Beautifully Balanced: iFi Introduces the GO link 2 Max
Southport, UK–– iFi audio is proud to unveil the successor to their highly popular, highly portable USB dongle DAC – the GO link 2 Max.
The GO link 2 Max is a USB-C dongle that transforms your phone, laptop, or PC into a powerful high-resolution audio source – allowing it to reveal new layers of depth in your music.
Offering up to 241mW of output power and balanced architecture for improved dynamics, lower noise, and greater sonic control, it brings out the best in your headphones – not only improving what you have, but delivering more as your system evolves.
Key Features of the GO link 2 Max include:
- Hi-Res Plug-And-Play Dongle DAC: Instantly upgrades headphone listening from any USB device
- ESS Sabre DAC Chipset: Supports up to 32-bit/384kHz PCM and native DSD256 audio
- Dual DAC Architecture: Improves detail, definition and instrument separation
- Dynamic Range Enhancement: Adds up to 6dB between the loudest and quietest moments
- S-Balanced Single Ended Output: Cuts channel crosstalk in half for cleaner audio playback
- THD compensation: Reduces distortion by up over 50% compared to the original GO link Max
- iFi Nexis App Support: Selectable digital filters and over-the-air updating* via mobile.
*All iFi Nexis functionality – including firmware updates, filter selection and volume limiting – are additional features exclusive to Android devices.
Doubling Down.
The engine driving this small but mighty machine is a pair of ESS Sabre DAC chips, selected for their impressive yet power-efficient performance in portable DACs.
With a single DAC chip dedicated to each audio channel, instrument separation and definition is elevated, with every musician placed with pinpoint precision in the GO link 2 Max’s expansive soundstage.
Dynamics, Unlocked.
We’ve hacked the GO link 2 Max’s DAC chips to unlock Dynamic Range Enhancement (DRE), giving +6dB additional range between the loudest and quietest moments in your music.
From the gentle friction of fingers on guitar strings or brushes on a snare drum, to the triumphant crescendo of an orchestral peak or an anthemic final chorus, the GO link 2 Max brings music to life with electrifying vibrancy, making every moment more intense and engaging.
Distortion, Cut in Half.
The GO link 2 Max is the latest model in the GO link range to include full compatibility with the iFi Nexis app. Firmware updates can now be completed over-the-air in moments, without the need for downloaded files or desktop computers.
In addition, iFi Nexis compatibility opens the door to new customisation options. The GO link 2 Max offers two digital filters – hybrid and linear – allowing users to fine-tune the sound profile to their tastes.
*Firmware updates via the iFi Nexis app are currently supported on Android devices only.
Elevated by Nexis.
The GO link 2 Max includes full compatibility with the iFi Nexis app. Firmware updates can be completed over-the-air in moments, without the need for downloading files or using desktop computers*.
In addition, iFi Nexis compatibility has opened the door to new customisation options. The GO link 2 Max offers two digital filter options – hybrid and linear – allowing users to fine-tune the sound profile to their tastes in real-time.
*All iFi Nexis functionality – including firmware updates, filter selection and volume limiting – are additional features exclusive to Android devices.
Balanced Performance, for Everyone.
The GO link 2 Max is the latest device to incorporate our in-house S-Balanced technology. This unique circuitry takes a different approach to how signal noise and crosstalk is handled.
By applying balanced circuitry principles to the 3.5mm headphone output, S-Balanced technology cuts the crosstalk between headphone channels in half, to guarantee maximum performance with minimum interference.
Crystal Clarity.
The DAC chipsets used for conversion inside the GO link 2 Max benefit from “Quad DAC+” and “Time Domain Jitter Eliminator” technologies.
When combined with iFi’s dedicated GMT clock circuitry using a specialised crystal oscillator, this ensures ultra-low distortion, excellent clarity and impressive musical timing.
Do The Twist.
The GO link 2 Max features a silver-plated copper cable with individual polymer insulation, in a “twisted pair” design. This setup reduces inductance and capacitance – and aids with noise rejection.
Unlike typical audio cables, the GO link 2 Max isn’t affected by interference from nearby electrical sources.
Accurate Adjustment.
Unlike its competitors, the GO link 2 Max uses hardware-based volume control, allowing you to adjust the volume without reducing quality.
Adjusting volume by software reduces volume by decreasing data sent to the DACs, stripping away all the details you’ve been searching for.
Pricing & Availability
The GO link 2 Max is available to purchase at ifi-audio.com and authorised dealers for £85/€85/$85(USD)/$129(CAD)
About iFi Audio
iFi is the sister-brand of Abbingdon Music Research (AMR) and is headquartered in Southport, UK. The two brands respectively design and manufacture portable, desktop and lifestyle audio products and high-end hi-fi components. Combined in-house hardware and software development teams and a ‘music first’ approach enable iFi and AMR to create advanced audio products that deliver new levels of design, functionality and performance at their respective price points. Since iFi’s formation in 2012, its products have earned many awards around the world, helping it to become one of the fastest-growing brands in its field.