Now Fully-Balanced

The iFi Audio GO link 2 Max is a portable USB DAC and headphone amplifier built around a fully balanced dual ESS Sabre DAC architecture. As the most powerful model in the GO link lineup, it introduces a dedicated 4.4mm balanced headphone output capable of delivering up to 280mW at 32 ohms, alongside iFi’s S-Balanced 3.5mm output for conventional headphones and earphones. 

Dual ESS DACs and balanced signal architecture

The GO link 2 Max uses two ESS Sabre DAC chips in a dual-mono configuration, with one DAC assigned to each channel. Separating left and right channel conversion at the DAC stage helps reduce crosstalk while preserving channel isolation throughout the signal path. This balanced architecture also contributes to lower noise and improved retrieval of low-level information in complex recordings.

The DAC section supports PCM audio up to 384kHz and DSD256 playback. iFi also incorporates Dynamic Range Enhancement technology, which increases dynamic range by up to 6dB. Expanding available dynamic range increases the measurable difference between low-level and high-level signals, allowing the DAC stage to maintain greater contrast across a recording's dynamic range.

Balanced and S-Balanced headphone outputs

A dedicated 4.4mm balanced headphone output provides up to 280mW of power into a 32-ohm load, giving the GO link 2 Max substantially more output capability than previous GO link models. The additional power reserves help maintain voltage and current delivery with a broader range of headphones and in-ear monitors while supporting balanced headphone connections directly from the device.

For standard single-ended headphones, the GO link 2 Max includes iFi’s S-Balanced 3.5mm output. This circuit applies balanced design principles within a conventional connection, reducing left-right crosstalk by approximately half compared to a traditional single-ended implementation. Output power reaches at least 1.5V or 70mW into 32 ohms through the S-Balanced output.

Lower distortion and app-based customization

iFi has optimized the DAC stage to reduce total harmonic distortion by more than 50% compared to the original GO link. Combined with the balanced circuit topology, these refinements help maintain signal accuracy throughout the conversion process while reducing unwanted harmonic artifacts.

The GO link 2 Max also supports customization through the iFi Nexis mobile app for Android devices. The app enables firmware updates and access to selectable digital filters, allowing users to adjust filter behavior directly from a mobile device while maintaining long-term firmware support.

Portable construction with signal-focused cabling

The integrated cable uses silver-plated copper conductors arranged in a twisted configuration. Twisting the conductors helps reduce susceptibility to external interference along the cable run, while silver-plated copper maintains low-resistance signal transmission between the USB source and DAC stage.

Availability

The iFi Audio GO link 2 Max is available now on Apos.