So, there’s a lot to unpack in just this simple test alone. Keep in mind that we didn’t use any of the filtering, effects, EQ, sound enhancements like the X Bass and X Space on the Gryphon, etc. We only used the native settings on the DAC and volume-matched accordingly, so in theory, there was nothing that should have influenced the sound coming from each of the DACs. To further drive this point home, we used identical cables – Silver Dragons to be exact (the same lengths) – and used the same headphone: the Focal Clear MG. Also, we made sure to use the single-ended headphone jack on the Gryphon to match the single-ended ports on the Mojo 2. The Clear MG is pretty neutral and balanced, but with a little warmth. The sound is lively, with no sterility, so we figured it would be a good match for this test (something that’s not too analytical or musical). It’s a great sounding headphone on its own.
But the biggest caveat of this A/B test is that it only judges the device on ONE factor. To be fair, it’s the biggest factor to rate the Mojo and Gryphon by, but there are of course other factors that play into account not just the overall sound quality and how it can be changed or adjusted, but the individual features of the DACs too. The fact that based on sound quality alone, the Chord Mojo 2 barely eked out the win by one vote over the Gryphon says a lot to me about the overall potential of the Gryphon – and that’s a big deal when we look at what else the Gryphon has to offer over the Mojo 2. Like I said before, the Gryphon has everything that music lovers were hoping for in the Mojo 2, but never got. That is, Bluetooth, a screen to allow the display of device info, a balanced headphone jack. I mean, consider how the test would have gone if we used the balanced port on the Gryphon, or even used the X Bass and X Space sound enhancements. We haven’t even gotten to the filter possibilities yet on either DACs. Some of you might argue that X Bass and X Space actually deteriorate the sound quality by masking the natural tones and signature of the DAC and music. Whatever, it’s an option. If there is a piece of music that you want a bass boost or expanded soundstage, bam, you have designated buttons for them. With the Mojo 2 you can boost frequency bands, but you have to remember which color coordinates with the EQ settings and then figure out which bands you want to boost or minimize, - it can be a hassle to say the least.
This is not to say that the Mojo 2 doesn’t sound good. It does. It won the test. Technically, my vote would have gone to the Mojo 2 as well – I (personally) think it’s the superior sounding device (based off the natural sound of the DAC in each device). Period. But the biggest thing to consider is that most people aren’t making this kind of decision based off of one factor alone. I sure wouldn’t. And whereas I love the Mojo 2 and how it sounds, I think the Gryphon is the better buy. And I’ll tell you why: it's the complete package. Look, on sound alone it held its own against the Mojo in a blind listening test. Secondly, it has Bluetooth compatibility, a screen, balanced headphone jacks, great sounding filters and sound enhancements that do in fact add a lot to the overall sound quality, as well as USB-C charging. It offers so much more than the Mojo 2 – and It’s cheaper! I mean, people, I don’t know how much more I can say on the matter.
At the end of the day, both devices are great – no one is denying that. The Mojo 2 is the more analytical and detail-oriented DAC – the Gryphon is more musical, you’ll get more natural low end, and proximity to the music. So you have to weigh it – what type of music do you like to listen to – what kind of sound do you like – what features are important to you, and go from there.
Let us know how we can help! If you have any questions feel free to leave a comment below and happy listening!
