Revisiting the Chord Electronics Poly 2

Posted by The Sound Organisation on Dec 30th 2024

Coming off of CanJam, we were inspired to really dive into our headphone listening, and there’s just something deeply personal about having high fidelity audio piped right into your head. With the proper equipment, the music can go from a personal concert to a part of your very soul. If you’re like us and sometimes want to experience the music though a good pair of cans, then a quality DAC and streamer is the best way to elevate your listening. That’s where Chord Electronics' Mojo 2 and Poly come in. Following the massive firmware update to the original Poly streamer, Chord Electronics has dubbed the modern version the “Poly 2”.

The Poly plugs directly into your Chord Electronics Mojo or Mojo 2, expanding the DAC with an on-board streamer in a nearly-monolithic piece of kit. With the Poly 2 connected, you can turn your regular smartphone into an audiophile-level playback system that really gets grooving.

A while back, Hi-Fi Choice did a spectacular review of the Poly 2, exploring the new updated firmware:

" The idea of the new firmware update was to make the Poly more versatile and easy to use – and in this, Chord Electronics has unequivocally succeeded. It makes the Mojo/Poly 2 a more stable, usable and less frustrating pairing – while keeping the same sublime sound intact. In effect, the two are a brilliant, affordable mobile music machine, reaching parts that few other rivals can.

When it comes to digital audio and especially mobile audio, the streaming source is major consideration. That’s why when you’re looking at buying a new headphone amp, DAC, and streamer set up like the Mojo + Poly combination, you really need to see how those streaming services feel about the product. Qobuz, one of the finest and widely-used audiophile streaming services, took a look at the Mojo and Poly and had this to say:

"The Poly extension opens up all the possibilities that come with a wireless connection, which will be more convenient in many cases. With the combination of these two devices, you have a multifunctional, space-saving, plug-in or battery-powered Hi-Fi playback tool. This level of versatility is hard to beat!"

Similarly, Roon Labs, the popular music server and playback software company, had great things to say about the Mojo 2 and Poly combo. As the addition of the Poly 2 to the Mojo 2 makes the device certified “Roon-ready” streaming module, Roon needed to put it through its paces in order to give the proverbial thumbs-up. Here are some of our favorite notes from their extensive review:

"The Mojo 2 / Poly combo provides a huge soundstage in a small footprint and exudes exceptionally fine design, features, and sound."
"If problem-free Roon integration and reliability are top of your list, your worries are over. I didn’t have a single issue with this pair; how incredible they sound together is a bonus."
"The Mojo 2 / Poly partnership shined when tested with a variety of high-quality headphones."

If you’re ready to elevate your personal listening experience and pull every ounce of detail out of your digital audio, then it is time to consider grabbing a Chord Electronics Mojo 2 and the Poly to connect it to. If you’re ready to test one out, click here to find a local retailer.