iFi GO link 2 Max Portable USB-C DAC and Headphone Amplifier
Product Description
Transform your phone, laptop, tablet, or PC into a high-resolution music source with the iFi GO link 2 Max portable USB-C DAC and headphone amplifier. Designed for listeners who want better sound from wired headphones and IEMs, this compact dongle DAC uses dual ESS Sabre DAC chips, balanced architecture, and advanced iFi audio technologies to deliver improved clarity, wider soundstage separation, stronger dynamics, and cleaner headphone output from a pocket-sized device.
With support for PCM up to 384kHz and DSD256, the GO link 2 Max is built for hi-res music playback on the go. A balanced 4.4mm headphone output provides up to 241mW of power at 32 ohms, while the 3.5mm S-Balanced output helps reduce crosstalk and noise for conventional headphones. Hardware-based volume control preserves sound quality during adjustments, while the silver-plated copper twisted-pair cable helps reject interference for a cleaner, more stable listening experience.
Specifications
-
Product Type: Portable USB-C DAC and headphone amplifier
-
DAC Chipset: 2x Bit-Perfect DSD and DXD DACs by ESS
-
Digital Input: USB-C
-
Headphone Outputs: Balanced 4.4mm; S-Balanced 3.5mm
-
Hi-Res Audio Support: PCM up to 384kHz; DSD256
-
Frequency Response: 10Hz–80kHz (-3dB)
-
Balanced RMS Output Power: ≥241mW @ 32Ω; 4V @ 300Ω
-
S-Balanced RMS Output Power: ≥100mW @ 32Ω; 2V @ 300Ω
-
Balanced Output Impedance: <0.7Ω
-
S-Balanced Output Impedance: <0.35Ω
-
Balanced SNR/DNR: ≥130dBA @ 600Ω
-
S-Balanced SNR/DNR: ≥125dBA @ 600Ω
-
Balanced THD+N: ≤0.0007% at 2.4V @ 32Ω
-
S-Balanced THD+N: ≤0.001% at 1.27V @ 32Ω
-
Power Supply Requirement: No signal approximately 0.6W; max signal approximately 3.2W
-
Digital Filter Options: Hybrid and linear via iFi Nexis app on Android
-
App Compatibility: iFi Nexis support for Android devices, including firmware updates, filter selection, and volume limiting
-
Cable Design: Silver-plated copper cable with individual polymer insulation in a twisted-pair design
-
Volume Control: Hardware-based volume control
-
Dimensions: 143 x 15 x 9.4mm (5.6 x 0.6 x 0.37 inches)
-
Net Weight: 11.5g (0.40oz)
-
Limited Warranty: 12 months; 24 months in the EU
-
Included in the Box: 1x GO link Max, 1x USB-A to USB-C adapter, 1x user manual, 1x warranty card
What It's Great At
-
Upgrading Mobile Audio: Turns compatible USB-C phones, tablets, laptops, and PCs into better-sounding hi-res music sources.
-
Driving Wired Headphones: Provides powerful output through balanced 4.4mm and S-Balanced 3.5mm connections.
-
Improving Detail and Separation: Dual ESS Sabre DAC chips help deliver precise imaging, stronger channel separation, and more realistic soundstage placement.
-
Reducing Noise and Distortion: Advanced DAC tuning, S-Balanced circuitry, and iFi clock technology support cleaner playback.
-
Portable Hi-Res Listening: Compact 11.5g design makes it easy to carry for everyday listening, travel, commuting, or desktop use.
-
Fine-Tuning Your Sound: Android users can access iFi Nexis app features including firmware updates, filter selection, and volume limiting.
Expanded Key Features List
-
Dual ESS Sabre DAC Chips: Uses a dedicated DAC for each channel to improve instrument separation, stereo imaging, and overall clarity.
-
Balanced 4.4mm Output: Delivers up to 241mW at 32 ohms for improved power, dynamics, and headphone control.
-
S-Balanced 3.5mm Output: Brings the benefits of balanced-style circuitry to standard headphones by helping reduce crosstalk between left and right channels.
-
Hi-Res PCM and DSD Playback: Supports PCM up to 384kHz and DSD256 for detailed, high-resolution music listening.
-
Dynamic Range Enhancement: Unlocks additional dynamic range to make quiet details and powerful peaks feel more expressive and engaging.
-
Low-Distortion Performance: DAC enhancements help reduce total harmonic distortion for cleaner, purer playback.
-
Quad DAC+ and Time Domain Jitter Eliminator Technologies: Work with iFi GMT clock circuitry to support timing accuracy, clarity, and low-distortion conversion.
-
iFi Nexis App Support: Allows Android users to access over-the-air firmware updates, digital filter options, and volume limiting directly from a phone.
-
Hybrid and Linear Digital Filters: Provides two filter options so Android users can fine-tune the sound profile in real time.
-
Silver-Plated Copper Twisted-Pair Cable: Helps reduce inductance, capacitance, and external noise interference for cleaner signal transfer.
-
Hardware-Based Volume Control: Adjusts volume without reducing the digital data sent to the DAC, helping preserve detail and fidelity.
-
Ultra-Portable Build: Weighs only 11.5g and measures 143 x 15 x 9.4mm for easy pocket, bag, or laptop-case carry.
FAQ Section
Q: What does the iFi GO link 2 Max do?
A: The GO link 2 Max is a portable USB-C DAC and headphone amplifier that upgrades audio from compatible phones, laptops, tablets, and PCs for clearer, more powerful wired headphone listening.
Q: Does the GO link 2 Max support balanced headphones?
A: Yes, it includes a balanced 4.4mm headphone output designed for improved power, separation, and sonic control.
Q: Can I use regular 3.5mm headphones with the GO link 2 Max?
A: Yes, the 3.5mm S-Balanced output supports conventional headphones while helping reduce crosstalk and noise.
Q: What hi-res audio formats does it support?
A: The GO link 2 Max supports PCM up to 384kHz and DSD256 for high-resolution playback.
Q: How much power does the balanced output provide?
A: The balanced 4.4mm output delivers ≥241mW at 32 ohms and 4V at 300 ohms.
Q: Is the GO link 2 Max compatible with the iFi Nexis app?
A: Yes, it supports the iFi Nexis app on Android devices for firmware updates, digital filter selection, and volume limiting.
Q: Does the GO link 2 Max have hardware volume control?
A: Yes, it uses hardware-based volume control to help preserve sound quality when adjusting listening levels.
Q: What comes in the box?
A: The box includes the GO link Max, a USB-A to USB-C adapter, a user manual, and a warranty card.
