Features
| Shape | Interesting |
|---|---|
| Warranty length | 1 Year |
| Colour | Black |
| Brand | iFi Audio |
Tech Specs
- Input: USB-C
- Formats: DSD 256 / 11.3MHz, PCM 384kHz, MQA
- DAC: Bit-Perfect DSD & DXD DAC by ESS
- Headphone: 3.5mm
- Output Power: ≥1.5V/70MW @ 320; 2V/14mW @ 3000
- Output Impedance: <0.40
- SNR: ≥125dBA (2.05V)
- DNR: ≥122dB(A) @ OdBFS
- THD+N: ≤00.004% (1.27V @ 32)
- Frequency response: 10-80kHz(-0.5dB)
- Power consumption: No Signal ~0.2W, Max Signal ~1W
- Dimensions: 135 x 12.6 x 7.6 mm (5.3" x 0.5" x 0.3”)
- Cable length: 60mm (2.8")
- Net weight: 11g (0.4oz)
- Limited Warranty: 12 months*
Product Description
iFi Audio GO Link headphone amplifier and DAC is designed to upgrade the sound from your smartphone or computer. You can also use it between corded headphones fitted with a 3.5mm minijack plug to connect to a device without this socket.
The built in DAC is designed to give you a big boost in sound quality over the usual audio processor in your device. The DAC is Made by ESS and is the gold standard when it comes to sound quality. Finally, the silver plated interconnecting cable reduces stress on the USB plug. This should give the unit a long life.
Flexible twisted cable
Both the USB-C connector and the DAC/headphone amp are housed in robust Magnesium alloy casings. Moreover, having a cable between them should reduce the stress on the USB plug and allows you to point the headphone amplifier towards the listener. The connecting cable has silver plated copper conductors in a twisted pair configuration. This configuration was once used in the heater chain of valve equipment to reduce inductance and capacitance. It also reduces noise pickup.
ESS Technology's HiFi DAC
At The heart of any modern headphone amp is the DAC. The Go Link features a high-performance DAC chip from ESS technologies. This is part of the sabre HiFi series and benefits from HyperStream III architecture. Sabre DACs are the gold standard when it comes to clarity and dynamic range. Other features include Quad DAC+ and Time Domain Jitter Elimination technologies. Another key feature is the volume control which is handled by the DAC rather than the analogue circuitry. This reduces THD and crosstalk.
Hi-Res Audio Formats
The Go link can handle most hi-res audio formats such as PCM up to 32-bit/384kHz, as well as DSD and MQA. A LED changes colour to show the incoming hi-res format as well as the PCM/DSD sample rate. Additionally the 3.5mm socket is gold plated and has the iFi Audio S-balanced configuration for reduced noise and cross talk.
Enough Power to Drive Most Headphones
Finally the power output is 70mW into 32 ohms. This provides enough power to drive most of the headphones out there. Moreover, the output is more than that provided by smartphones, tablets and laptops.
What is DSD and MQA?
DSD is claimed to be as close as digital gets to analogue. The format was developed in the 1990’s as a way of archiving old analogue recordings. Consequently, DSD is simpler and more space efficient than the PCM encoding used by CD’s. It also became the standard for SACD. The DSD music catalogue is increasing, especially for Jazz and classical music.
iFi Audio Range
IFi Audio specialize in headphone amplifiers and portable audio. The range includes portable external DACs such as the Hip dac2 as well as home based external DACs. Additionally, they produce specialized headphone amps dedicated to a particular type of headphones. The range includes the Zen Signature Can that has an EQ button. Three units are available for the HiFi Man, Muze and Sennheiser range of headphones. They also produce a range of signal conditioners such as the iDefender+ that will get rid of ground loop buzz and hum.
