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Kumimajava
1
Dec 22, 2015
Trying to decide between this & the Chord Mojo. Would appreciate a some input from someone who's tried both. I'm most interested in the differences in the DACs on these two; headphone-wise, would primarily look to use the HD650's and Sony IEMs (xba-a3). Very happy to be so spoilt for choice :) And thanks in advance to anyone chiming in !
JamieCole
5
Dec 22, 2015
KumimajavaAh, yes, I should have added the Mojo to my list of considerations above. I'm in the same 'haven't heard either device' boat as you. Did you read the Headfonia review of the Grace? http://www.headfonia.com/review-the-grace-design-massdrop-m9xx/.
Personally, the desktop form factor won out as I'm not looking for an uber portable device.
Kumimajava
1
Dec 23, 2015
JamieColeI'd had a look at that Headphonia review, but somehow had missed it's second page until now. So thanks for pointing it out again. Since i'd probably be using this 80% as a dac, the RCA outs on the Grace might win out. Where I'm at, the price for the two is identical... Good dilemma to have :)
JamieCole
5
Dec 23, 2015
KumimajavaThe Headphonia review is pretty good, and directly compares the Grace to the Mojo. Also, @fjrabon is legit and wholly recommends the Grace. If you haven't already, read (at the very least) his review and filter post on Head-Fi:
Review: http://www.head-fi.org/products/grace-design-m9xx-compact-usb-dac-with-integrated-headphone-amp/reviews/14760
Filters: http://www.head-fi.org/t/785553/grace-design-x-massdrop-m9xx-dac-amp-review-first-impressions/870#post_12182322.
Once upon a time, I owned the ALO Audio Island. The ergonomics of a large knob volume pot are not to be dismissed. It was such a pleasure to use and created an opportunity to continuously interact with music. I felt like adjusting the volume on every track not because I needed to, but because I wanted to get it just right. The device actually deepened and enriched the musical connection, for me anyway. I'm geeky for design and attention to human interaction. From that perspective (keep in mind this judgement is purely from a personal aesthetic and design perspective, and having actually used neither device), the Grace bests the Mojo. The Mojo doesn't do much for me from a design and interaction perspective. I, seriously, really like the concept of using light and color for input and volume variants, but, personally, I don't think it scaled well from the Hugo to the Mojo. It seems too small, bulky, awkward, and cramped. Some may dismiss this comment because I haven't used the device, but I have personal limits on how many headphone related purchases I'm willing to make and I have to make my decision somehow. So, there it is, my choice is based on how I intend to use the device 90% of the time and personal design/interaction preferences (which also kept me from buying the iFi and Schiit stacks). Both are reputed to sound amazing, so that (somewhat) helped narrow down the choice. Oh, and the Grace is cheaper. :)
Worst case, buy the Grace and give it a whirl. It'll be the most difficult to come by, at least in the short term. If you don't like it, resell it and buy the Mojo.
Good luck!
P.S. From a design and interaction perspective, can you imagine how cool the JDS Element would be if the light changed with variations of sample rate (or volume levels)?
P.P.S. I do wish there were more high quality amp/dac combos that allowed the user to configure bass and treble. There seems to be a market, albeit it niche.
Kumimajava
1
Dec 23, 2015
JamieColeThanks for the nudge - joined the drop. I did go and have a listen to the Mojo in a local electronics store here (in Tokyo), and it was remarkable. But when in tabletop-use, I think the volume adjustment would drive me nuts. So will give the Grace a go, and perhaps get the Mojo for pocket use later :)
JamieCole
5
Dec 23, 2015
KumimajavaI saw that! Congrats!
I have no doubt that the Mojo sounds and performs awesomely fantastic. But, I agree, the Grace has an edge for table/desk top use. Until... the Mojo TT is introduced. :/
Kumimajava
1
Dec 23, 2015
JamieColeWell, after heardin the Mojo today, I figured - I can get that anyday. If the grace matches that, as a DAC, then the useability tips it for me, and also probably hard to source in Japan otherwise. Now the wait starts :)
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