Short answer: the SMSL DO400. It ranks #1 of 43 DAC and headphone amp combos by measured performance, rated 4.9/5, at $499; 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 SMSL DO400 is the better-sounding option. Audio Science Review measured 123 dB SINAD, so its noise and distortion are transparent. The tradeoff: It costs more than the D&A Alpha and SMSL RAW-MDA1, which share its rating and also measure transparent.
What the Chord Mojo 2 does well: Audio Science Review measured a SINAD of 110 dB, which is clean for nearly all listening. The catch: It costs far more than the TRN Black Pearl, which rates higher and measured cleaner at 117 dB.
Buy the SMSL DO400. It is rated higher than the Chord Mojo 2 and costs less, so only choose the other one for a particular feature it does better.
Want more options? Browse the full Headphone Amps and DACs rankings.
Specifications Side By Side
| SMSL DO400 | Chord Mojo 2 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $499.00 | $566.86 |
| Ranked | #1 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 | 123 dB (measured by Audio Science Review) | 110 dB (measured by Audio Science Review) |
| Output Power (32 ohms) | 3,000 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, AES/EBU, I2S, Bluetooth | USB-C, Micro-USB, optical, coaxial |
| Outputs | RCA, XLR | - |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC, AAC, aptX, aptX HD, LDAC | - |
| DAC Chip | ES9039MSPRO | - |
| Dimensions | 9.6” x 1.7” x 7.3” (245 x 42 x 186 mm) | 3.3” x 2.4” x 0.9” (83 x 62 x 22.9 mm) |
| Weight | 3.2 lbs (1,450 g) | 0.4 lbs (185 g) |
| Equalizer | - | Yes (UHD DSP tone control) |
Related Amp and DAC Comparisons
How SMSL DO400 compares with other leading options:
- D&A Alpha vs SMSL DO400
- SMSL DO400 vs Topping DX5 II
- D&A Alpha Pro vs SMSL DO400
- SMSL DO400 vs Topping G5
- SMSL DO400 vs JDS Labs Element IV
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
SMSL DO400: $499.00 Amazon eBay
Pros: Audio Science Review measured 123 dB SINAD, so its noise and distortion are transparent. A rated 3 W into 32 ohms and 700 mW into 300 ohms drives nearly any headphone, through 6.35 mm, 4.4 mm or 4-pin XLR outputs. Inputs cover USB, optical, coaxial, AES/EBU, I2S and LDAC Bluetooth, with RCA and XLR outputs for powered speakers.
Cons: It costs more than the D&A Alpha and SMSL RAW-MDA1, which share its rating and also measure transparent. At 1,450 g it is a full size desktop unit.
Full SMSL DO400 review and specifications →
| 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 | 9.6” x 1.7” x 7.3” (245 x 42 x 186 mm) |
| Headphone Outputs | 6.35 mm, 4.4 mm balanced, 4-pin XLR balanced |
| Inputs | USB, optical, coaxial, AES/EBU, I2S, Bluetooth |
| Output Power (300 ohms) | 700 mW (manufacturer rated) |
| Output Power (32 ohms) | 3,000 mW (manufacturer rated) |
| Outputs | RCA, XLR |
| SINAD | 123 dB (measured by Audio Science Review) |
| Weight | 3.2 lbs (1,450 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