iFi Audio GO Link Max

Disclaimer
I was provided with the Go Link Max to review, it is not a gift and will be sent back to ifi after review

The GLM is a new dongle from iFi-Audio. I didn't get a chance to hear it's predecessor however I'm well versed in iFi products and currently own the Go Kensei and the Go Pods as well as their Zen Phono 3. I've also owned some of their other older products. I am a bit of a fan. I think they make well built quality items and they sound pretty good on the majority of the products I've owned.

The Go Link Max Specs

The following is a very lazy copy and paste from iFi's own site with all of the specs for the Go Max


The size of the GLM is very small, it's also very light. I use the Kensei daily and the GLM is half the size and a fraction of the weight, of course they are designed with different purposes in mind so it's almost an unfair comparasion.
These pictures show small iti is when palced on the chassis of a 16 inch laptop and when sat next to the earphones pictured




The GLM comes packaged with a fixed cable which is of excellent quality and has plenty of movement and give for when connected to your source device. I actually find this cable a better build quality than the supplied cable that comes with the more expensive Go Bars
Also included in the box is a lightning adaptor for Apple users.

Sound and daily use

Over the years I've progressed up the audio ladder to the point where for the last year or a bit longer I've been happy with my set up of Cayin N7 DAP paired with the Cayin C9 Amp. For more portable and daily use I've been stuck like glue to my Go Kensei, this dongle easily challenges DAPs at higher price points.

Due to this I had some trepidation as to whether I would get much from the GLM given the difference in price and spec. These fears were unfounded. Once connected to my Samsung S24 Ultra, it performed really well.
I used the GLM with a range most of my earphones but in particular my Custom Art FIBAE 5 and Fir Audio Rn6. Niether of these earphones in theory require a lot of power however the planar drivers in the FIBAE do benefit when given more power. I've often felt with my Go Pods that they don't get to the levels they are capable of.
This wasn't the case with the GLM. Even though I had to bump the volume to around 2/3rds they did get the power they benefit from. The Rn6 were happy at the 50/150 volume level. Of note is that with my Kensei I need to engage the IEM Match mode to reduce hiss however the GLM was silent with the Rn6. This was a nice bonus.

Sound wise I found the GLM to be on the warm side of nuetral with detail present in the highs and smooth mids. I did the find the bass a little on the warm sound and not as refined as the Kensei however with the GLM being priced almost 7 times lower this is not really an issue and shouldn't be a mark against the GLM.
If I had to describe the sound of the GLM in one word it would be either fun or engaging. I can't quite decide betwen the two.

The only niggle I had was that when connecting the GLM to my phone the volume sets at my last device, in the case of my van this is full volume, this doesn't happen with the Kensei. This is a very small niggle though.

Summing up

For £79 (a little lower on some sites) the Go Link Max is a bit of a bargain in my opinion. I've tried a fair few dongles over the last 4 years or more and this at the price is the best value bang for buck, pound for pound option on the market. I ahven't gone into great detail on sound etc as it is really a nice simple fun, detailed sounding dongle that acheives what a dongle should. that is be a light weight option for your wired earphones on the modern day smartphone. It has enough power to drive most earphones, it has a decent DAC setup and it is really portable.

I've spent over a month with the Go Link Max and there's been times I've reached for it over my Kensei and it's made my bluetooth Go Pods take a back seat due to it's lively fun, engaging sound.

iFi GO Link Max: Portability. Versatility. Dynamics Maximized!!

DISCLAIMER: The iFi Audio GO Link Max was sent to us free of charge by the iFi Audio. We at Aural Café are super excited as this is our first time reviewing a freshly baked hi-fi audio device on or before launch. We are truly humbled and like to thank the iFi Audio team for this opportunity and for their continuous support to Aural Cafe.

Introduction: -

Today at Aural Cafe we had the honour of reviewing the just launched IFI Audio GO Link Max which is the upgraded version of the very popular and multiple award-winning GO LINK featuring the much-needed 4.4mm port.

iFi Audio GO Link Max is iFi Audio's latest offering from their GO category which aims essentially at coming up with innovative ‘Portable hi-fi’ audio devices. The GO Link Max is the upgraded version of their very popular GO Link which we had the honour to review at Aural Cafe. The GO Link Max is not just another boring upgrade tale but is a totally revamped version of GO Link featuring a dual ESS Sabre ES9219 DAC hyperstream DAC chipset along with a time domain jitter eliminator and discrete oscillator. The upgrade story doesn’t end here as the GO Link Max also features the balanced 4.4mm port which was badly missed by the seasoned audiophiles in GO Link. With Hi-Res music being more accessible than ever, thanks to the growing number of streaming services such as Apple Music, Tidal and Qobuz bringing high-quality audio to the masses Dongles and Portable DAC-Amps have become the flavour of the season. Although Audioquest and Fiio were the first to enter this product segment it is the brands such as IFI Audio, Questyle, and iBasso Audio that are bringing innovative hi-fi devices in this category. iFi Audio has tried its best to set a new benchmark in this category by launching simple yet functional portable audio devices such as iFi GO Link, GO Pod, GO Blu, GO Bar, and now GO Link Max.

After the removal of the 3.5mm jack and lighting port from Apple iPhones, most smartphones around the world now come with USB C ports. Due to this shift in technology, newbies and seasoned audiophiles are left with only two options either use a Bluetooth DAC amp or a hi-fi USB C dongle. As the ever-demanding audiophiles know the limitations of listening to music on Bluetooth their first choice is always to go for a hi-fi dongle. The iFi Audio GO Link Max has been launched to cater to this set of newbies and seasoned audiophiles who don’t want to miss listening to hi-fi music while commuting but before we tell you more about GO Link Max let's tell you a bit about the iFi Audio. iFi Audio is a subsidiary of Abbington Music Research (AMR) which is one of the UK's largest manufacturers of high-end audio products: Amplifiers, Active Buffers/Preamplifiers, DACs and USB filters. Founded in 2000, AMR is based in London, United Kingdom. It is a subsidiary of the Abbington Global Group. iFi Audio is one of the most respected brands in the audiophile world with hiFi products across different prices and product categories with one aim- to improve music enjoyment. Founded in 2012, iFi oversees the design, development and manufacture of more than 50 products from its headquarters in Southport, UK. What makes IFi Audio a bit unique and special is that all iFi hi-fi audio products and their packaging are made from recyclable materials, including Aluminium, Paper and Recycled plastics. There are no hazardous toxins in their components, and they ensure that every product released meets environmental standards. iFi prides itself on being an eco-friendly company.

The iFi Audio GO Link Max is priced at 79 US$ and can be bought from iFi Audio authorized distributors located all over the world.



Unboxing Experience, Design & Build: -

As you can see from our unboxing video ( ) the Max version just like its older sibling showcases a simple, functional and minimalistic unboxing experience. The IFi GO Link comes rectangular White colour box. The front of the box features a pic of the Max version with a focus on the 4.4mm port located right at the centre of the box along with the customary Hi-Res Audio sticker located at the top right corner of the box. The sides of the box are dominated by the technological upgrades’ information on one side and with a pic of the dongle on another side. The Specifications of the Max version along with the contents of the box as always are printed on the back of the box. On pulling out the inner packaging we are firstly welcomed with the customary iFi Sticker, the manuals and quick guides removing which we can see the GO Link Max USB Dongle DAC placed neatly with the help of the paper cutout. The Max Version also comes with a USB Type-C to Lightning male adopter as well as with a USB -A Male to USB-C Female adapter again placed right at the front with the help of a paper cutout All come under the price tag of just US$ 79.




iFi Audio GO Link Max is a very capable hi-fi portable dongle, due to the beautiful amalgamation of portability with hi-fi technology at a very competitive price of 79 US$. What makes GO Link Max special is its lightweight and the implementation of a dual ESS Sabre DAC chipset which we have rarely seen before in any USB dongle at this price range. We at Aural Cafe believe that the iFi Audio team, while upgrading the GO Link, didn’t want to compromise at all with its portability factor as a result of which iFi GO Link Max just weighs 14.5 gms which is just 3.5 gms more than its predecessor. Just like its predecessor, the IFi Audio team has once again decided to go with a gunpowder colour for GO Link Max. When it comes to another similarity the Max version follows the same design language as its antecedent as at one end of the GO Link Max is a USB-C connector while the other end features the DAC and headphone amp circuitry both housed in sturdy yet lightweight magnesium enclosure which is connected with the help of flexible cable – this aids practicality, allowing the DAC/Amp section to be angled towards the listener and reducing stress on the USB port to which the GO Link Max is connected. Due to the double ESS Sabre DAC and 4.4mm port in Max Version, the GO Link Max DAC/Amp section comes in a slightly thick body in comparison to its antecedent GO Link while the USB Port body is exactly the same as its predecessor in Max. Like its predecessor, the cable linking both sections in the Max version also uses silver-plated copper conductors with individual polymer insulation in a ‘twisted pair’ configuration to reduce distortion but in our testing, the cable is a touch bit longer in the Max version which may be done to take care of with the 3.5gms increase in overall weight. Just like GO Link, the Max version also features a tiny but bright enough notification LED on the front side of the dongle, but the Max version has ditched the Mqa Magenta colour and changed to four colours Green, Yellow, Cyan, and Blue according to the decoding formats which are as follows:

GREEN: PCM 44.1/48/88.2/96Khz YELLOW: PCM 176.4/192/352.8/384 kHz

CYAN: DSD 64/128 BLUE: DSD 256

When it comes to the inside, the iFi Audio team has taken the best out of GO Link and implemented the same proprietary tech in Max such as its exclusive S-Balanced® circuit which delivers Maximum performance from single-ended and balanced headphones alike. The Max Version also features the same high-quality parts such as muRata control-type, low-ESR high-Q multi-layer capacitors to suppress noise and TDK C0G (Class 1 ceramic) capacitors which offer high stability and low losses for resonant circuit applications, but the similarity ends here as there are some solid upgrades in the Max Core. When it comes to upgrades, the very obvious upgrade is the addition of the much-needed 4.4mm balanced port and the implementation of a dual ESS Sabre DAC chipset in the Max version instead of a single ESS Sabre DAC to improve instrument separation. The IFI Audio team have tried to improve performance further by adding proprietary in-house tech to ensure the elimination of jitter and distortion for crystal clarity and refined musicality. Just like the GO Link the Sabre DAC’s implementation helps in Dynamic Range Enhancement (DRE) which allows for greater contrast between the loudest and quietest sound. But due to the dual DAC balanced setup and with iFi Audio's in-house proprietary development and enhancement the GO Link Max features an additional +6db of additional dynamic range in comparison to GO Link. The dynamic range in simple words means the difference between the loudest and quietest sounds, so you can feel the soaring highs and deepest lows in your music, perfectly presented and the additional +6db of dynamic range helps the GO Link Max to achieve better highs and deep lows which at the end of the day should lead to an improved soundstage. The tale of the upgrades doesn’t end here as the GO Link Max is no longer a simple plug-and-play device but has transformed into a pocket powerhouse as it offers a power output of 241 mW @32 ohms through 4.4 mm port which is 3.5 times more than its predecessor GO Link and five times more than the headphone socket of the MacBook Pro.



Specifications Comparison: -


GO Link Max GO Link


Input: USB -C USB- C

Formats Supported: DSD256 / PCM32Bit-384kHz Same as Max+MQA

DAC: Double Bit Perfect ESS ES9219 DSD DAC Single ES9219 DAC

Headphone Outputs: Balanced 4.4mm, 3.5mm S-Bal. 3.5mm S-Bal

Power Output: 241mW@32Ω, 4V@300Ω (4.4 mm Port) 1.5V/70mW @ 32Ω (3.5mm)

100 mW@32Ω, 2V@300Ω (3.5 mm Port) 2V/14mW @ 300Ω(3.5 mm )

SNR: 130dBA via 4.4mm; 125dBA via 3.5mm ≥125dBA (2.05V)

DNR: 130dBA via 4.4mm; 125dBA via 3.5mm ≥122dB(A) @ 0dBFS

THD + N: ≤0.0016% @ 32Ω 2.4V via 4.4mm <0.004% (1.27V @32Ω)

≤0.0015% @ 32Ω 1.27V via 3.5mm

Frequency Response: 10Hz - 80kHz (±0.5dB) 10Hz - 80kHz (±0.5dB)

Power Consumption: No Signal ~0.6W; Max Signal ~3.2W <0.2W idle, 1W Max

Dimensions: 150x15x10mm (5.9 x 0.59 x 0.39”) 135x12.6x7.6 mm

Weight: 14 gms 11 gms



Sound Analysis: -

Sound impressions are based on listening for more than 12 hours on many neutral IEMs featuring BA, DD and hybrid setups with the help of iFi GO Link Max. The Sound impressions also take into consideration the effect of the 3.5 mm s balanced and the newly integrated 4.4 mm balanced port. We have also compared the sound quality of GO Link Max with its predecessor GO Link, so we request our fellow audiophiles to go through each part of the sound impressions if they want to know the difference between the sound quality of both hi-fi USB dongles.

• Tonality: - After listening to soundtracks across various genres with the help of iFi GO Link Max for several hours with the help of neutral IEMs such as Rhapsodio little Eden and Sora Audio RISE through 4.4mm balanced port we can conclude that the GO Link Max showcase a reference tonality. Due to the reference tonality, it can be an ideal dongle for musicians for monitoring needs. The GO Link Max doesn’t boost any part of the sound frequency with top-notch tonal balance. The timbre of the instruments is life-like along with lovely vocal texture. The IFI Audio team seems to have worked very hard to keep the background noise at the lowest level resulting in top-quality clarity across the frequency of the soundtrack. When we compare the tonality of GO Link Max with GO Link while listening to 'Comfortably Numb’ by Pink Floyd we feel that the difference is not of day and night. The GO Link has a touch more warmth across the frequency in comparison to the reference tonality of the GO Link Max.

• Lows: - The lows on GO Link Max are very precisely clean and smooth without any kind of unnatural boost. While listening to “The Hills” by the Weekend the Subbass on GO LINK Max has touched more rumble and deep in comparison to its brother GO Link as the added +6db of dynamic ranges shows its magic here on GO LINK Max. When it comes to the overall clarity and elasticity of lows the GO Link Max again takes the lead in comparison to the GO Link. The GO Link Max showcases better and more authoritative control in lows in comparison to the GO Link.

• Mids: - The Mids on GO Link Max are more reference and clean in comparison to the touch-warmer mids of the GO Link. The mids on GO Link Max like GO Link stay dead balanced and don’t affect the positioning of the vocals. When it comes to clarity, the Mids on GO Link Max has better clarity and tonal balance in comparison to the GO Link. The male and female vocals have top-notch clarity and texture on GO Link Max. The GO Link also has solid clarity when it comes to male and female vocals but when it comes to Vocal texture the vocal texture is definitely better on GO Link Max which we enjoyed while listening to “Bury a Friend” by Billie Elish. We also enjoyed the spacious mids on GO Link Max while listening to ‘Skyfall’ by Adele on Craft Ears Six. The timbre of the musical instruments is a touch more correct and natural on GO Link Max in comparison to GO Link which was an experience in itself while listening to ‘Zariya’ composed by AR Rahman for Coke studio India.

• Highs: - The highs on GO Link Max are tuned naturally and more smoothly without any kind of shoutiness in the upper treble region even at higher volume. The highs on GO Link Max have a smooth extension and natural transparency which was delightful while listening to ‘Kandisa’ by the Indian Ocean on Craft Ears Six. We also like to add here that the +6db of added dynamic range in comparison to the GO Link does add a bit of air and space across the highs which takes the listening experience while listening to ‘Hotel California’ by Eagles on NF Acous NM20 to a different zone. So overall there is not much difference between the GO Link Max and GO Link in this region, but the GO Link Max definitely sounds a bit more spacious and natural in highs.

• Soundstage & Imaging: - The Soundstage on GO Link Max is one of the best we have heard on a portable source to date considering the price. The added dynamic range does help GO Link Max to achieve a better and more spacious soundstage in comparison to GO Link. The overall sound field is definitely bigger and grand in GO LINK Max in comparison to the GO LINK which one will definitely realize within a few seconds of listening to soundtracks with the help of GO Link Max. When it comes to imaging, the imaging on GO Link Max is decent at best just like GO Link. We didn’t hear of any improvement in the imaging capability of GO Link Max in comparison to GO Link while listening to ‘Maeri’ by Palash Sen and Euphoria. When it comes to Separation the separation between instruments on GO Link Max is solid and better in comparison to the GO Link which we really enjoyed while listening to 'Kattey’ composed by Ram Sampath for Coke Studio India. The GO Link Max also does a better job of retrieving micro details in comparison to the GO Link.

• Synergy: - The precise referenced tonality makes GO Link Max go with most IEMs and headphones and with various genres of soundtracks. The GO Link Max is a perfect USB dongle for newbie musicians who are searching for a reference portable source for monitoring needs or for a seasoned audiophile who is addicted to listening to hi-fi music on the GO. The stock USB-A Male to USB-C Female adapter, the 4.4mm balanced port and the USB Type-C to Lightning male adapter just add to the versatility quotient of GO Link Max. The GO Link Max battery consumption is very average, not too low nor too high. The GO Link consumes a touch more battery in comparison to the GO LINK due to the discrete double ESS Sabre DAC, but it is decent if we compare GO LINK with other USB dongles in this price range. When it comes to drivability the GO Link through 4.4mm Port achieves 241 mW @32Ω which is decently sufficient to drive almost all IEMs in the market. When it comes to headphones, the GO LINK Max can drive easy-to-drive headphones but we at Aural Cafe feel that it won’t be able to drive super power-hungry headphones.

Conclusion: -

After listening to soundtracks across various genres we at Aural Cafe can confidently state that the GO Link Max is not another side grade of its predecessor but a totally revamped and more mature version of multiple award-winning GO Link. The IFI team has done a wonderful job by going with the same simple and functional design language of the GO Link. We are genuinely impressed with the IFi Audio team as they didn’t compromise at all with the portability of the GO Link Max as a result of which IFi GO Link Max just weighs 14.5gms, which is just 3.5gms more than its predecessor. The iFi team, while designing GO Link Max, took out the best proprietary tech from its predecessor and then added on that tech to come up with a superior device in terms of versatility, dynamics and portability. When it comes to the inside, the inside of the GO Link Max is totally revamped. The added 4.4 mm port will help every demanding newbie audiophile as well as the more mature and seasoned audiophiles to use the Max without caring about the termination of the cable. The implementation of Double Bit Perfect ESS ES9219 DSD DAC does help in achieving better clarity and separation between instruments. The added +6dB of dynamic range does make the overall sound field a bit more spacious and grander in comparison to its GO Link. We at Aural Cafe were deeply impressed by reference tonality. The immersive dynamics and a more correct tonal weight of the GO Link Max. The 241-mW output capacity of the GO Link Max through a balanced 4.4mm port can drive the demanding IEMs but when it comes to driving headphones during our testing felt that GO Link Max was not able to drive them at their best. The instrument's timbre and the vocal texture are top-notch on GO Link Max, but when it comes to imaging the imaging just like its predecessor is average at best. So, if you are under a tight budget and out there in a market in search of a solid versatile portable, and reference source then GO Link Max is a no-brainer at 79 US$.

Non-Affiliated Link: -

• https://www.headphonezone.in/products/iFi-audio-go-link-Max
• https://audio46.com/products/iFi-go-link-Max