[{"id":302787985567,"handle":"greatest-gear-of-2024","title":"2024 Greatest Gear of the Year","updated_at":"2026-03-15T05:08:00-06:00","body_html":"\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cimg style=\"margin-right: -1085.1px; float: none;\" alt=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0495\/6910\/4031\/files\/Collection_Headers_1.png?v=1731514754\"\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e","published_at":"2024-10-25T15:34:08-06:00","sort_order":"manual","template_suffix":"","disjunctive":false,"rules":[{"column":"tag","relation":"equals","condition":"greatestgear2024"}],"published_scope":"global","image":{"created_at":"2024-11-13T09:19:29-07:00","alt":null,"width":1650,"height":450,"src":"\/\/listenup.com\/cdn\/shop\/collections\/Collection_Headers_1.png?v=1731514770"}},{"id":639668617375,"handle":"all-regularly-priced-items","updated_at":"2026-03-15T14:37:17-06:00","published_at":"2024-11-30T15:25:35-07:00","sort_order":"best-selling","template_suffix":null,"published_scope":"web","title":"All Regularly Priced Items","body_html":null},{"id":280457379999,"handle":"amplifiers","updated_at":"2026-03-14T05:08:10-06:00","published_at":"2021-12-02T11:49:17-07:00","sort_order":"best-selling","template_suffix":"default","published_scope":"global","title":"Amplifiers","body_html":"","image":{"created_at":"2022-01-04T15:32:28-07:00","alt":"Amplifiers","width":2400,"height":953,"src":"\/\/listenup.com\/cdn\/shop\/collections\/amplifiers.png?v=1641335548"}},{"id":280456888479,"handle":"audio","updated_at":"2026-03-15T05:08:00-06:00","published_at":"2021-12-02T11:21:36-07:00","sort_order":"best-selling","template_suffix":"top-level","published_scope":"global","title":"Audio","body_html":"","image":{"created_at":"2022-01-06T15:53:45-07:00","alt":"audio","width":971,"height":386,"src":"\/\/listenup.com\/cdn\/shop\/collections\/audio.png?v=1641509626"}},{"id":280457642143,"handle":"audio-components","updated_at":"2026-03-15T05:08:00-06:00","published_at":"2021-12-02T11:52:14-07:00","sort_order":"best-selling","template_suffix":"top-level","published_scope":"global","title":"Audio Components","body_html":"","image":{"created_at":"2022-01-04T09:53:36-07:00","alt":null,"width":2500,"height":1767,"src":"\/\/listenup.com\/cdn\/shop\/collections\/electronics.jpg?v=1641315217"}},{"id":640991920287,"handle":"dacs-amps-portable","title":"DACS\/Amps - Portable","updated_at":"2026-03-12T05:07:25-06:00","body_html":"\u003cp style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003ePortable DACs\/amps are compact, battery-powered devices that upgrade audio quality on the go by bypassing weak phone or laptop sound chips. \u003cbr\u003eThey provide cleaner, more detailed sound and enough power to drive high-quality headphones anywhere you listen.\u003c\/p\u003e","published_at":"2025-09-29T12:56:43-06:00","sort_order":"best-selling","template_suffix":"","disjunctive":false,"rules":[{"column":"tag","relation":"equals","condition":"Portable"}],"published_scope":"global","image":{"created_at":"2025-09-29T13:12:32-06:00","alt":"Portable DACS\/Amps at ListenUp","width":1800,"height":1800,"src":"\/\/listenup.com\/cdn\/shop\/collections\/6b58c8de-252c-4067-8a67-27ebcb5b0257.jpg?v=1759173152"}},{"id":282168557727,"handle":"digital-to-analog-converters","updated_at":"2026-03-14T05:08:10-06:00","published_at":"2022-01-31T09:05:55-07:00","sort_order":"best-selling","template_suffix":"default","published_scope":"global","title":"Digital-to-analog converters","body_html":"","image":{"created_at":"2022-03-10T06:48:12-07:00","alt":"digital to analog converter","width":1080,"height":1080,"src":"\/\/listenup.com\/cdn\/shop\/collections\/digital-to-analog-converters.png?v=1712338299"}},{"id":302644265119,"handle":"headphone-amplifiers","updated_at":"2026-03-12T10:05:14-06:00","published_at":"2024-09-30T13:37:46-06:00","sort_order":"alpha-asc","template_suffix":"","published_scope":"global","title":"Headphone Amplifiers","body_html":"","image":{"created_at":"2024-09-30T14:00:13-06:00","alt":"Headphone Amplifiers at Online Authorized Retailer ListenUp","width":1080,"height":1080,"src":"\/\/listenup.com\/cdn\/shop\/collections\/Untitled_design_7_c02b6cd6-f933-40ef-8e8d-3fc7c0cc2b6f.png?v=1727726413"}},{"id":297725198495,"handle":"ifi-digital-to-analog-converters","title":"iFi Digital-To-Analog Converters","updated_at":"2026-03-14T05:08:10-06:00","body_html":"\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\" data-mce-style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/listenup.com\/pages\/ifi\" title=\"Shop all iFi Products at Online Authorized Retailer ListenUp\"\u003eiFi\u003c\/a\u003e is a well-regarded audio company that specializes in Digital-to-Analog Converters (DACs) for music lovers. Their DACs are known for improving the sound quality of digital music by converting it from a digital signal to an analog signal, resulting in a more clear and detailed listening experience. iFi offers a variety of DACs at different price points to suit different needs and budgets.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","published_at":"2024-02-22T07:58:01-07:00","sort_order":"created-desc","template_suffix":"","disjunctive":false,"rules":[{"column":"vendor","relation":"equals","condition":"iFi"},{"column":"title","relation":"contains","condition":"DAC"},{"column":"variant_price","relation":"greater_than","condition":"79"},{"column":"title","relation":"not_contains","condition":"Bundle"},{"column":"title","relation":"not_contains","condition":"Clearance"}],"published_scope":"global","image":{"created_at":"2024-05-02T11:25:32-06:00","alt":"Shop all iFi Digital Audio Converters at Online Authorized Retailer ListenUp","width":1080,"height":1080,"src":"\/\/listenup.com\/cdn\/shop\/collections\/Untitled_design_3a3a2255-b8ed-4446-8b00-d40b09683c9a.png?v=1718805892"}},{"id":641398538399,"handle":"ifi-headphone-amps","title":"iFi Headphone Amps","updated_at":"2026-03-14T05:08:10-06:00","body_html":"\u003cdiv class=\"flex flex-col text-sm pb-25\"\u003e\n\u003carticle class=\"text-token-text-primary w-full focus:outline-none [--shadow-height:45px] has-data-writing-block:pointer-events-none has-data-writing-block:-mt-(--shadow-height) has-data-writing-block:pt-(--shadow-height) [\u0026amp;:has([data-writing-block])\u0026gt;*]:pointer-events-auto scroll-mt-[calc(var(--header-height)+min(200px,max(70px,20svh)))]\" dir=\"auto\" data-turn-id=\"request-WEB:fb4895eb-574a-4b68-a265-873277f6c2c1-0\" data-testid=\"conversation-turn-2\" data-scroll-anchor=\"true\" data-turn=\"assistant\" tabindex=\"-1\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"text-base my-auto mx-auto pb-10 [--thread-content-margin:--spacing(4)] @w-sm\/main:[--thread-content-margin:--spacing(6)] @w-lg\/main:[--thread-content-margin:--spacing(16)] px-(--thread-content-margin)\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"[--thread-content-max-width:40rem] @w-lg\/main:[--thread-content-max-width:48rem] mx-auto max-w-(--thread-content-max-width) flex-1 group\/turn-messages focus-visible:outline-hidden relative flex w-full min-w-0 flex-col agent-turn\" tabindex=\"-1\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"flex max-w-full flex-col grow\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv data-message-author-role=\"assistant\" data-message-id=\"0aa817fc-314c-4806-8aed-f794c6361a0e\" dir=\"auto\" data-message-model-slug=\"gpt-5-2\" class=\"min-h-8 text-message relative flex w-full flex-col items-end gap-2 text-start break-words whitespace-normal [.text-message+\u0026amp;]:mt-1\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"flex w-full flex-col gap-1 empty:hidden first:pt-[1px]\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"markdown prose dark:prose-invert w-full wrap-break-word light markdown-new-styling\"\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: center;\" data-start=\"0\" data-end=\"235\" data-is-last-node=\"\" data-is-only-node=\"\"\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/listenup.com\/pages\/ifi\" title=\"Shop all iFi Audio\"\u003eiFi\u003c\/a\u003e headphone amps deliver high-resolution audio performance with powerful DAC technology, balanced outputs, and ultra-low noise circuitry, making them ideal portable and desktop solutions for audiophiles seeking premium sound quality. Designed for versatility and precision, iFi DAC and headphone amp models support high-res audio formats, provide clean amplification for sensitive in-ear monitors and high-impedance headphones, and feature premium components that enhance clarity, detail, and dynamic range.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"flex flex-col text-sm pb-25\"\u003e\n\u003carticle data-turn=\"assistant\" data-scroll-anchor=\"true\" data-testid=\"conversation-turn-4\" data-turn-id=\"request-WEB:fb4895eb-574a-4b68-a265-873277f6c2c1-1\" dir=\"auto\" class=\"text-token-text-primary w-full focus:outline-none [--shadow-height:45px] has-data-writing-block:pointer-events-none has-data-writing-block:-mt-(--shadow-height) has-data-writing-block:pt-(--shadow-height) [\u0026amp;:has([data-writing-block])\u0026gt;*]:pointer-events-auto scroll-mt-[calc(var(--header-height)+min(200px,max(70px,20svh)))]\" tabindex=\"-1\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"text-base my-auto mx-auto pb-10 [--thread-content-margin:--spacing(4)] @w-sm\/main:[--thread-content-margin:--spacing(6)] @w-lg\/main:[--thread-content-margin:--spacing(16)] px-(--thread-content-margin)\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"[--thread-content-max-width:40rem] @w-lg\/main:[--thread-content-max-width:48rem] mx-auto max-w-(--thread-content-max-width) flex-1 group\/turn-messages focus-visible:outline-hidden relative flex w-full min-w-0 flex-col agent-turn\" tabindex=\"-1\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"z-0 flex min-h-[46px] justify-start\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"mt-3 w-full empty:hidden\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"text-center\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/article\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"z-0 flex min-h-[46px] justify-start\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"mt-3 w-full empty:hidden\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"text-center\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/article\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","published_at":"2026-02-20T10:10:35-07:00","sort_order":"best-selling","template_suffix":"","disjunctive":false,"rules":[{"column":"vendor","relation":"equals","condition":"iFi"},{"column":"title","relation":"contains","condition":"Amp"},{"column":"title","relation":"not_contains","condition":"Clearance"}],"published_scope":"global","image":{"created_at":"2026-02-20T10:13:36-07:00","alt":"iFi Headphone Amps","width":1800,"height":1800,"src":"\/\/listenup.com\/cdn\/shop\/collections\/7a7dd71e-3459-4178-997a-36e514919e54.png?v=1771607616"}},{"id":641398571167,"handle":"ifi-portable","title":"iFi Portable","updated_at":"2026-03-12T05:07:25-06:00","body_html":"\u003cp style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"relative -mx-px my-[-0.2rem] rounded px-px py-[0.2rem] transition-colors duration-100 ease-in-out\"\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/listenup.com\/pages\/ifi\" title=\"iFi Audio Landing Page\"\u003eiFi Audio's\u003c\/a\u003e Portable Audio collection offers a range of high-resolution DACs, amplifiers, and accessories designed to deliver audiophile-quality sound on the go.\u003c\/span\u003e \u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan class=\"relative -mx-px my-[-0.2rem] rounded px-px py-[0.2rem] transition-colors duration-100 ease-in-out\"\u003eFrom the ultra-portable GO pod Air to the flagship iDSD Valkyrie, each product combines advanced technology with sleek design to enhance your mobile listening experience\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","published_at":"2026-02-20T10:14:06-07:00","sort_order":"best-selling","template_suffix":"","disjunctive":false,"rules":[{"column":"tag","relation":"equals","condition":"Portable"},{"column":"vendor","relation":"equals","condition":"iFi"}],"published_scope":"global","image":{"created_at":"2026-02-20T10:16:04-07:00","alt":"iFi Audio Portable Collection","width":1800,"height":1800,"src":"\/\/listenup.com\/cdn\/shop\/collections\/5ec7dec9-f426-4b15-a00a-36f90c3ee69c.jpg?v=1771607764"}},{"id":302258946207,"handle":"2025-2026-hi-fi-award-winners","updated_at":"2026-03-15T05:08:00-06:00","published_at":"2024-08-15T09:58:18-06:00","sort_order":"best-selling","template_suffix":"","published_scope":"global","title":"ListenUp EISA 2025-20256 Hi-Fi and Home Theater Award Winning","body_html":"\u003cp style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003eThe EISA Hi-Fi Awards recognize the best audio equipment of the year. The 2025-2026 winners represent the pinnacle of audio technology and performance. \u003cbr\u003eThese prestigious awards highlight the most innovative and exceptional products in the hi-fi industry.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c!----\u003e","image":{"created_at":"2025-08-18T12:22:24-06:00","alt":"EISA Awards 2025-2026","width":1280,"height":720,"src":"\/\/listenup.com\/cdn\/shop\/collections\/EISA-Awards-2025-2026.webp?v=1755541344"}},{"id":294609191071,"handle":"ifi-audio","title":"Shop All iFi Audio","updated_at":"2026-03-14T05:08:10-06:00","body_html":"\u003cp style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/listenup.com\/pages\/ifi\" title=\"Shop all iFi Audio - headphone amps, dac, phono preamps, and more\"\u003eiFi Audio\u003c\/a\u003e is a UK-based manufacturer known for creating high-performance, compact audio gear that brings studio-quality sound to home and portable setups. With a focus on innovation, they design DACs, headphone amps, and streamers that blend audiophile-grade performance with cutting-edge technology.\u003c\/p\u003e","published_at":"2023-10-19T10:34:59-06:00","sort_order":"best-selling","template_suffix":"","disjunctive":false,"rules":[{"column":"vendor","relation":"equals","condition":"iFi"}],"published_scope":"global","image":{"created_at":"2024-05-01T07:45:16-06:00","alt":null,"width":1080,"height":1080,"src":"\/\/listenup.com\/cdn\/shop\/collections\/Untitled_design_6.png?v=1714571117"}},{"id":301151355039,"handle":"welcome10","updated_at":"2026-03-15T05:08:00-06:00","published_at":"2024-07-02T15:18:25-06:00","sort_order":"best-selling","template_suffix":null,"published_scope":"web","title":"Welcome10","body_html":null}]
The iFi Audio GO bar Kensei is a cutting-edge ultraportable DAC featuring K2HD technology, delivering unparalleled audio quality by restoring lost harmonics and enhancing digital recordings. With a compact design and versatile connectivity options, it provides audiophiles with a powerful and immersive listening experience on the go.
Get the Details
Features & Specs
K2HD processing for PCM realism
Designed with JVCKENWOOD, K2HD enhances PCM (up to 192kHz) by restoring harmonic richness and improving perceived musical “life,” especially on recordings that can sound sterile or flat.
True hi-res decoding and playback
The GO bar Kensei supports PCM up to 384kHz, Native DSD up to DSD256, DXD up to 384kHz, and performs full MQA decoding, making it a flexible hub for modern streaming and local libraries.
Serious drive in a tiny device
With up to 477mW @ 32Ω from the balanced output (and strong voltage swing for high-impedance loads), it provides confident dynamics and control for many premium over-ear headphones.
Four digital filters to match your music
Switch among Standard, Bit-Perfect, GTO, and Minimum Phase to shape transients, warmth, and clarity—handy for tailoring vocals, jazz, pop, or dense mixes without changing hardware.
Analog XBass+ and XSpace on demand
Add impactful low-end with XBass+ or widen the presentation with XSpace for a more open, speaker-like stage—without resorting to heavy DSP coloration.
Optimized for both IEMs and over-ears
iEMatch reduces hiss and improves usability with sensitive in-ears, while Turbo Mode adds +6dB gain for harder-to-drive headphones, giving you a broad pairing range across multiple collections.
K2HD processing for PCM realism
Designed with JVCKENWOOD, K2HD enhances PCM (up to 192kHz) by restoring harmonic richness and improving perceived musical “life,” especially on recordings that can sound sterile or flat.
True hi-res decoding and playback
The GO bar Kensei supports PCM up to 384kHz, Native DSD up to DSD256, DXD up to 384kHz, and performs full MQA decoding, making it a flexible hub for modern streaming and local libraries.
Serious drive in a tiny device
With up to 477mW @ 32Ω from the balanced output (and strong voltage swing for high-impedance loads), it provides confident dynamics and control for many premium over-ear headphones.
Four digital filters to match your music
Switch among Standard, Bit-Perfect, GTO, and Minimum Phase to shape transients, warmth, and clarity—handy for tailoring vocals, jazz, pop, or dense mixes without changing hardware.
Analog XBass+ and XSpace on demand
Add impactful low-end with XBass+ or widen the presentation with XSpace for a more open, speaker-like stage—without resorting to heavy DSP coloration.
Optimized for both IEMs and over-ears
iEMatch reduces hiss and improves usability with sensitive in-ears, while Turbo Mode adds +6dB gain for harder-to-drive headphones, giving you a broad pairing range across multiple collections.
Expert Insight
The K2HD technology seamlessly restores lost harmonics and revitalizes digital recordings, delivering audio quality that rivals the richness and depth of analog masters.
Dylan Crane
Brand Manager
Details
iFi Audio GO bar Kensei
iFi audio GO bar Kensei is a premium ultra-portable USB DAC/headphone amp built for serious headphone listening anywhere you use a phone, tablet, or laptop. Crafted from Japanese stainless steel for maximum rigidity, it pairs a 32-bit Cirrus Logic DAC with a 16-core XMOS controller and precision clocking to deliver clean, low-jitter hi-res playback in a pocket-sized form factor. For sound tailoring, it combines four selectable digital filters with iFi’s all-analog XBass+ and XSpace processing—so you can add weight, space, or keep things strictly neutral depending on the track. It’s equally comfortable driving power-hungry full-size headphones or ultra-sensitive IEMs thanks to Turbo gain (+6 dB) and iEMatch, while K2HD processing (PCM up to 192kHz) can restore harmonic richness for a more “master-like” presentation.
Dimensions: 65 x 22 x 13.2 mm (2.6" x 0.9" x 0.5")
Net weight: 65.5g (2.3 oz)
Limited warranty: 12 months
In the box:
1x GO bar Kensei
1x USB-C to USB-A Adapter
1x USB-C OTG Cable
1x User Manual
iFi Audio GO bar Kensei Q&A:
What devices can the GO bar Kensei connect to?
It connects to smartphones, tablets, and computers via its USB-C input for plug-and-play hi-res audio.
What headphones work best with it—full-size, IEMs, or both?
Both. Turbo Mode adds +6dB for harder-to-drive headphones, while iEMatch helps tame hiss and optimize output for sensitive IEMs.
Does it support high-resolution audio formats?
Yes—PCM up to 32-bit/384kHz, Native DSD up to DSD256 (12.3MHz), DXD up to 384kHz, and full MQA decoding.
What is K2HD processing and when should it be used?
K2HD is a PCM enhancement mode designed to restore harmonics and realism; it works on PCM files up to 192kHz and is not available for DSD or MQA playback.
What are the digital filters and what do they do?
You can choose Standard, Bit-Perfect, GTO, or Minimum Phase to fine-tune transient feel, tonal character, and perceived detail depending on your music.
What do XBass+ and XSpace do?
XBass+ adds deeper, tighter low-end weight, while XSpace expands the soundstage for a more speaker-like presentation—both done in the analog domain.
What headphone outputs does it have?
It offers a 4.4mm balanced output and a 3.5mm S-Balanced output to cover balanced cables and conventional single-ended headphones.
Does it have a battery?
No—it's powered from the connected USB device, so there’s no internal battery to charge or replace.
Reviews
Product Description
Product Description
The iFi Audio GO bar Kensei is a cutting-edge ultraportable DAC featuring K2HD technology, delivering unparalleled audio quality by restoring lost harmonics and enhancing digital recordings. With a compact design and versatile connectivity options, it provides audiophiles with a powerful and immersive listening experience on the go.
Get the Details
Features & Specs
Features & Specs
K2HD processing for PCM realism
Designed with JVCKENWOOD, K2HD enhances PCM (up to 192kHz) by restoring harmonic richness and improving perceived musical “life,” especially on recordings that can sound sterile or flat.
True hi-res decoding and playback
The GO bar Kensei supports PCM up to 384kHz, Native DSD up to DSD256, DXD up to 384kHz, and performs full MQA decoding, making it a flexible hub for modern streaming and local libraries.
Serious drive in a tiny device
With up to 477mW @ 32Ω from the balanced output (and strong voltage swing for high-impedance loads), it provides confident dynamics and control for many premium over-ear headphones.
Four digital filters to match your music
Switch among Standard, Bit-Perfect, GTO, and Minimum Phase to shape transients, warmth, and clarity—handy for tailoring vocals, jazz, pop, or dense mixes without changing hardware.
Analog XBass+ and XSpace on demand
Add impactful low-end with XBass+ or widen the presentation with XSpace for a more open, speaker-like stage—without resorting to heavy DSP coloration.
Optimized for both IEMs and over-ears
iEMatch reduces hiss and improves usability with sensitive in-ears, while Turbo Mode adds +6dB gain for harder-to-drive headphones, giving you a broad pairing range across multiple collections.
K2HD processing for PCM realism
Designed with JVCKENWOOD, K2HD enhances PCM (up to 192kHz) by restoring harmonic richness and improving perceived musical “life,” especially on recordings that can sound sterile or flat.
True hi-res decoding and playback
The GO bar Kensei supports PCM up to 384kHz, Native DSD up to DSD256, DXD up to 384kHz, and performs full MQA decoding, making it a flexible hub for modern streaming and local libraries.
Serious drive in a tiny device
With up to 477mW @ 32Ω from the balanced output (and strong voltage swing for high-impedance loads), it provides confident dynamics and control for many premium over-ear headphones.
Four digital filters to match your music
Switch among Standard, Bit-Perfect, GTO, and Minimum Phase to shape transients, warmth, and clarity—handy for tailoring vocals, jazz, pop, or dense mixes without changing hardware.
Analog XBass+ and XSpace on demand
Add impactful low-end with XBass+ or widen the presentation with XSpace for a more open, speaker-like stage—without resorting to heavy DSP coloration.
Optimized for both IEMs and over-ears
iEMatch reduces hiss and improves usability with sensitive in-ears, while Turbo Mode adds +6dB gain for harder-to-drive headphones, giving you a broad pairing range across multiple collections.
Expert Insight
Expert Insight
The K2HD technology seamlessly restores lost harmonics and revitalizes digital recordings, delivering audio quality that rivals the richness and depth of analog masters.
Dylan Crane
Brand Manager
Details
Details
iFi Audio GO bar Kensei
iFi audio GO bar Kensei is a premium ultra-portable USB DAC/headphone amp built for serious headphone listening anywhere you use a phone, tablet, or laptop. Crafted from Japanese stainless steel for maximum rigidity, it pairs a 32-bit Cirrus Logic DAC with a 16-core XMOS controller and precision clocking to deliver clean, low-jitter hi-res playback in a pocket-sized form factor. For sound tailoring, it combines four selectable digital filters with iFi’s all-analog XBass+ and XSpace processing—so you can add weight, space, or keep things strictly neutral depending on the track. It’s equally comfortable driving power-hungry full-size headphones or ultra-sensitive IEMs thanks to Turbo gain (+6 dB) and iEMatch, while K2HD processing (PCM up to 192kHz) can restore harmonic richness for a more “master-like” presentation.
Dimensions: 65 x 22 x 13.2 mm (2.6" x 0.9" x 0.5")
Net weight: 65.5g (2.3 oz)
Limited warranty: 12 months
In the box:
1x GO bar Kensei
1x USB-C to USB-A Adapter
1x USB-C OTG Cable
1x User Manual
iFi Audio GO bar Kensei Q&A:
What devices can the GO bar Kensei connect to?
It connects to smartphones, tablets, and computers via its USB-C input for plug-and-play hi-res audio.
What headphones work best with it—full-size, IEMs, or both?
Both. Turbo Mode adds +6dB for harder-to-drive headphones, while iEMatch helps tame hiss and optimize output for sensitive IEMs.
Does it support high-resolution audio formats?
Yes—PCM up to 32-bit/384kHz, Native DSD up to DSD256 (12.3MHz), DXD up to 384kHz, and full MQA decoding.
What is K2HD processing and when should it be used?
K2HD is a PCM enhancement mode designed to restore harmonics and realism; it works on PCM files up to 192kHz and is not available for DSD or MQA playback.
What are the digital filters and what do they do?
You can choose Standard, Bit-Perfect, GTO, or Minimum Phase to fine-tune transient feel, tonal character, and perceived detail depending on your music.
What do XBass+ and XSpace do?
XBass+ adds deeper, tighter low-end weight, while XSpace expands the soundstage for a more speaker-like presentation—both done in the analog domain.
What headphone outputs does it have?
It offers a 4.4mm balanced output and a 3.5mm S-Balanced output to cover balanced cables and conventional single-ended headphones.
Does it have a battery?
No—it's powered from the connected USB device, so there’s no internal battery to charge or replace.