AudioQuest DragonFly Copper vs. iFi GO link 2: Two Ways to Upgrade Your Portable Audio
Great headphones can only reproduce the signal they’re given. If you’re listening directly from a phone, tablet, or computer, a portable USB DAC can be one of the simplest ways to get more from your favorite wired headphones. Two compelling options are the AudioQuest DragonFly Copper and iFi Audio GO link 2. Both are compact USB DAC/headphone amps built around ESS Sabre DAC technology, and both are designed to bypass the audio circuitry inside your everyday devices. But they take distinctly different approaches to portable listening. The result isn’t necessarily a question of which DAC is "better." It’s about which design, features, and listening experience fit the way you enjoy music.
Who Is the DragonFly Copper For?
The AudioQuest DragonFly Copper is for listeners who want a premium portable DAC that can play several roles.
It can live at a desk with a computer and headphones, travel with a phone or tablet, connect to powered speakers, or become part of a larger audio setup. That versatility is a big part of the DragonFly Copper's appeal.
Who Is the GO link 2 For?
The iFi GO link 2 is for anyone who wants to turn a USB-C phone, tablet, or laptop into a high-resolution music source with minimal extra gear.
Its lightweight design, high-resolution format support, and S-Balanced output make it an easy addition to a portable wired-headphone setup.
Meet the AudioQuest DragonFly Copper
The AudioQuest DragonFly series is built around a simple idea: deliver better digital audio without requiring a traditional desktop DAC and headphone amplifier.
The DragonFly Copper combines a 32-bit ESS Sabre DAC, headphone amplifier, and preamplifier in a compact design. Its high-conductivity copper-plated case is designed to help drain radio-frequency noise, while AudioQuest gives the Copper increased output power for driving headphones.
It can be used with headphones, powered speakers, a preamplifier, or a larger audio system, making it especially flexible for listeners who want one DAC to work in several setups.
It supports Apple and Windows computers along with iOS and Android devices, and includes a DragonTail USB-A-to-USB-C adapter for USB-C equipment.
Shop the AudioQuest DragonFly Copper at ListenUp
Meet the iFi Audio GO link 2
The iFi Audio GO link 2 takes a compact approach to portable audio.
At just 7.8 grams, it is designed to pair easily with a phone, tablet, or laptop. It connects through USB-C and includes a USB-A adapter, making it easy to move between mobile devices and computers.
The GO link 2 also uses an ESS Sabre DAC and supports high-resolution playback up to PCM 384kHz and DSD256. Its S-Balanced 3.5mm output is designed to reduce noise and crosstalk, while iFi also incorporates Dynamic Range Enhancement and Harmonic Distortion Reduction.
Compatible Android users can also use iFi's Nexis app for firmware updates and selectable Hybrid and Linear digital filters.
Shop the iFi Audio GO link 2 at ListenUp
Two Different Takes on the Portable DAC
Put them next to each other and their different design philosophies become clear.
The iFi GO link 2 feels purpose-built for straightforward USB-C listening. Connect it to a smartphone or laptop, plug in your wired headphones, and you have an extremely compact high-resolution audio setup.
The DragonFly Copper takes a broader approach. It is still small enough to travel with, but its DAC, headphone amp, and preamplifier functionality allow it to move between portable listening, powered speakers, and a larger home audio system.
Each takes a different approach to portable listening, which is what makes the comparison interesting.
Our Listening Thoughts
"The AudioQuest Copper sound is clean. The output power is greater than the Cobalt for sure. I actually had to turn down my volume rather than increase it.
I listen to a lot of rock music, like Puscifer's - Momma Sed. I felt like Maynard's vocals had more space between each breath. The bass in his voice also seemed to be deeper and more precise.
With iFi's GO link 2, I wanted to listen to some movie scores. Max Richter's - Of the undiscovered country (From the original motion picture Hamnet) has some high soprano voices at the beginning of the track, and while they are somewhat piercing, I didn't feel that they overwhelmed me as much. The track sounds whole and warm, almost like a tube amp."
— Dylan Crane, eCommerce Brand Manager
DragonFly Copper or GO link 2? It Depends on How You Listen
Both DACs show how much performance can fit into a portable setup.
The GO link 2 combines ESS Sabre conversion, high-resolution playback, an S-Balanced headphone output, and USB-C connectivity in an exceptionally lightweight package.
The DragonFly Copper combines ESS Sabre conversion with increased output power, a copper-plated RF-draining enclosure, preamplifier functionality, and the flexibility to move between portable and home audio systems.
If portability and straightforward USB-C listening are your priorities, the GO link 2 offers an attractive combination of features and value. If you want a premium portable DAC that can also fit into a larger audio setup, the DragonFly Copper offers additional flexibility.
Either way, both make a strong case for pairing a good set of wired headphones with a dedicated portable DAC.
Find the Right Portable Audio Setup
Need help choosing the right DAC and headphone pairing? Contact ListenUp to speak with an expert or plan a showroom visit.
