[drhonk]

This is great, just in time when I need to get a small portable DAC. I can't wait to read the reviews on it.

 

[dacari]

Still figuring out how the volume adjustement works and how many steps we have?
Since the different filters will be changed via firmware download, I assume there won't be a dedicated app.

These type of devices without independent volume (hardware or software via app) ruins the experience completely.

 

[InvisibleInk]

Available from selected retailers from 5th December,

Well, the countdown has begun! Who are these lucky selected retailers?

 

[dacari]

Well, the countdown has begun! Who are these lucky selected retailers?

In Spain it is available since last week. Probably I'll order mine today.

 

[Niteowl360]

Plug headphones into ‘GO link’ for supercharged sound​

Packing in sophisticated sonic technology that outstrips other USB-C to 3.5mm headphone jack adapters, the latest addition to iFi’s GO series delivers superior sound at a super-affordable price

Southport, England – iFi audio expands its GO series of ultraportable DAC/headphone amps with the GO link – a headphone dongle that delivers supercharged sound when connected to smartphones, tablets, PCs and Macs via a USB port.

Its purpose is twofold. First, to enable corded headphones and earphones to connect to digital devices that don’t have a 3.5mm headphone output. Second, even if a device does have a headphone socket, the GO link delivers a big sonic upgrade. This is because its sophisticated DAC (Digital-to-Analogue Converter) and headphone amp circuitry is superior to the audio tech contained within mobile devices and computers.

Even for a company renowned for producing class-leading audio devices at affordable prices, the GO link’s price is remarkable – with an RRP of just £59/€59/$59, it’s the most affordable DAC/headphone amp iFi has ever made. And yet, even at this price, iFi has delivered a device of high sophistication.

At one end of the GO link is a USB-C connector, at the other is the DAC and headphone amp circuitry, both housed in robust yet lightweight magnesium alloy enclosures. In between is a 6cm length 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 is connected.

iFi hasn’t skimped on the quality of the cable, which uses silver-plated copper conductors with individual polymer insulation in a ‘twisted pair’ configuration. This rotational twist helps to optimise inductance and capacitance and also aids noise rejection, ensuring the GO link’s sound isn’t affected by electromagnetic interference picked up from nearby electrical sources.

DAC’s the ticket

The GO link draws on the experience iFi has gained in developing a range of multi-award-winning DACs at a wide spread of prices. At its heart lies a power-efficient, high-performance DAC chip from ESS Technology’s Sabre HiFi series – the ES9219MQ/Q – benefiting from 32-bit HyperStream III architecture. This combines with Quad DAC+ and Time Domain Jitter Eliminator technologies, plus iFi’s dedicated clock circuitry utilising a specialised crystal oscillator, to deliver ultra-low distortion, excellent clarity and impressive dynamic range.

iFi has taken full advantage of the DAC chip’s advanced specification, unlocking high-end features such as DRE (Dynamic Range Enhancement), plus technologies to minimise THD (Total Harmonic Distortion) and crosstalk. Users can even select between different digital filters via downloadable firmware should they wish to do so, giving a degree of personal sonic tailoring according to taste.

With its flexible cable linking the USB-C connector to the DAC/headphone amp, the GO link is a practical solution for great sound with corded headphones​

Unlike other headphone dongles, the GO link doesn’t rely on the software-based volume controls in connected digital devices, which can adversely affect audio resolution. Instead, adjusting the volume on the connected device controls the volume level in the GO link’s DAC, not in the phone, tablet or computer – this hardware-based analogue volume control is another feature that helps to deliver the GO link’s superior sonic performance.

The GO link’s hi-res audio credentials are highly impressive given its diminutive price. PCM audio data is supported to 32-bit/384kHz, alongside DSD to 11.2MHz (DSD256) and MQA (the streaming technology used by Tidal’s ‘HiFi Plus’ tier). An LED changes colour to indicate the incoming audio format – PCM, DSD or MQA – and the PCM/DSD sample rate.

Headphone heaven

The GO link’s headphone amp feeds a gold-plated 3.5mm socket incorporating iFi’s noise-reducing S-Balanced configuration, easily outclassing the headphone outputs built into phones, tablets and computers. This delivers a power output of 70mW/1.5V into 32 ohms, rising to 2V with higher impedance headphones – plenty to drive the kind of headphones and earphones with which the GO link is likely to be partnered whilst minimising drain on the connected device’s battery. As well as powering headphones, the 3.5mm analogue output can be used to connect a preamp or integrated amp, or powered speakers.

From in-ears to over-ears, iFi’s GO link is the dongle that makes headphones sound heavenly with smartphones, laptops and more​

Those familiar with iFi audio devices will know that the company uses discrete, high-grade components in its circuit designs, and the same is true of the GO link despite its small size and low price. Devices such as TDK C0G multilayer ceramic capacitors and inductors from Taiyo Yuden and Murata deliver qualities such as low ESR (Equivalent Series Resistance) and high linearity, paying great dividends in terms of sound quality.

Available from selected retailers from 5th December, the GO link is the ultraconvenient, ultraportable sonic supercharger that every headphone user can afford. Adapters are included to convert the GO link’s USB-C connector to fit USB-A and Apple Lightning ports – whether you’re using the GO link with an Android or iOS device, a Windows PC or an Apple Mac, everything you need is in the box. All of which makes the GO link’s RRP of £59/€59/$59 even more remarkable – simply plug in your favourite corded headphones or earphones and immerse yourself in powerful, dynamic and detailed sound.

Nice to see ESS which should go a long way to counter the usual over warm sound from the ifi hip DAC. Looking forward to trying this when available in South Africa

 

[iFi audio]

Still figuring out how the volume adjustement works and how many steps we have?

Volume is digitally controlled on your smartphone/tablet/laptop/pc, thanks!

Looking forward to trying this when available in South Africa

Please let us know how GO link works out for you once you have it

Who are these lucky selected retailers?

We don't have the official list here, but please ask your local iFi distributor/reseller and they should have that info, thanks!

 

[Niteowl360]

Still figuring out how the volume adjustement works and how many steps we have?
Since the different filters will be changed via firmware download, I assume there won't be a dedicated app.

These type of devices without independent volume (hardware or software via app) ruins the experience completely.

This comes from the ESS DAC product sheet.
Each output channel has its own attenuation circuit. The attenuation for each channel is controlled independently. Each channel can be attenuated from 0dB to –127dB in 0.5dB steps. Each 0.5dB step transition takes up to 64 intermediate levels, depending on the vol_rate setting in Register 6: DOP AND VOLUME RAMP RATE. The result being that the level changes are done using small enough steps so that no switching noise occurs during the transition of the volume control. When a new volume level is set, the attenuation circuit will ramp softly to the new level. The volume control can be either channel independent or synchronized using Register 27: GENERAL CONFIGURATION ch1_volume.

 

[dacari]

This comes from the ESS DAC product sheet.
Each output channel has its own attenuation circuit. The attenuation for each channel is controlled independently. Each channel can be attenuated from 0dB to –127dB in 0.5dB steps. Each 0.5dB step transition takes up to 64 intermediate levels, depending on the vol_rate setting in Register 6: DOP AND VOLUME RAMP RATE. The result being that the level changes are done using small enough steps so that no switching noise occurs during the transition of the volume control. When a new volume level is set, the attenuation circuit will ramp softly to the new level. The volume control can be either channel independent or synchronized using Register 27: GENERAL CONFIGURATION ch1_volume.

Thank you very much but I'm afraid these are "on paper" numbers, at least with android you can't access these internal steps I assume without a proper app.

In my case owning a Samsung phone I can install "sound assistant" an original app, only for Samsungs, that tweak the volume (among other things) until 150 volume steps.

I just received mine, I downloaded the firmware from website v.1.66 but it came with a newer v.1.69 so I don't flashed it.
Very well finished dongle and smaller than I imagined from the photos. Just a quick test, out of the box with some tunes and it seems a well balanced and a touch of analogue sound.

 

[iFi audio]

Thank you very much but I'm afraid these are "on paper" numbers, at least with android you can't access these internal steps I assume without a proper app.

In my case owning a Samsung phone I can install "sound assistant" an original app, only for Samsungs, that tweak the volume (among other things) until 150 volume steps.



I just received mine, I downloaded the firmware from website v.1.66 but it came with a newer v.1.69 so I don't flashed it.
Very well finished dongle and smaller than I imagined from the photos. Just a quick test, out of the box with some tunes and it seems a well balanced and a touch of analogue sound.

Thanks a lot for this early feedback and may the product serve you well

 

[Niteowl360]

I recommend you also look at the UAPP (USB Audio Player Pro) app by eXtream Software.
Works wonderfully with Tidal and others and offers really amazing Sound reproduction that I'm sure you'll enjoy

 

[Niteowl360]

Volume is digitally controlled on your smartphone/tablet/laptop/pc, thanks!



Please let us know how GO link works out for you once you have it



We don't have the official list here, but please ask your local iFi distributor/reseller and they should have that info, thanks!

May I ask if any plans to use ESS in the Hip DAC 3 perhaps? Thank you

 

[Bernard23]

Oops. I bought one as a gift to stream from a desktop. I assumed it was a standard USB port connector.

 

[iFi audio]

May I ask if any plans to use ESS in the Hip DAC 3 perhaps? Thank you

We don't have a hip-dac 3, so we have no plans

Oops. I bought one as a gift to stream from a desktop. I assumed it was a standard USB port connector.

In the box there's an adapter from USB-C to USB-A, so you're good!

 

[damole]

I got mine yesterday in India. Fits my phone easily with the case on.

 

[damole]

USB A and iPhone adapters.