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.
The iFi Audio GO Bar Kensei is part of ListenUp's iFi Portable Collection.
What It's Good At:
- Restoring realism and harmonic richness to PCM music with K2HD processing (up to 192kHz PCM)
- Driving everything from sensitive IEMs to demanding over-ears with Turbo (+6 dB) and iEMatch
- Delivering powerful, low-noise output in a tiny form factor (up to 477mW balanced)
- Customizing sound instantly with four digital filters plus XBass+ and XSpace (analog)
- Keeping playback pristine with ultra-low jitter clocking and a high-performance XMOS + Cirrus DAC platform
- Reducing noise/crosstalk and expanding compatibility via 4.4mm balanced and 3.5mm S-Balanced outputs
iFi Audio GO bar Kensei Full Specifications:
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Product type: Ultra-portable USB DAC & headphone amplifier
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Chassis/material: Japanese stainless steel
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DAC chipset: 32-bit Cirrus Logic (Bit-Perfect DSD & DXD DAC)
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USB interface/controller: 16-core XMOS microcontroller
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Clocking: GMT (Global Master Timing) precision clock system (ultra-low jitter)
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K2HD Processing: Yes (effective on PCM ≤ 192kHz; not effective/available on DSD or MQA)
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Digital filters: Standard, Bit-Perfect, GTO, Minimum Phase
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Analog processing: XBass+®, XSpace (analog domain)
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Gain/drive features: iEMatch; Turbo Mode (+6dB)
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Inputs: USB-C (digital input)
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Headphone outputs:
- 1x 4.4mm balanced
- 1x 3.5mm S-Balanced
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Formats supported:
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PCM: 44.1 / 48 / 88.2 / 96 / 176.4 / 192 / 352.8 / 384 kHz
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DSD: 2.8 / 3.1 / 5.6 / 6.1 / 11.3 / 12.3 MHz (Native DSD256 up to 12.3MHz)
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DXD: 352.8 / 384 kHz
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MQA: Full Decoder
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Frequency response: 20Hz – 70kHz (-3dB)
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DNR: 108dB(A) / 109dB(A) (BAL / S-BAL)
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SNR: 132dB(A) / 121dB(A) (BAL / S-BAL)*
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Additional SNR listing: 114dB(A) / 114dB(A) (BAL / S-BAL)
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THD+N:
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Balanced: ≤ 0.0025% (600Ω, 2V) @ (20–20kHz)
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S-Bal: ≤ 0.009% (16Ω, 1.27V) @ (20–20kHz)
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Output impedance (4.4mm): < 0.62Ω
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RMS output power:
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Balanced: 477mW @ 32Ω; 7.2V @ 600Ω
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S-Bal: 300mW @ 32Ω; 3.8V @ 600Ω
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Power consumption: < 4W max.
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Dimensions: 65 x 22 x 13.2 mm (2.6" x 0.9" x 0.5")
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Net weight: 65.5g (2.3 oz)
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Limited warranty: 12 months
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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.
