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 SMSL M10 ranks #36, rated 3.3/5, at $455, $111.86 cheaper, not enough of a saving to outweigh the sound-quality gap.
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.
What the SMSL M10 does well: It has balanced 4-pin XLR headphone and XLR line outputs alongside a 6.35 mm jack, plus USB, optical and coaxial inputs. Watch for: Audio Science Review measured 95 dB SINAD, fine for most headphones but sensitive in-ear monitors may reveal hiss or noise.
Buy the Chord Mojo 2. It is rated higher, and the $111.86 saving on the SMSL M10 is not enough to make up the difference.
Looking for alternatives? See the complete Headphone Amps and DACs rankings.
Specifications Side By Side
| Chord Mojo 2 | SMSL M10 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $566.86 | $455.00 |
| Ranked | #21 of 43 in DAC and Headphone Amp Combos | #36 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) | 95 dB (measured by Audio Science Review) |
| Output Power (32 ohms) | 600 mW into 30 ohms (manufacturer rated) | 340 mW (manufacturer rated, balanced) |
| Output Power (300 ohms) | 90 mW (manufacturer rated) | 87 mW (manufacturer rated, balanced) |
| Headphone Outputs | 3.5 mm, 4.4 mm | 6.35 mm, 4-pin XLR balanced |
| Inputs | USB-C, Micro-USB, optical, coaxial | USB-B, optical, coaxial |
| Equalizer | Yes (UHD DSP tone control) | - |
| Dimensions | 3.3” x 2.4” x 0.9” (83 x 62 x 22.9 mm) | 9.8” x 2” x 8.1” (250 x 50 x 205 mm) |
| Weight | 0.4 lbs (185 g) | - |
| Balanced Output | - | Yes (4-pin XLR, XLR line out) |
| Outputs | - | RCA, XLR |
| DAC Chip | - | AK4497 |
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
SMSL M10: $455.00 Amazon eBay
Pros: It has balanced 4-pin XLR headphone and XLR line outputs alongside a 6.35 mm jack, plus USB, optical and coaxial inputs. SMSL rates it at 340 mW balanced into 32 ohms, enough for most headphones.
Cons: Audio Science Review measured 95 dB SINAD, fine for most headphones but sensitive in-ear monitors may reveal hiss or noise. The Qudelix T71 rates higher with better measured SINAD for less, and there is no Bluetooth input.
Full SMSL M10 review and specifications →
| Balanced Output | Yes (4-pin XLR, XLR line out) |
|---|---|
| DAC Chip | AK4497 |
| Device Type | DAC and headphone amp |
| Dimensions | 9.8” x 2” x 8.1” (250 x 50 x 205 mm) |
| Headphone Outputs | 6.35 mm, 4-pin XLR balanced |
| Inputs | USB-B, optical, coaxial |
| Output Power (300 ohms) | 87 mW (manufacturer rated, balanced) |
| Output Power (32 ohms) | 340 mW (manufacturer rated, balanced) |
| Outputs | RCA, XLR |
| SINAD | 95 dB (measured by Audio Science Review) |
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons