The iFi Audio GO link 2 Max is a compact USB-C DAC and headphone amp with dual ESS Sabre DACs, 4.4 mm balanced and 3.5 mm S-Balanced outputs, 241 mW, PCM 384 kHz and DSD256. Read more.
The iFi Audio GO link 2 Max is an ultra-compact USB-C DAC and headphone amplifier for music enthusiasts who want to improve the sound quality of a smartphone, tablet, laptop or computer. It bypasses the standard audio conversion of the connected device and processes digital music through a high-quality dual ESS Sabre DAC architecture.
With a 4.4 mm balanced headphone output, a 3.5 mm S-Balanced output and up to 241 mW of output power, the GO link 2 Max can be used with a wide range of in-ear monitors and headphones. Support for PCM up to 32-bit/384 kHz and native DSD256 also makes it suitable for high-resolution streaming and locally stored hi-res music.
Explore more products on our iFi Audio brand page or compare the GO link 2 Max with other models in our DAC and digital-to-analogue converter collection.
The GO link 2 Max uses two ESS Sabre DAC chips, with a dedicated DAC assigned to each audio channel. This dual-DAC configuration improves separation between the left and right channels and contributes to a wider soundstage, more precise placement of vocals and instruments, and cleaner reproduction of fine musical details.
The DACs support bit-perfect PCM up to 384 kHz and native DSD256. Quad DAC+, Time Domain Jitter Eliminator technology and iFi’s precision GMT clock circuitry help to reduce jitter and digital distortion while preserving timing, clarity and dynamics.
The iFi Audio GO link 2 Max offers two headphone connections. Its 4.4 mm Pentaconn output provides a balanced signal path and delivers at least 241 mW RMS into 32 ohms. Headphones and in-ear monitors with a conventional connector can use the 3.5 mm S-Balanced output, which delivers at least 100 mW into 32 ohms.
iFi’s S-Balanced technology applies balanced circuit principles to the conventional 3.5 mm output. This reduces crosstalk between the left and right channels without requiring a balanced headphone cable.
Dynamic Range Enhancement increases the available dynamic range by up to 6 dB. Quiet passages, subtle spatial information and fine details remain easier to hear, while powerful musical peaks can be reproduced with greater impact.
iFi has also further optimised harmonic distortion compensation. Second- and third-order harmonics are significantly reduced, allowing the GO link 2 Max to produce over 50% less distortion than the original GO link Max, according to iFi.
Many basic USB audio adapters reduce volume entirely within the digital music data. The GO link 2 Max uses hardware-based volume control within the DAC. Volume can still be adjusted from the connected device without unnecessarily discarding resolution and musical information.
The GO link 2 Max supports the iFi Nexis app. Compatible Android devices can install firmware updates over the air and select either a hybrid or linear digital filter. A volume limit can also be configured through the app.
Please note: Additional Nexis functionality, including firmware updates, filter selection and volume limiting, is exclusive to Android devices.
The integrated USB-C cable uses silver-plated copper conductors with individual polymer insulation. The conductors are arranged in a twisted-pair design to reduce inductance and capacitance and improve rejection of interference from nearby electrical equipment.
The GO link 2 Max is designed as a plug-and-play audio upgrade for devices that support digital USB audio output. Connect the DAC to a suitable USB-C port, attach your headphones to the 3.5 mm or 4.4 mm output and select the GO link 2 Max as the audio output when required.
The iFi Audio GO link 2 is the accessible model equipped with a single 3.5 mm S-Balanced headphone output. The GO link 2 Max adds a dual ESS Sabre DAC architecture, a powerful 4.4 mm balanced output and up to 241 mW of output power.
The original iFi Audio GO link Max also provides a dual-DAC architecture and 4.4 mm output. The GO link 2 Max is the newer generation, adding improved distortion compensation, Dynamic Range Enhancement and support for the iFi Nexis app.
| Brand | iFi Audio |
| Model | GO link 2 Max |
| Product type | Portable USB DAC and headphone amplifier |
| Digital input | USB-C |
| DAC chipset | 2 × ESS bit-perfect DSD and DXD DACs |
| PCM support | Up to 32-bit/384 kHz |
| DSD support | Native DSD256 |
| Headphone outputs | 4.4 mm balanced and 3.5 mm S-Balanced |
| 4.4 mm output power | At least 241 mW RMS into 32 ohms; 4 V into 300 ohms |
| 3.5 mm output power | At least 100 mW RMS into 32 ohms; 2 V into 300 ohms |
| 4.4 mm output impedance | Below 0.7 ohm |
| 3.5 mm output impedance | Below 0.35 ohm |
| 4.4 mm SNR and dynamic range | At least 130 dBA into 600 ohms |
| 3.5 mm SNR and dynamic range | At least 125 dBA into 600 ohms |
| 4.4 mm THD+N | Maximum 0.0007% at 2.4 V / 32 ohms |
| 3.5 mm THD+N | Maximum 0.001% at 1.27 V / 32 ohms |
| Frequency response | 10 Hz – 80 kHz (-3 dB) |
| Digital filters | Hybrid and linear through iFi Nexis on Android |
| Dimensions | 143 × 15 × 9.4 mm |
| Weight | 11.5 grams |
| EU warranty | 24 months |
The GO link 2 Max has two ESS Sabre DAC chips, an additional 4.4 mm balanced output and considerably more maximum output power. The regular GO link 2 is primarily intended for headphones and in-ear monitors with a 3.5 mm connection.
Yes. The GO link 2 Max has a 3.5 mm S-Balanced output and a separate 4.4 mm balanced Pentaconn output. Only use the connection that matches the cable fitted to your headphones.
Yes, provided that the smartphone supports digital USB audio and has a suitable USB connection or adapter. The GO link 2 Max can normally be connected directly to modern USB-C smartphones.
The GO link 2 Max can be used for audio playback with a suitable iPhone connection. Additional Nexis functions, including firmware updates, digital filters and volume limiting, are exclusive to Android.
The balanced 4.4 mm output delivers at least 241 mW into 32 ohms and 4 V into 300 ohms. This makes it suitable for many portable and full-size headphones. Final compatibility also depends on headphone impedance and sensitivity.
Yes. The DAC supports PCM up to 32-bit/384 kHz and native DSD256. The resolution actually played depends on the source file, streaming service, playback software and connected device.
Order the iFi Audio GO link 2 Max from Hi-Stands when you need a compact USB DAC with dual ESS Sabre DACs, a powerful 4.4 mm balanced output and support for high-resolution PCM and DSD audio. Contact Hi-Stands for personal advice regarding compatibility with your headphones, smartphone or computer.
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