iFi Audio GO Bar Kensei... The Ultimate GO Bar Has Arrived!

[iullian]

Just following up on my earlier query regarding Tidal, after trying my experiment with a few other devices as well (Q15, KA17, Earmen Angel) it is clear the issue is with Android version of Tidal… they’ve really messed up that app and don’t seem to be in a very big hurry to fix it….

Actually, it is a Tidal vs. Usb Audio Player Pro. If you uninstall the UAP and restart your phone, your issues with Tidal will stop. Both apps are fighting against each other over the usb audio rights...

 

[jsmiller58]

Actually, it is a Tidal vs. Usb Audio Player Pro. If you uninstall the UAP and restart your phone, your issues with Tidal will stop. Both apps are fighting against each other over the usb audio rights...

Really? I’ll have to try! But, I will stress I only have one running at a time, never both, so not sure how the conflict occurs. But I’ll run the experiment.

 

[iFi audio]

This may be true in certain instances, but Tidal has put forth an Update that may resolve this.

It is across platforms and devices, Tidal is still messed up using Roon, and will also need an update. I'm sure this be resolved in short order.

Cheers!!

 

[iullian]

Really? I’ll have to try! But, I will stress I only have one running at a time, never both, so not sure how the conflict occurs. But I’ll run the experiment.

It happened to me and that was my observation.
On the other hand, I keep on reinstalling UAP whenever I want to listen to DSD, MQA or other HiRes downloaded files.

 

[iFi audio]

Really? I’ll have to try! But, I will stress I only have one running at a time, never both, so not sure how the conflict occurs. But I’ll run the experiment.

Did the update Tidal put out help? I do not have my Android device to check it currently.

Cheers!!

 

[jsmiller58]

Did the update Tidal put out help? I do not have my Android device to check it currently.

Cheers!!

The last Tidal update I have is from March 12, and I experienced these issues after that, so I don’t think this is resolved for Android devices.

I haven’t tried the experiment of uninstalling UAP, but will try this evening to see if it makes a difference.

 

[BS5711]

I am listening with my Shanling M3 Ultra android DAP with Tidal and the earlier issues (songs with different file types not playing) seems be have been corrected.

I am not sure of the android update timing but the build version is 2.106.0 which is the same build number as my iPhone 15 which did a Tidal update three days ago.

Might be that they roll out the updates at different times around the globe or you might want to check for an update manually.

 

[jsmiller58]

I am listening with my Shanling M3 Ultra android DAP with Tidal and the earlier issues (songs with different file types not playing) seems be have been corrected.

I am not sure of the android update timing but the build version is 2.106.0 which is the same build number as my iPhone 15 which did a Tidal update three days ago.

Might be that they roll out the updates at different times around the globe or you might want to check for an update manually.

I just tried with the latest Tidal update on Android installed on my phone automatically on March 25 3:23AM Pacific time… no joy. I still need to try the uninstall UAPP hack.

But, this is a Kensei thread and not a Tidal thread, and clearly the issue is not with the Kensei, so I won’t continue to comment unless I get a solution

 

[jsmiller58]

I’m not a photographer by any stretch, so I don’t frequently post photos, but I thought I I would share a shot of the Kensei next to cousins…

At top is the BTR7 (BT, just to show what extra capability might cost in size),. Going down is the L&P W2, UA5, RU6, RU7, KA17, Kensei, and the big boy, Q15…

The Kensei is nicely sized and the best built of the bunch. The others of course have a screen which does benefit usability over the Kensei. But by memory comparing to the others the Kensei has a rich and immersive sound, and relying on memory the others are a bit more clinical… I do intend to do a bit of a bake-off between a few of these, but I am very busy at work and also on the road (yeah, I brought all these with me on the road - my wife just shakes her head…)

 

[rafaelo]

rich and immersive sound, and relying on memory the others are a bit more clinical

Great observation! You hit the nail in the head...

 

[jsmiller58]

I should also say that I only listen to the Kensei with XBass, XSpace, and K2HD turned on because I love the subtle but very real effect.

 

[iFi audio]

I should also say that I only listen to the Kensei with XBass, XSpace, and K2HD turned on because I love the subtle but very real effect.

Hopefully, I will get to spend some time with the Kensei, after AXPONA next month, my brief experience with the K2 HD setting was very appealing to me, but I can't form a real opinion on it yet, but I knew as soon as I put it on it was something that interested me greatly (for my listening)

Cheers!!

 

[rafaelo]

Hopefully, I will get to spend some time with the Kensei, after AXPONA next month, my brief experience with the K2 HD setting was very appealing to me, but I can't form a real opinion on it yet, but I knew as soon as I put it on it was something that interested me greatly (for my listening)

Cheers!!

Guys I do not know how you manage to do it but this is quite a dongle...well done!!!

 

[iFi audio]

Guys I do not know how you manage to do it but this is quite a dongle...well done!!!

We do try!

Glad you are enjoying it!

Cheers!!

 

[Syan25]

I'm looking forward to a thorough review....