Disclosure: The GO link was provided by iFi for this review. Please read more about our product review disclosure here.

In the world of portable audio, specifically, the dongle DAC, the iFi GO Link has an excellent reputation as a compact USB DAC and headphone amplifier. This small but mighty device promises to enhance your listening experience, whether you’re using your smartphone, laptop, or any other USB-C compatible device. I’ve thoroughly tested the GO Link to see if it lives up to the hype and delivers on its promise of high-quality audio on the go.

In this review, we’ll dive into the design and build quality of the iFi GO Link, explore its features and specs, and put its sound performance to the test. We’ll examine how it handles various audio formats, including MQA, and assess its ability to drive different types of headphones. By the end, you’ll have a clear picture of whether this pocket-sized DAC is the right choice for you.

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• iFi GO link
• USB-A to USB-C adapter
• Lightning to USB-C adapter
• Manual

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When it comes to dongle DACs, size and build quality are crucial factors. The iFi GO Link impresses on both fronts, offering a compact design without compromising on durability or performance.

Compact and Portable

I’m amazed at how small the GO Link actually is – it’s significantly more compact than you might expect from looking at the spec sheet and features. The entire unit consists of two main parts: a USB-C connector on one end and the DAC and 3.5mm headphone connection on the other, with an LED light to indicate the audio format currently playing. These components are connected by a 6cm flexible cable.

This flexible cable serves two important purposes. First, it allows one to angle the DAC/amp section in any direction for easier use. Second, it reduces stress on the USB port of the device we’re connecting it to. This design consideration not only enhances usability but also potentially extends the lifespan of both the GO Link and our other devices.

At first, I was worried that the cable connecting the two ends of the GO Link would snap in some way, so I was somewhat careful when handling and using it. After some time and use though I came to realize the cable is extremely durable, and each end is solidly connected and reinforced with a plastic housing.

Premium Materials

iFi has not cut corners when it comes to the materials used in the GO Link. The DAC and headphone amp sections are housed in robust yet lightweight magnesium alloy enclosures. This choice of material contributes to the device’s durability while keeping it feather-light.

The cable connecting the two sections is equally impressive. It uses silver-plated copper conductors with individual polymer insulation in a ‘twisted pair’ configuration. This design optimizes inductance and capacitance while aiding in noise rejection. As a result, the GO Link’s sound remains unaffected by electromagnetic interference from nearby electrical sources, ensuring a clean, distortion-free listening experience.

Another premium touch is the gold-plated 3.5mm headphone socket. This socket incorporates iFi’s noise-reducing S-Balanced configuration, which the company claims provides a superior connection to the music compared to other manufacturers’ offerings.

Connectivity Options

The GO Link’s connectivity options are designed with versatility in mind. The device comes with a built-in USB-C connection, making it compatible with most modern smartphones, laptops, and other USB-C devices right out of the box.

Included with the GO Link is a USB-C to USB-A adapter, and a USB-C to Apple Lightning adapter. This means we can easily connect the device to older laptops or computers that still use USB-A ports. The Lightning adapter is useful for users who are still using an iPhone or iPad that has the Lightning connector. I did notice that there is no mic passthrough support, so if you use a cable that includes a mic you won’t be able to use the mic when plugged into the GO Link.

I’ve always appreciated the attention to detail and care that iFi shows as they always design their audio products to be used with a wide range of devices, and the GO Link is no exception. Whether we’re using a brand-new MacBook Pro, an older iPhone, or a desktop PC, the GO Link can connect to all of them.

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The iFi GO Link packs an impressive array of features and specifications into its compact form factor. It’s amazing how much technology iFi has managed to squeeze into this pocket-sized device. Let’s dive into the details that make this dongle DAC stand out in the crowded field of portable DACs and headphone amps.

DAC Chip and Audio Processing

At the heart of the GO Link lies a high-performance DAC chip from ESS Technology’s Saber HiFi series – the ES9219MQ/Q. This chip benefits from 32-bit HyperStream III architecture, which combines with Quad DAC+ and Time Domain Jitter Eliminator technologies to deliver exceptional audio quality. We’re particularly impressed by iFi’s implementation of dedicated clock circuitry, utilizing a specialized crystal oscillator. This combination results in ultra-low distortion, excellent clarity, and an impressive dynamic range.

A feature I appreciate is the hardware-based volume control. Unlike many other headphone dongles that rely on software-based volume controls in connected devices (which can adversely affect audio resolution), adjusting the volume on the connected device controls the volume level in the GO Link’s DAC itself. This approach helps maintain the integrity of the audio signal and contributes to the device’s excellent sonic performance.

Power Output

The GO Link’s headphone amp feeds a gold-plated 3.5mm socket, incorporating iFi’s S-Balanced configuration to reduce noise and crosstalk. The GO Link has impressive power output capabilities, which easily outclass the headphone outputs built into most smart devices and computers.

Here’s a breakdown of the GO Link’s power output:

• ≥1.5V/70mW @ 32Ω
• ≥2V/14mW @ 300Ω

This power output gives the GO Link plenty of oomph to drive a wide range of headphones and earphones. I’ve found it drives everything from a Beyerdynamic DT 770 Pro 80 ohm, to an Audeze LCD-2 with no issues at all.

Another specification worth noting is the GO Link’s impressively low output impedance of <0.4Ω. This low impedance helps ensure consistent performance across a wide range of headphones, regardless of their impedance.

File Format Support

The GO Link’s hi-res audio credentials are highly impressive, especially considering its diminutive size and price tag.

• PCM up to 32-bit/384kHz
• DSD up to 11.2MHz (DSD256)
• MQA

This level of format support puts the GO Link in league with much more expensive desktop DACs. It’s particularly noteworthy to see MQA support in a device at this price point, even though the use of MQA has significantly decreased since Tidal effectively dropped it from its platform.

To help users keep track of the incoming audio format, the GO Link features an LED that changes color to indicate whether it’s receiving PCM, DSD, or MQA. The LED also indicates the PCM/DSD sample rate, which we find to be a thoughtful touch for audiophiles who like to keep tabs on their audio quality and verify bit-perfect playback.

In my testing, I found that the GO Link handles high-resolution files with ease. iFi also provides an ASIO driver to use with Windows, which I find is a nice touch.

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Headphones and IEMs used for this review:

• Sennheiser HD 620S
• Audeze LCD-2
• HIFIMAN Sundara
• Beyerdynamic DT 770 Pro 80 ohm
• Kiwi Ears Orchestra Lite
• BASN MMCX

Tested using firmware V1.92

Clarity and Detail

The iFi GO Link demonstrates a commendable ability to present clear and detailed audio. When paired with IEMs like the Kiwi Ears Orchestra Lite, I noticed no hiss at all.

I also had no issues with the GO Link’s performance with more demanding headphones. The Beyerdynamic 770 Pro 80 ohm sounded extremely neutral, with sufficient bass and impact across the frequency spectrum. Even more surprisingly, the HiFiMAN Sundara, which I expected to be too much for this tiny dongle, was driven with relative ease. The sound remained clear and crisp, with very good detail retrieval without having to max out the volume.

Soundstage and Imaging

One of the GO Link’s strengths lies in its ability to create an expansive soundstage. This was particularly evident when we paired it with the Audeze LCD-2, known for its excellent soundstage capabilities. This combination highlighted the GO Link’s prowess in transparency by not inhibiting the already vast soundstage of the LCD-2, resulting in an engaging and immersive listening experience.

The imaging capabilities of the GO Link are equally impressive. When listening to complex recordings, I found that instruments and vocals were well-placed within the soundstage, contributing to a realistic and engaging presentation. The Sennheiser HD 620S is a good headphone to test for this, and they were enjoyable to listen to using the GO Link.

Tonal Balance

The iFi GO Link aims for neutrality, and I believe it largely succeeds in this endeavor. Across various headphones and IEMs, I found the GO Link to be remarkably free of coloration. The tonal balance remained consistent, with no noticeable emphasis on any particular frequency range.

The bass response is substantial and impactful, with good depth and a sense of dynamics. I noticed that the bass gets more neutral at louder volumes while becoming subtly thicker and heavier at lower volumes. The midrange is slightly colored by the extra bass, with a gentle roll-off in the upper midrange. This results in a deeper, more realistic presentation of male voices, although it may slightly reduce the emotional impact of female vocals and sadder songs.

In the treble region, I found the GO Link to be clean and extended, with no softening or roll-off at the top end.

One last note. While the GO Link does drive headphones such as the Audeze LCD-2, Beyerdynamic DT 770 Pro 80 ohm, and HIFIMAN Sundara, I had to have the volume at the 70%-85% range depending on the song. If you have headphones that are harder to drive than these ones, you may need a more powerful DAC/Amp in order to not hit any volume limits.

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The iFi GO Link proves to be a small but mighty contender in the dongle DAC market. Its compact design, premium build quality, and impressive set of features make it an excellent choice for audiophiles on the go. The device’s ability to handle a wide range of audio formats, including MQA, coupled with its powerful output and low distortion, demonstrates iFi’s commitment to delivering high-quality sound in a pocket-sized package.

While it may have some limitations with more power-hungry headphones, the GO Link shines when paired with IEMs and easier-to-drive cans. Its neutral, transparent sound signature and expansive soundstage make for an enjoyable listening experience across various genres.

The GO Link is perfect for those looking to upgrade their mobile audio setup, and offers, in my opinion, the perfect blend of performance, portability, and value. For a $59 dongle DAC it has no business sounding and performing as good as it does, and the versatility of it means the GO Link can be the all-in-one DAC that many people are looking for. In fact, it’s an excellent entry point for those who want to dip their toe in the audiophile world. HiFi Oasis highly recommends the iFi GO Link.

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I’m not always able to cover all the details of a product, both hardware and software, in our reviews. If you have any specific questions you’d like answered about this product please feel free to leave a comment or contact me directly.

Be sure to check out our excellent Buyer’s Guides, as well as our other Reviews.

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