iFi Audio GO Bar Kensei

The iFi Audio GO Bar Kensei is a portable audio converter (DAC) designed to deliver outstanding sound quality in a compact format. As the successor to the original GO Bar, this Kensei version offers enhanced audio performance and additional features, catering to the needs of audiophiles on the go.

A Concentration of Audiophile Technology

The GO Bar Kensei packs an impressive array of audiophile technologies into its Japanese stainless steel casing. At the heart of the device is a Cirrus Logic 32-bit DAC paired with a 16-core XMOS microcontroller, enabling the decoding of high-resolution audio formats up to 32-bit/384 kHz in PCM, DSD256, and MQA.

The analog circuit employs a fully balanced design with a dual-channel output stage, typically reserved for larger, high-end amplifiers. This topology significantly reduces noise and crosstalk in the signal path.

The GO Bar Kensei also features a precision Global Master Timing clock system to minimize jitter, along with custom digital filters to reduce pre-echoes and ringing artifacts.

Exceptional Sound Performance

The technical improvements of the GO Bar Kensei translate into remarkable sound performance. The device delivers exceptional clarity and transparency, with impressive precision and definition. Bass reproduction is deep and well-controlled, with notable presence and impact.

The GO Bar Kensei particularly excels in its ability to extract and contextualize micro-details, offering outstanding resolution and refinement without ever sounding analytical or mechanical. The soundstage is wide and well-defined, giving each element of a recording the space it needs to fully express itself.

Compared to its predecessor, the Kensei significantly enhances transparency, clarity, and overall technical performance. The midrange is more natural and organic, avoiding the slightly “digital” character of the original GO Bar.

Impressive Versatility

The GO Bar Kensei stands out for its versatility, capable of efficiently powering a wide range of headphones and earphones. With an output power of 475 mW at 32 Ω in balanced mode, it can easily drive demanding headphones like the Sennheiser HD660S2 or the HIFIMAN Arya Organic.

For more sensitive earphones, the GO Bar Kensei incorporates iFi’s iEMatch technology, which reduces background noise and increases the usable volume range. The Turbo mode, on the other hand, boosts the gain by 6 dB for power-hungry headphones.

The device also offers several analog processing modes, such as XBass+ to enhance bass and XSpace to expand the soundstage. These features allow for fine-tuning the sound to match your preferences and equipment.

An Intuitive User Experience

Despite its many features, the GO Bar Kensei remains simple to use. Just connect it via USB-C to your source device (smartphone, computer, etc.), and it’s ready to go. The user interface includes a multifunction button and volume controls, making it easy to access various modes and settings.

The GO Bar Kensei offers four digital filters (BitPerfect, Standard, Minimum Phase, and GTO) to refine the sound according to your preferences. The new K2HD function, exclusive to the Kensei, aims to restore the natural harmonics of digital sound for a more organic and lively listening experience.

Premium and Functional Design

The GO Bar Kensei stands out with its elegant design and high-quality construction. Its Japanese stainless steel casing provides remarkable density and durability despite its compact size (65 x 22 x 13 mm).

The device features two headphone outputs: a 3.5 mm single-ended mini-jack and a 4.4 mm balanced jack. The 3.5 mm output benefits from iFi’s S-Balanced technology, reducing crosstalk and noise by 50% compared to standard single-ended outputs.

A carrying/storage case is included, adding to the practicality of this device designed for portable use.

Technical Specifications

Connectivity

• USB-C input
• Headphone outputs:
  • Balanced 4.4 mm
  • Unbalanced 3.5 mm

Supported Audio Formats

• PCM: 44.1, 48, 88.2, 96, 176.4, 192, 352.8, 384 kHz
• DSD: 2.8, 3.1, 5.6, 6.1, 11.3, 12.3 MHz
• DXD: 352.8, 384 kHz
• Built-in MQA (Master Quality Authenticated) decoder
• Digital-to-Analog Converter (DAC) with DSD and DXD bit-perfect precision by Cirrus Logic

Audio Performance

• Frequency response: 20 Hz - 70 kHz (-3 dB)
• Output impedance: ≤ 1 Ω (≤ 3.6 Ω with iEMatch enabled)

Output Power (RMS)

• Balanced: 477 mW at 32 Ω, 7.2 V at 600 Ω
• Unbalanced: 300 mW at 32 Ω, 3.8 V at 600 Ω

Signal-to-Noise Ratio

• Balanced (with smart mute function enabled): 132 dB(A)
• Unbalanced (with smart mute function enabled): 121 dB(A)
• Balanced: 114 dB(A)
• Unbalanced: 114 dB(A)

Dynamic Range

• Balanced: 108 dB(A)
• Unbalanced: 109 dB(A)

Total Harmonic Distortion + Noise

• Balanced: ≤ 0.0025% (600 Ω 2 V) @ (20-20 kHz)
• Unbalanced: ≤ 0.009% (16 Ω 1.27 V) @ (20-20 kHz)

Physical Characteristics

• Dimensions: 65 × 22 × 13.2 mm
• Weight: 65.5 g
• Power consumption: < 4 W max.