iFi Audio GO Link 2
Specifications and features
Overview
The original GO Link had built itself a solid reputation in the compact USB DAC segment. This second version follows the same formula while pushing several measurable parameters: 29% lighter (7.8 g), harmonic distortion reduced by up to 62%, and a first for the range with support for the iFi Nexis app. Same minimal footprint, same ambitions, but the internals have evolved.
An even slimmer aluminium-magnesium alloy housing
137 mm long, 12 mm wide, 7.6 mm thick. The GO Link 2 is the most compact DAC ever produced by iFi. At 7.8 g, it weighs practically nothing once plugged into a smartphone or laptop. The aluminium-magnesium alloy shell is lighter than that of the original model, which partly explains this weight saving; the perceived robustness is slightly different from that of the first GO Link, and some may find it less reassuring.
The 6 cm flexible cable between the USB-C connector and the DAC/amp housing allows you to orient the headphone jack towards the user without putting strain on the source’s port. A USB-A adapter is included for devices without a USB-C port.
An ESS Sabre chipset with noticeably reduced distortion
The heart of the GO Link 2 is an ESS Sabre chipset capable of decoding PCM up to 384 kHz and DSD256. Dynamic range and signal-to-noise ratio both reach ≥ 125 dBA, figures well above the integrated conversion of typical phones and computers.
Total harmonic distortion (THD+N) is measured at ≤ 0.0015% (1.27 V at 32 Ω), a reduction of up to 62% compared to the original GO Link. iFi attributes this improvement to tweaks in how the chipset corrects distortion—an optimization of the DAC rather than a component change. Frequency response extends from 10 Hz to 80 kHz (−0.5 dB).
Unlike the first GO Link, MQA is not supported. This has little practical impact: major streaming platforms have dropped this format since 2024.
Output power tuned for portable headphones and earphones
The headphone amp delivers 79 mW at 32 Ω (1.59 V) and 14 mW at 300 Ω (2.0 V). These levels easily cover in-ear monitors and the vast majority of standard-sensitivity portable headphones. For very inefficient or high-impedance headphones (beyond 250 Ω), the available power may show its limits on very dynamic tracks.
Output impedance is below 0.4 Ω, which maintains a stable frequency response even with multi-driver earphones that are highly sensitive to impedance variations.
The 3.5 mm jack output integrates iFi’s proprietary S-Balanced technology: by applying balanced wiring principles within a standard unbalanced jack, it reduces crosstalk between channels by 50%. It is not a fully balanced output in the strict sense, but the reduction in crosstalk it provides is measurable.
The LED indicator and format identification at a glance
An LED changes color depending on the incoming audio stream. Green for standard PCM (44.1 to 96 kHz), yellow for high sampling rates (176.4 to 384 kHz), cyan for DSD64/128, blue for DSD256. Immediate visual feedback without having to open an app.
iFi Nexis: digital filters and OTA updates, Android only
The GO Link 2 is the first model in the range compatible with the iFi Nexis app. It provides access to two digital filters (Hybrid and Linear) that let you adjust the DAC’s behavior to your listening preferences, and it manages firmware updates wirelessly, without going through a computer.
All of these features are currently reserved for Android devices. No date has been announced for iOS or macOS compatibility.
Technical specifications
Digital-to-analog converter
- Chipset: ESS Sabre DAC
- Supported audio formats
- PCM up to 384 kHz
- DSD256
- Frequency response: 10 Hz – 80 kHz (-0.5 dB)
- Signal-to-noise ratio (SNR): ≥ 125 dBA (2.05 V)
- Dynamic range (DNR): ≥ 125 dBA at 0 dBFS
- Total harmonic distortion (THD+N): ≤ 0.0015% (1.27 V at 32 Ω)
- Digital filters: Hybrid, Linear
Headphone amplifier
- Output: 3.5 mm S-Balanced jack
- Proprietary S-Balanced technology (crosstalk reduction)
- RMS output power
- ≥ 79 mW at 32 Ω (1.59 V)
- ≥ 14 mW at 300 Ω (2.0 V)
- Output impedance: < 0.4 Ω
Connectivity and compatibility
- USB-C connection (USB-A adapter included)
- Compatible devices: smartphones, tablets, PC / Mac
- Compatible app: iFi Nexis (Android)
- OTA firmware update
- Digital filter selection
- Volume limiting
Power supply
- Power consumption with no signal: ~0.2 W
- Power consumption at maximum signal: ~1 W
Dimensions and weight
- Dimensions: 137 × 12 × 7.6 mm
- Weight: 7.8 g
Box contents
- 1 × iFi GO link 2
- 1 × USB-A to USB-C adapter
- 1 × quick start guide
- 1 × instruction card
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the main differences compared to the original GO Link?
The GO Link 2 is 29% lighter (7.8 g vs 11 g) and 8% more compact. Its distortion is reduced by up to 62% thanks to adjustments to the ESS Sabre chipset. It drops MQA and adds iFi Nexis compatibility (Android) for OTA updates and digital filters. Output power increases from 70 mW to 79 mW at 32 Ω.
Does the GO Link 2 require a driver installation?
No, the device is automatically recognized by Windows, macOS, Android, and recent iPhones with a USB-C port. The iFi Nexis app is optional and Android-only; it adds extra features but is not required to use the DAC.
Can the GO Link 2 be used with an iPhone?
Yes, via the USB-C port on iPhone 15 and later. For models with a Lightning port, you need to add a Lightning-to-USB-C adapter not included in the box. The iFi Nexis app is not compatible with iOS for now.
What is the difference between the Hybrid and Linear filters?
The Hybrid filter combines pre- and post-ringing filtering phases to limit pre-ringing artifacts before the signal. The Linear filter offers a more uniform phase response but can produce more pre-ringing. The choice is subjective and depends on the type of music and listening habits. These filters are only accessible via the iFi Nexis app on Android.
Which headphones can be connected to the GO Link 2?
All headphones and earphones with a 3.5 mm jack plug. The 79 mW at 32 Ω output is suitable for in-ear monitors and common portable headphones. For high-impedance headphones such as some studio models (250 Ω and above), the 14 mW at 300 Ω may prove insufficient on very dynamic passages.
- Eco-contribution included in the sale price.
- Manufacturer reference: IFI0050
- GTIN / EAN: 5061043052925
