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iFi Audio GO link 2
iFi Audio has introduced the GO link 2, a new version of its compact USB dongle DAC designed for users who want a quick and effective way to improve the sound quality of a laptop or smartphone without rebuilding an entire system. The idea is to retain everything that made the first generation successful while delivering a more noticeable step forward in both measured performance and day-to-day functionality. Like its predecessor, the GO link 2 bypasses the basic integrated audio stages found in most computers and mobile devices, taking over the digital-to-analogue conversion process itself so that even an ordinary notebook or phone can become a genuinely usable source for more demanding headphones.
The new model is even more compact than before, with iFi Audio stating that the enclosure is 8% smaller and 29% lighter than the original. That matters in real use, particularly for a device that is likely to move constantly between a laptop, smartphone and tablet at home, at work and while travelling. The GO link 2 is positioned as a simple, highly portable part of an audio chain that requires no special setup but still offers a clear improvement over the headphone outputs built into most source devices. At its core is an ESS Sabre DAC supporting PCM up to 384 kHz and native DSD256, allowing it to handle lossless and high-resolution material from both streaming services and local files. In this generation iFi Audio has also added its Dynamic Range Enhancement technology, which the company says increases dynamic range by a further 6 dB, helping the device resolve quiet and loud passages more convincingly and making transients feel freer and more immediate with well-recorded material.
The GO link 2 also uses a number of measures aimed at lowering distortion and improving clarity. According to iFi, precise harmonic distortion compensation within the DAC stage reduces THD by as much as 62% compared with the previous generation, which should translate into a smoother and more natural presentation during longer listening sessions. The 3.5 mm headphone output works with the company's S-Balanced technology, designed to reduce crosstalk by 50% despite the use of a conventional single-ended socket, improving channel separation and the stability of the stereo image even with standard headphones. Another new feature within the GO link line is full compatibility with the iFi Nexis app. Through Nexis, users can update firmware wirelessly and choose between two digital filters - hybrid and linear - allowing for mild tailoring of the sound to personal taste. At launch, filter selection and over-the-air update support are available on Android devices.
Taken together, that makes the GO link 2 a more flexible device than its predecessor, even though the basic concept remains the same. It is still a tiny DAC/amp intended to make portable and desktop listening better without introducing complexity, but it now adds more scope for fine-tuning and a stronger emphasis on measurable improvements. The iFi Audio GO link 2 is available now, with official pricing listed at £59/$59/€69. Info and photos by iFi Audio.
