Mojo Audio Mystique X SE


In a recent post where I was asking for cable recommendations for my system, most recommended DAC first (my weakest link), then maybe amp, then cables. I am looking for an end game (for me) DAC. The subject DAC from a price standpoint is endgame (again for me). The form factor is perfect, the reviews are mostly great, it won the excellent 6 DAC comparison by @mitch2., although the Holo May KTE was not in the test, but is a consideration. 

@soix feedback: 

I haven’t heard your Qutest or the Mojo, but from everything I’ve read they’re very different sound profiles with the former being more of a white wine and the latter much more of a red, so the question becomes if it goes too far in the other direction for your tastes.  If you’re looking for a warmer/fuller sound you may love the Mojo or you might find it a little too much of a good thing and/or too polite up top so having the ability to return it is key I’d think.

I am a little concerned with the potential warmth & lack of detail. Also, USB and linearly based upon the Stereophile review. However, I am looking for a DAC that is very musical & and reduces or eliminates ‘digital glare’.

The digital side of my system: Aurender N150 > Chord Qutest w/sbooster+ultra > PS Audio BHK pre > Moon 330A > KEF Reference 3’s.

Before I buy, I am looking for feedback from previous or current owners along with those who have heard the Mojo Mystique and how it would fit in my system, along with other DAC’s you might recommend. Thanks!

 

signaforce

@tksteingraber emailed Benjamin last night. You are absolutely correct… no differences between the X SE & the X’24 AM, just DOM. The X’25 AM has a different paint job & some improvements in its power supply. 
You were also correct on the TMR listings… assuming the pictures are correct, the SE model is a X’24 AM, & and the X AM an X SE. The naming conventions are confusing at best. 
@stuartk Thanks!

“You are absolutely correct…”

@signaforce   You made my day…I don’t hear that often 🤣.  
Glad you contacted Ben and got the full scoop from the Mojo Man.  I was debating whether to get the X 25 NC or X NC.  In talking to Ben he said the difference was really just aesthetics (case paint) and minor power supply changes.  He said I would be hard pressed to hear the difference in a reference system comparing both side by side.    Fyi - I bought my Mystique Evo B4B 21 from TMR a year or so ago.  They were easy to deal with making an offer, shipped fast, well packed and the unit was flawless.  

@tksteingraber LOL. 

Yes, I bought my first pre & my current streamer from TMR. First rate!
An X NC… interesting. He getting some in as trades?

I've owned or had long term auditions with around 20.DACs focussing heavily on R2R DACs. I've owned the Mojo X for awhile and love it. I have also had several Chord DACs including the Mojo, Qutest, and Hugo TT2. They are all great and have a consistent signature that is detailed and spacious. I greatly prefer the Mojo X presentation which feels very natural to me. The details are definitely present but they are shoved in your face. I'm pretty sure that Ben will let you return the DAC if you don't like it in your system (but worth double checking). Good luck. 

I purchased the new Denafrips Pontus 15 and really liked it.  Despite that and, perhaps to my detriment, I felt it was a big-DAC world and even better SQ awaited me with something grander (and more expensive).  One of the stops on my DAC merry-go-round was the Mojo Mystique X SE, a demo unit from Mr. Mojo's (Benjamin's) system. After poring through the 6 DAC shootout and its truly helpful reviews, I was really enthused and expected a great deal from the Mojo.  I must say that once installed and given time to settle, I was underwhelmed.  In my system, it was clean, resolving and musical but didn't have the bounce and enjoyment that the new Pontus provided.  Go figure.  As I add better equipment, I'm hearing more than ever before, which could be a negative to my aging ears and ever more addled brain.  My current DAC is a Meitner, which I'm happy with.  Better than what came before?  Yes.  Best fit for me?  Still working on that.  Good luck with your quest.