Short answer: the JDS Labs Element IV. It ranks #9 of 43 DAC and headphone amp combos by measured performance, rated 4.8/5, at $549; the Chord Mojo 2 ranks #21, rated 4.3/5, and costs $566.86, so there is not much of a tradeoff to weigh.
The JDS Labs Element IV is the better-sounding choice. Audio Science Review measured a SINAD of 118 dB, so the DAC and amp are transparent. The catch: It has no balanced headphone output, and the 4.4 mm jack is only available as a build option replacing the 6.35 mm jack.
The case for the Chord Mojo 2: 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.
Buy the JDS Labs Element IV. It is rated higher than the Chord Mojo 2 and costs less, which makes it the one to get unless you need something the other one does better.
Still deciding? The full Headphone Amps and DACs rankings cover every ranked option.
Specifications Side By Side
| JDS Labs Element IV | Chord Mojo 2 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $549.00 | $566.86 |
| Ranked | #9 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 | 118 dB (measured by Audio Science Review) | 110 dB (measured by Audio Science Review) |
| Output Power (32 ohms) | 3,200 mW (manufacturer rated) | 600 mW into 30 ohms (manufacturer rated) |
| Headphone Outputs | 6.35 mm (4.4 mm available as a build option in place of 6.35 mm) | 3.5 mm, 4.4 mm |
| Balanced Output | No | - |
| Inputs | USB-C, optical | USB-C, Micro-USB, optical, coaxial |
| Outputs | RCA | - |
| Volume Control | Hardware knob (discrete optical encoder) | - |
| Equalizer | Yes (12-band parametric) | Yes (UHD DSP tone control) |
| Dimensions | 5.8” x 1.6” x 5.8” (147 x 41 x 147 mm) | 3.3” x 2.4” x 0.9” (83 x 62 x 22.9 mm) |
| Weight | 1.3 lbs (570 g) | 0.4 lbs (185 g) |
| Output Power (300 ohms) | - | 90 mW (manufacturer rated) |
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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
JDS Labs Element IV: $549.00 JDS Labs eBay
Pros: Audio Science Review measured a SINAD of 118 dB, so the DAC and amp are transparent. A rated 3,200 mW into 32 ohms drives nearly any headphone, and a built in 12 band parametric equalizer lets you correct headphone response without software. It takes USB-C and optical inputs and has RCA outputs for powered speakers.
Cons: It has no balanced headphone output, and the 4.4 mm jack is only available as a build option replacing the 6.35 mm jack. The Topping DX5 II rates higher with more rated balanced power for less.
Full JDS Labs Element IV review and specifications →
| Balanced Output | No |
|---|---|
| Device Type | DAC and headphone amp |
| Dimensions | 5.8” x 1.6” x 5.8” (147 x 41 x 147 mm) |
| Equalizer | Yes (12-band parametric) |
| Headphone Outputs | 6.35 mm (4.4 mm available as a build option in place of 6.35 mm) |
| Inputs | USB-C, optical |
| Output Power (32 ohms) | 3,200 mW (manufacturer rated) |
| Outputs | RCA |
| SINAD | 118 dB (measured by Audio Science Review) |
| Volume Control | Hardware knob (discrete optical encoder) |
| Weight | 1.3 lbs (570 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