Short answer: the D&A Alpha Pro. It ranks #5 of 43 DAC and headphone amp combos by measured performance, rated 4.9/5, at $699. The Chord Mojo 2 ranks #21, rated 4.3/5, at $566.86, $132.14 cheaper, which does not close the gap in measured performance.
The D&A Alpha Pro is the better-sounding pick. Audio Science Review measured a SINAD of 121 dB, so its noise and distortion are inaudible. The catch: It costs far more than the Topping DX1 II, which rates the same and measures the same 121 dB SINAD.
Why pick the Chord Mojo 2: 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.
Buy the D&A Alpha Pro. It is rated higher, and the $132.14 you would save on the Chord Mojo 2 does not close the gap.
Looking for alternatives? See the complete Headphone Amps and DACs rankings.
Specifications Side By Side
| D&A Alpha Pro | Chord Mojo 2 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $699.00 | $566.86 |
| Ranked | #5 of 43 in DAC and Headphone Amp Combos | #21 of 43 in DAC and Headphone Amp Combos |
| Device Type | DAC and headphone amp | DAC and headphone amp |
| SINAD | 121 dB (measured by Audio Science Review) | 110 dB (measured by Audio Science Review) |
| Output Power (32 ohms) | 6,000 mW (manufacturer rated) | 600 mW into 30 ohms (manufacturer rated) |
| Output Power (300 ohms) | 700 mW (manufacturer rated) | 90 mW (manufacturer rated) |
| Headphone Outputs | 6.35 mm, 4.4 mm balanced, 4-pin XLR balanced | 3.5 mm, 4.4 mm |
| Balanced Output | Yes (4.4 mm, 4-pin XLR, XLR line out) | - |
| Inputs | USB, optical, coaxial, Bluetooth, RCA | USB-C, Micro-USB, optical, coaxial |
| Outputs | RCA, XLR | - |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC, AAC, aptX, aptX HD, LDAC | - |
| DAC Chip | ES9039MSPRO | - |
| Volume Control | Hardware knob | - |
| Dimensions | 8.9” x 2.2” x 7.8” (225 x 55 x 199.3 mm) | 3.3” x 2.4” x 0.9” (83 x 62 x 22.9 mm) |
| Weight | 3.9 lbs (1,760 g) | 0.4 lbs (185 g) |
| Equalizer | - | Yes (UHD DSP tone control) |
Related Amp and DAC Comparisons
How D&A Alpha Pro compares with other leading options:
- D&A Alpha Pro vs SMSL DO400
- D&A Alpha vs D&A Alpha Pro
- D&A Alpha Pro vs JDS Labs Element IV
- D&A Alpha Pro vs Benchmark DAC3 HGC
- D&A Alpha Pro vs Yulong DA10
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
D&A Alpha Pro: $699.00 Amazon eBay
Pros: Audio Science Review measured a SINAD of 121 dB, so its noise and distortion are inaudible. A rated 6,000 mW into 32 ohms and 700 mW into 300 ohms will drive nearly any headphone, including demanding planars, through 6.35 mm, 4.4 mm balanced or 4-pin XLR outputs. It doubles as a full desktop hub with USB, optical, coaxial, RCA and Bluetooth inputs (LDAC, aptX HD, AAC) plus RCA and XLR outputs.
Cons: It costs far more than the Topping DX1 II, which rates the same and measures the same 121 dB SINAD. The SMSL DO400 also matches its rating for less while measuring slightly cleaner. At 1,760 g and 225 mm wide, it needs real desk space.
Full D&A Alpha Pro review and specifications →
| Released | May 2025 (1 year ago) |
|---|---|
| Balanced Output | Yes (4.4 mm, 4-pin XLR, XLR line out) |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC, AAC, aptX, aptX HD, LDAC |
| DAC Chip | ES9039MSPRO |
| Device Type | DAC and headphone amp |
| Dimensions | 8.9” x 2.2” x 7.8” (225 x 55 x 199.3 mm) |
| Headphone Outputs | 6.35 mm, 4.4 mm balanced, 4-pin XLR balanced |
| Inputs | USB, optical, coaxial, Bluetooth, RCA |
| Output Power (300 ohms) | 700 mW (manufacturer rated) |
| Output Power (32 ohms) | 6,000 mW (manufacturer rated) |
| Outputs | RCA, XLR |
| SINAD | 121 dB (measured by Audio Science Review) |
| Volume Control | Hardware knob |
| Weight | 3.9 lbs (1,760 g) |
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
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