The Magical Return of the Mojo 2: How USB-C Transformed My Audio Experience
The introduction of USB-C on the iPhone 15 and a daring headphone acquisition revived my appreciation for a once-forgotten accessory.
I’ve discovered why USB-C on the iPhone 15 is loveable! | ENBLE
š· Image: The iPhone 15 Pro Max with the Chord Mojo 2
Image source: Andy Boxall / ENBLE
In a series of fortunate events and a slight twist of fate, I recently rekindled my love for a forgotten gadget. It all began when Apple made a bold move and replaced the old Lightning connection with USB-C on the iPhone 15 series. Little did I know that this change would have a profound impact on my audio experience.
A Gadget I Loved But Had Forgotten About
Letās go back in time for a moment. My story doesnāt start with the iPhone, but with a digital-to-analog converter (DAC) called the Chord Mojo 2. This nifty gadget sits between your music player and headphones, elevating the sound quality and providing customization options. I had the pleasure of reviewing the Chord Mojo 2 earlier this year, and it truly made my iPhone 13 Pro sound like a heavenly symphony.
But there was a catch. To connect the Mojo 2 to my iPhone 13 Pro, I needed a complicated setup of cables and dongles. It involved a Lightning-to-USB Camera Adapter, followed by a USB-A-to-Micro-USB dongle. Managing all these connections and cables was a hassle, especially when considering the separate cable required for my headphones. As much as I adored the Mojo 2, the tangled mess of cables dampened my enthusiasm.
š” Fun Fact: Did you know that there are special Lightning-to-USB-C cables available specifically for the Chord Mojo 2? But buying another cable just to replace the existing ones seemed like an unnecessary expense.
USB-C Comes to the iPhone 15
Then, in September 2023, Apple introduced the highly anticipated iPhone 15 series, featuring the glorious USB-C connection. Initially, I wasnāt too thrilled about this change due to the lack of fast charging options. However, after a few weeks of using the iPhone 15 Pro Max, I had a realization: could the Mojo 2 work seamlessly now without the tangled mess of cables? The answer was a resounding āyes.ā
š· Image: The iPhone 15 Pro Max connected to the Chord Mojo 2 using USB-C
Image source: Andy Boxall / ENBLE
All I needed to connect the Magic Mojo 2 to the iPhone 15 was a simple USB-C cable. Gone were the days of multiple dongles and cablesāit was a breath of fresh air. This newfound convenience inspired me to try out the Mojo 2 with a pair of ENBLE headphones and see how it sounded. However, it also reminded me of the Focal Stellia headphones that I had to return. You see, my headphone journey had largely transitioned to the world of wireless audio, devoid of cables.
This Wouldnāt Have Happened Without USB-C
Unbeknownst to me, a fortuitous event was unfolding. It was around Black Friday when I stumbled upon an enticing dealāa significant discount on a pair of Focal Elegia headphones. These closed-back headphones caught my attention, and online comments about their sound quality led me to believe that the Mojo 2 could work its magic yet again.
š· Image: A person wearing the Focal Elegia headphones
Image source: Andy Boxall / ENBLE
I purchased the Focal Elegias at a fraction of their original price, hoping to recapture the emotional impact of the Stellia headphones. When I unboxed them, however, I realized that something was missingāthey sounded slightly lifeless. But thanks to the Mojo 2ās incredible versatility, I was able to fine-tune the sound through its built-in equalizer.
Plugging a single USB cable from the iPhone to the Mojo 2, along with connecting the Elegiasā oversized 3.5mm jack, brought a rush of anticipation. As I played with the equalizer settings and subtly adjusted the sound, the true potential of the Elegias was unlocked. The Mojo 2 helped me find the missing sub-bass and widen the soundstage, complementing the headphonesā already outstanding midrange and vocal performance.
š· Image: The iPhone 15 Pro Max connected to the Chord Mojo 2, and the Focal Elegia headphones.
Image source: Andy Boxall / ENBLE
Has the Mojo 2 turned the Elegias into Stellias? Of course not. However, its versatility has breathed life into the out-of-the-box sound, allowing me to rediscover the joy of sitting down and truly immersing myself in music. While my focus has been primarily on the Mojo 2 and the Focal Elegias in this article, itās worth noting that USB-C has made other accessories more user-friendly, eliminating the need for additional parts and connections.
š” Interesting Fact: Although USB-C didnāt bring fast charging to the iPhone, it brought something equally valuable: convenience. Fewer cables and dongles make the Mojo 2, and many other accessories, more enjoyable to own and use.
USB-C has paved the way for a new era of simplicity and versatility in audio experiences, and I, for one, couldnāt be happier about its arrival on the iPhone.
Q&A
Q: Can I still use the Chord Mojo 2 with older iPhones that have a Lightning connector?
A: Absolutely! You can use the Mojo 2 with older iPhones by utilizing the Lightning-to-USB-C adapter.
Q: Are there other DACs besides the Chord Mojo 2 that work well with USB-C connections?
A: Yes, there are several DACs available on the market that feature USB-C connectivity. Some popular options include the AudioQuest DragonFly series and the iFi Hip-DAC.
Q: Are there any advantages to using USB-C for audio devices other than convenience?
A: Definitely! USB-C offers higher data transfer speeds, better power delivery, and enhanced audio quality compared to traditional connections like USB-A or Lightning. Itās a win-win situation!
Looking Ahead: The Future of USB-C and Audio
The introduction of USB-C on the iPhone has undeniably changed the audio landscape. As more audio devices adopt USB-C connectivity, we are likely to see further innovations and improvements in audio technology. This shift opens up exciting possibilities for enhanced sound quality, easier connectivity, and streamlined user experiences.
With USB-C becoming a standard feature in modern smartphones and audio devices, we can expect a wider range of accessories and peripherals specifically designed to harness its potential. From headphones and DACs to amplifiers and speakers, USB-C will continue to shape the audio industry in the years to come.
In conclusion, USB-C has ushered in a new era of audio convenience, allowing us to rediscover the true joy of listening to music on our beloved devices. So, go ahead, embrace the magic of USB-C, and embark on a sonic adventure like never before!
š Check out these related articles for more insights and technology trends: – You Wonāt Believe How I Improved My Phoneās Battery Life – Apple is Updating One of the Oldest Apps on Your iPhone – I Need This iOS Concept Feature on My iPhone Right Now
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Article source: ENBLE.com
Hey readers! Have you had any experiences with USB-C and audio devices? Share your thoughts and stories in the comments below! And if you enjoyed this article, donāt forget to share it on your favorite social media platforms š
