In the rapidly evolving landscape of portable audio, the transition from dedicated bulky stacks to “dongle DACs” has been nothing short of a revolution. Among the titans of this industry, iFi Audio has consistently carved out a niche for itself by blending quirky British engineering with high-fidelity performance. The original GO link (review here) was a runaway success, praised for its affordability and surprisingly mature sound signature. Now, with the release of the iFi GO link 2, the company aims to solidify its dominance in the entry-level ultra-portable market.
The Ultra-Portable Powerhouse Redefined
The GO link 2 arrives at a time when competition is fiercer than ever. With rivals from FiiO, Moondrop, and Hidizs flooding the market with sub £100 options, a sequel needs to be more than just a minor iterative update. It needs to address the ergonomic concerns of its predecessor while squeezing even more performance out of a form factor no larger than a standard USB adapter.
This review dives deep into whether the GO link 2 lives up to its pedigree or if it’s simply a “Version 1.1” in a shiny new coat.
Design
At first glance, the GO link 2 retains the “tail” design that defined its predecessor, but a closer inspection reveals significant refinements. The chassis, which is 8% smaller than the first GO link, is now constructed from a more robust magnesium alloy, providing a premium tactile feel that belies its budget-friendly price point. The metallic finish is not only aesthetically pleasing, sporting a sleek gunmetal grey, but also serves a functional purpose as a heat sink, ensuring the device remains cool during extended high-resolution listening sessions.
Refinement
One of the most notable changes is the reinforcement of the cable strain reliefs. The original GO link was occasionally criticised for its delicate connection points; iFi has responded by beefing up the rubberised housing where the cable meets the USB-C plug and the DAC body. The cable itself remains a highlight, a flexible, silver-plated copper “twist” configuration. This isn’t just for show; the twisted pair helps minimise electromagnetic interference (EMI), which is crucial when the device is dangling next to a smartphone emitting 5G signals.
On the face of the device, a single LED indicator provides visual feedback on the audio format being processed. It glows green for PCM, yellow for high-bitrate PCM, cyan for DSD 64/128, and blue for DSD 256. It’s a simple, effective system that avoids the need for a screen, keeping the weight under 8 grams. Ergonomically, the GO link 2 is practically invisible in a pocket, making it the perfect companion for commuters or travellers who refuse to compromise on sound quality.
On The Go
The GO link 2 is the first of the dongle range from iFi that uses the phone-based iFi Nexis app to control it. Although primarily aimed at Android users rather than iOS, over-the-air firmware updates can be installed, as well as the ability to access selectable digital filters. A volume limiter is also available for safer listening.
Performance
Under the hood, the GO link 2 utilises the ESS Sabre chipset. While this chip is a staple in the dongle world, iFi’s implementation is what sets it apart. They have leveraged their proprietary “S-Balanced” circuitry, which provides many of the benefits of a fully balanced output (like lower noise and crosstalk) through a standard 3.5mm jack.
All in the Detail
The sound signature of the GO link 2 can be described as “vivid yet natural.” Unlike many ESS-based DACs that can lean toward a “hissy” or “clinical” treble, iFi has managed to smooth out the edges without sacrificing detail. The low end is punchy and well-textured. When listening to bass-heavy tracks like Hans Zimmer’s Why So Serious?, the sub-bass extension is impressive for a device of this size, providing a satisfying rumble that feels controlled rather than boisterous.
The midrange is where the GO link 2 truly shines. There is a slight warmth in the lower-mids that gives male vocals a sense of body and authority. Female vocals, conversely, are rendered with clarity and air. The treble is amazingly energetic, providing the “sparkle” necessary for cymbals and high-frequency strings, but it avoids the artificial “grain” that often plagues entry-level digital-to-analogue converters.
Power
With an output of 70mW at 32 ohms, the GO link 2 is more than capable of driving any IEM (In-Ear Monitor) on the market and most portable over-ear headphones. It handled my Sennheiser headset and IEMs with surprising competence; while it didn’t provide the same scale as a desktop amplifier, it reached comfortable listening volumes with plenty of headroom. Most importantly, the noise floor is exceptionally low. Even with ultra-sensitive IEMs, there was no detectable “hiss” during quiet passages.
Conclusion
At £59, the iFi GO link 2 is a masterclass in focused engineering. It doesn’t try to be a Swiss Army knife with Bluetooth, balanced 4.4mm outputs, or built-in EQ. Instead, it focuses on doing one thing exceptionally well: converting digital data into an emotional analogue experience. For the price, it is difficult to find a device that offers this level of build quality and sonic transparency. It bridges the gap between the “utility” of a standard dongle and the “luxury” of high-end portable players. Whether you are an audiophile looking for a “daily driver” for your commute or a newcomer looking to take your first step away from the 3.5mm jack-less smartphone abyss, the GO link 2 is an easy recommendation.
I give the iFi GO link 2 DAC the Thumb Culture Platinum Award!
Disclaimer: A sample was received in order to write this review.
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