IFI GO LINK 2

iFi GO link 2 – Portable Hi-Res USB DAC and Headphone Amplifier

iFi GO link 2 is an ultra-compact USB DAC and headphone amplifier designed to transform smartphones, laptops and PCs into high-resolution audio players. The second-generation GO link combines an ESS Sabre DAC, Hi-Res support up to PCM 384 kHz and DSD256, S-Balanced technology and iFi's Dynamic Range Enhancement in an exceptionally small and lightweight format.

Weighing just 7.8 g, the GO link 2 is designed for listeners who want to improve the audio quality of their mobile devices without carrying a conventional DAC/headphone amplifier. The device connects via USB and provides a standard 3.5 mm S-Balanced headphone output.

ESS Sabre DAC with Hi-Res Audio

At the heart of the GO link 2 is an ESS Sabre Bit-Perfect DAC, capable of handling PCM signals up to 32-bit / 384 kHz and DSD256.

This allows the GO link 2 to take full advantage of high-resolution music available from streaming services and local music libraries, bypassing the often limited audio circuitry built into smartphones and computers.

The Bit-Perfect architecture is designed to preserve the digital signal as faithfully as possible throughout the conversion process.

Dynamic Range Enhancement

The GO link 2 incorporates iFi's Dynamic Range Enhancement technology, designed to improve the effective dynamic contrast of the audio signal.

This helps enhance the distinction between subtle musical passages and louder peaks, contributing to a more expressive and engaging listening experience.

Reduced Distortion

iFi has further optimised the DAC implementation to reduce harmonic distortion compared with the previous generation.

According to iFi, distortion has been reduced by 62% compared with the original GO link, with THD+N reaching ≤0.0015% under the specified measurement conditions.

S-Balanced Technology

One of the key features of the GO link 2 is iFi's proprietary S-Balanced circuit design.

This technology brings some of the benefits traditionally associated with balanced circuitry to the conventional 3.5 mm headphone output. According to iFi, it reduces crosstalk between the left and right channels, improving stereo separation and overall clarity.

This makes the GO link 2 compatible with conventional single-ended headphones and earphones while still benefiting from the S-Balanced architecture.

Powerful Headphone Amplification

Despite its extremely small dimensions, the GO link 2 incorporates a dedicated headphone amplifier.

It delivers at least 79 mW into 32 Ohms and 14 mW into 300 Ohms, allowing it to drive a wide range of portable headphones and in-ear monitors.

The output impedance of less than 0.4 Ohms also makes it well suited to sensitive low-impedance headphones and IEMs.

iFi Nexis

The GO link 2 introduces full support for the iFi Nexis ecosystem.

The companion application allows users to select between Hybrid and Linear digital filters, giving additional control over the DAC's operation.

Nexis also supports Over-The-Air firmware updates, allowing the device to be updated without complicated procedures. On Android devices, additional functions such as volume limiting are available.

Ultra-Compact Design

Portability is one of the defining characteristics of the GO link 2.

The device measures just 137 × 12 × 7.6 mm and weighs only 7.8 g. Compared with the previous generation, iFi has reduced the dimensions by 8% and the weight by 29%.

The result is a DAC that can remain permanently connected to a laptop or smartphone without adding significant bulk or weight.

USB Connectivity

The GO link 2 connects to the source via USB-C and draws its power directly from the connected device, eliminating the need for a separate battery or power supply.

An USB-A to USB-C adapter is included for computers and other devices equipped with conventional USB-A ports.

Wide Device Compatibility

The GO link 2 is designed for use with a wide range of digital sources, including smartphones, tablets, PCs and Macs.

Its plug-and-play operation makes it possible to bypass the internal DAC of the connected device and use the dedicated iFi digital-to-analogue conversion and headphone amplification stages instead.

Key Features

• Ultra-compact portable USB DAC and headphone amplifier.
• ESS Sabre Bit-Perfect DSD & DXD DAC.
• PCM support up to 32-bit / 384 kHz.
• DSD256 support.
• 3.5 mm S-Balanced headphone output.
• iFi S-Balanced circuit technology.
• Reduced left/right channel crosstalk.
• Dynamic Range Enhancement.
• 62% reduction in distortion compared with the original GO link.
• THD+N ≤0.0015%.
• Output power up to 79 mW into 32 Ohms.
• Output power up to 14 mW into 300 Ohms.
• Output impedance below 0.4 Ohms.
• 10 Hz – 80 kHz frequency response.
• iFi Nexis app support.
• Hybrid and Linear digital filters.
• Over-The-Air firmware updates.
• USB-C digital input.
• Bus-powered operation.
• Extremely compact design.
• 7.8 g net weight.
• USB-A to USB-C adapter included.

Why Choose iFi GO link 2

iFi GO link 2 offers an exceptionally effective way to upgrade the sound quality of a smartphone, laptop or computer without the size and weight associated with a conventional DAC/headphone amplifier.

The combination of an ESS Sabre DAC, PCM 384 kHz and DSD256 support, S-Balanced headphone amplification and Dynamic Range Enhancement delivers a high-resolution audio solution in an incredibly compact format.

The integration of iFi Nexis adds further flexibility through selectable digital filters and wireless firmware updates, while the 7.8 g weight makes the GO link 2 particularly well suited to portable Hi-Fi listening.

Technical Specifications

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