm balanced, 4-pin XLR balanced |
| Inputs | USB-C, Micro-USB, optical, coaxial | USB-B, USB-C, optical, coaxial, I2S, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi |
| Equalizer | Yes (UHD DSP tone control) | Yes (parametric EQ and HP-EQ headphone correction via app/web) |
| Dimensions | 3.3” x 2.4” x 0.9” (83 x 62 x 22.9 mm) | 9.3” x 2.5” x 9.3” (236.8 x 64 x 236 mm) |
| Weight | 0.4 lbs (185 g) | 6.1 lbs (2,750 g) |
| Balanced Output | - | Yes (4.4 mm, 4-pin XLR, XLR line out) |
| Outputs | - | RCA, XLR |
| DAC Chip | - | 8 x CS43198 |
| Volume Control | - | Digital (touchscreen, app, optional IR remote) |
Related Amp and DAC Comparisons
How Chord Mojo 2 compares with other leading options:
- 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.
As an eBay Partner, we may be compensated if you make a purchase.
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
Luxsin X8: $699.00 Amazon eBay
Pros: Audio Science Review measured 120 dB SINAD, so its noise and distortion are transparent. It is packed with features: 6.35 mm, 4.4 mm and 4-pin XLR headphone outputs, USB, optical, coaxial, I2S, Bluetooth and Wi-Fi inputs, a touchscreen, and parametric EQ with headphone correction through an app.
Cons: The maker doesn’t publish a 32 ohm power figure, so its headroom for demanding headphones is unknown. The SMSL DS20 rates higher with a published 500 mW for far less, and at 2,750 g it is a very large desktop unit.
Full Luxsin X8 review and specifications →
| Released | Jan 2026 (9 months ago) |
|---|---|
| Balanced Output | Yes (4.4 mm, 4-pin XLR, XLR line out) |
| DAC Chip | 8 x CS43198 |
| Device Type | DAC and headphone amp |
| Dimensions | 9.3” x 2.5” x 9.3” (236.8 x 64 x 236 mm) |
| Equalizer | Yes (parametric EQ and HP-EQ headphone correction via app/web) |
| Headphone Outputs | 6.35 mm, 4.4 mm balanced, 4-pin XLR balanced |
| Inputs | USB-B, USB-C, optical, coaxial, I2S, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi |
| Outputs | RCA, XLR |
| SINAD | 120 dB (measured by Audio Science Review) |
| Volume Control | Digital (touchscreen, app, optional IR remote) |
| Weight | 6.1 lbs (2,750 g) |
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons