iFi Audio, a maker of popular reasonably-priced compact and portable audio devices, such as portable DACs, has announced the GO link Max dongle DAC. Building on the foundation of the previously released GO link, the Max provides improvements in output power, a balanced Dual DAC setup with a 4.4mm balanced headphone output, minimized distortion, and a wider dynamic range.
The GO link Max has a compact design similar to that of its predecessor, the Go link. With its silver-plated copper cable and noise-rejecting helix design, listeners can enjoy clear, uninterrupted sound at home or on the go.
With up to 241mW of output power — nearly five times more than a MacBook Pro (calculated at 32 ohms RMS using MacBook Pro’s stated headphone output voltage, Go line Max can drive demanding headphones without strain.
For added audio quality support, the GO link Max incorporates balanced circuitry with a Dual ES9219 DAC setup, physically and audibly separating the left and right channels at greater than 118 dB separation.
A 4.4mm balanced headphone output helps listeners to hear ultra-clear, precise balanced sound. Balanced audio minimizes unwanted noise or interference that can disrupt the signal resulting in distortion-free listening with better musicality.
In addition to a 4.4mm true balanced headphone connection, the iFI GO link Max also includes “S-Balanced” connectivity. This is an iFi Audio technology that allows a single-ended 3.5mm headphone jack to deliver the benefits of a balanced audio connection. “S-Balanced” supports reduced distortion and improved channel separation even when using standard single-ended headphones.
The “S” stands for “Single-Ended Compatible.” This allows the 3.5mm jack to be used with both balanced and unbalanced headphones.
THD Compensation minimizes harmonic distortion while fine-tuned Dynamic Range Enhancement (DRE) extends the range between the loudest and quietest moments, making music listening more realistic.
The inclusion of ‘Quad DAC+’ and Jitter Elimination enable the GO link Max to deliver ultra-low distortion and clarity. This system reduces digital noise to ensure ultra-clear sound with exceptional detail. Every note, instrument, and vocal is rendered with pinpoint accuracy, allowing listeners to experience their music with enhanced clarity and precision, free from the subtle distortions that can otherwise impact sound quality.
Unlike some of the competition, the GO link Max uses a hardware-based volume control. This means you can turn the volume up or down without losing any of the details in music.
Comparison
| GO link Max | GO link | |
| Price | $79 | $59 |
| Product Type | Portable DAC and Headphone Amp | Portable DAC and Headphone Amp |
| Input | USB-C | USB-C |
| Headphone Output | 3.5mm (Single-Ended/S-Balanced) 4.4mm (Balanced) | 3.5mm (Single-Ended/S-Balanced) |
| Microphone Pass-Through | Not Supported | Not Supported |
| Hi-Res Audio Support | PCM 384kHz DSD256 (11.3MHz) | PCM 384kHz DSD256 (11.3MHz) |
| MQA Rendering | Not Indicated | Yes |
| DAC | 2 x ESS Sabre ES9219 | 1 x Bit-Perfect DSD & DXD DAC by ESS (exact model not provided) |
| Output Power (RMS) | Single-Ended/S-Balanced: 100mW @ 32Ω; 2V @ 300Ω Balanced: 241mW @ 32Ω; 4V @ 300Ω | Single Ended/S-Balanced: ≥1.5V/70mW @ 32Ω, ≥2V/14mW @ 300Ω |
| Output Impedance | Single-Ended/S-Balanced: 0.35Ω Balanced: 0.7Ω | Single Ended/S-Balanced: <0.4Ω |
| SNR (Signal-to-Noise Ratio) | Single-Ended/S-Balanced: 125dBA Balanced: 130dBA | Single-Ended/Balanced: ≥125dBA (2.05V) |
| THD+N | Single-Ended/S-Balanced: ≤0.0015% @ 32Ω 1.27V Balanced: ≤0.0016% @ 32Ω 2.4V | Single Ended/S-Balanced: ≤0.004% (1.27V @ 32Ω) |
| THD Compensation | Yes | – |
| Dynamic Range | Single-Ended/S-Balanced: >125 dBA Balanced > 130 dBA | Single-Ended/S-Balanced: >125 dBA |
| Dynamic Range Enhancement | Yes | – |
| Frequency Response | No Provided | 10-80kHz (-0.5dB) |
| Power Consumption | No Signal ~0.6W Max Signal ~3.2W | No Signal ~0.2W Max Signal ~1W |
| Cable Length | 2.8″ (60mm) | 2.8″ (60mm) |
| Dimensions | 150 x 15 x 10mm 5.9 x 0.59 x 0.39-inches | 135 x 12.6 x 7.6mm 5.3 x 0.5 x 0.3-inches |
| Net Weight | 14.5g (0.51 oz) | 11g (0.4 oz) |
| Box Contents | iFi Audio GO Link Max USB-A Male to USB-C Female Adapter Quick Start Card Instruction Card | iFi Audio GO Link USB-A to USB-C adapter Lightning to USB-C adapter Quick Start Card User Manual |
Bottom Line
With so many portable dongle DACs on the market, it can be confusing for music listeners to select the best one to meet their needs and the fact that iFi has a large selection within its brand doesn’t make things easier.
However, whether you prefer balanced or unbalanced headphone connectivity, the iFi GO link Max might be just the ticket. For $79 you get a sophisticated dongle DAC that can easily travel with you.
Although we haven’t reviewed the GO link Max yet, we have reviewed its predecessor, the iFi GO link and were quite impressed. So we’d expect the Max to be even better.
Pro Tip: In addition to earbuds or headphones, the 3.5mm output can be used to connect the GO link Max to a preamp, integrated amp, or powered speakers.
Where to buy?
Get the regular iFi GO link for $59 at Amazon.
For more information: ifi-audio.com/products/go-link-max/
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