The Missing link: iFi Audio Unveils the GO link Max!

[iFi audio]

Same exact behavior when docked. The LED turns green but all audio comes out of the speakers.

From what I can gather (from these posts), even if a DAC supports UAC1, it must default to 16-bit mode in order for the Switch to recognize it. So it's possible that the Go Link Max will work on a PS5.

Thanks for investigating the issue. It would be awesome if this is something that can be addressed in a firmware update. Like I said, I've seen reviews saying that the regular Go Link and even the Go Bar work. The Go Blu will work over Bluetooth, of course, but apparently not when wired.

Just a quick question, but is this occurring as well with the new firmware?

Cheers!!

 

[kotaku]

Just a quick question, but is this occurring as well with the new firmware?

Cheers!!

Yes, I updated the firmware on Friday, no change with the Switch. Thank you for looking into this, I appreciate it!

Also re: the firmware update, I can confirm I haven’t experienced the channel imbalance issue on my iPhone anymore — thanks! However, I haven’t noticed any change in volume output between updates. On an iPhone 12, I literally don’t hear anything until the volume is close to 50 percent. This is the same with single ended and balanced. I actually don’t mind this since usually I have the other problem where the lowest volume setting is still too loud, but just letting you know since it was called out in the firmware release notes.

 

[iFi audio]

Yes, I updated the firmware on Friday, no change with the Switch. Thank you for looking into this, I appreciate it!

Also re: the firmware update, I can confirm I haven’t experienced the channel imbalance issue on my iPhone anymore — thanks! However, I haven’t noticed any change in volume output between updates. On an iPhone 12, I literally don’t hear anything until the volume is close to 50 percent. This is the same with single ended and balanced. I actually don’t mind this since usually I have the other problem where the lowest volume setting is still too loud, but just letting you know since it was called out in the firmware release notes.

Thanks very much for the update!

Cheers!!

 

[SethR]

I have the original, not the Max, but ever since iOS 18 have experienced the volume output issue described above. Interestingly, A&K developed a fix for this for their dongle; their term for it is “audio degradation.”

Anyway, I, too, am only a Mac user so can’t update my device firmware, either, nor will I be able to when my new Max comes. I really hope customers without PCs will eventually be able to update their iFi devices!!

 

[Mr BubbaHyde]

It is interesting and I am doing my best to stay on this "volume issue" along with the lack of an Mac update tool, please bear with us and we will get to a solution.

For some reason I am not having this volume issue, now admittedly when the new GO Link Maxis connected it automatically drops the Volume, but on my studio board (this is how I check output volume because it is a line in and not a headphone perception) at full volume from my iPhone 11 running IOS 18 the volume is represented at the same level as the original GO Link, see pics below for possible help.

in the pull down setting this is auto-dropped (not volume keys but the touch screen volume) see the right image...

And after adjustment...

Could you guys check this and see if the adjustment resolves this issue for the moment?

Thanks in advance!

Cheers!!

 

[Mr BubbaHyde]

Here is the same thing happening on my Android Phone using USBAPPro immediate change in the Hardware volume setting on that app and needs correction before louder volumes will play...

Hope this helps for right now...

Cheers!!

 

[SethR]

Thank you for all this! (Not sure I understand what adjustment you’re making in iOS, however.)

A slight edit to my post above re the A&K firmware update I mentioned: their description says “Fixed iOS 18 iPhone output degradation issues.” So perhaps a known iOS issue?

 

[Mr BubbaHyde]

Thank you for all this! (Not sure I understand what adjustment you’re making in iOS, however.)

A slight edit to my post above re the A&K firmware update I mentioned: their description says “Fixed iOS 18 iPhone output degradation issues.” So perhaps a known iOS issue?

Certainly could be!

The adjustment I posted pics of can be found by running your finger from top right of the screen and pulling down

I used to call it the control center lol

Cheers!!

 

[SethR]

Certainly could be!

The adjustment I posted pics of can be found by running your finger from top right of the screen and pulling down

I used to call it the control center lol

Cheers!!

Ah! Well, I can’t see any difference between the function of the hardware control buttons and the touch screen slider on my iPhone and iPad. They seem identical, and both must be cranked way up now to get usable volume. This definitely didn’t occur on my devices pre-iOS 18.

Thank you so much again- I deeply appreciate your “voluminous” help!

 

[Mr BubbaHyde]

No problem, we will get to the bottom of it, and I will post any useable info I get!

Cheers!!

 

[kotaku]

It is interesting and I am doing my best to stay on this "volume issue" along with the lack of an Mac update tool, please bear with us and we will get to a solution.

For some reason I am not having this volume issue, now admittedly when the new GO Link Maxis connected it automatically drops the Volume, but on my studio board (this is how I check output volume because it is a line in and not a headphone perception) at full volume from my iPhone 11 running IOS 18 the volume is represented at the same level as the original GO Link, see pics below for possible help.

in the pull down setting this is auto-dropped (not volume keys but the touch screen volume) see the right image...



And after adjustment...


Could you guys check this and see if the adjustment resolves this issue for the moment?

Thanks in advance!

Cheers!!

Interesting that you're not experiencing this! We are both running iOS 18.1.1.

None of the music apps I use (primarily Apple Music but I checked Spotify) have separate volume control from the hardware volume. I wonder if Tidal is different?

For reference, an apple lightning dongle is significantly louder at low levels. With an HD660S2, I can hear (very quiet) audio at 1/16 or 2/16 volume, depending on the song. With the Go Link Max, I don't even hear anything playing until I hit 6/16 or 7/16 volume. But to be clear, it can still get loud. If I maxed out the hardware volume like you showed it would be way too loud for me.

 

[Mr BubbaHyde]

Interesting that you're not experiencing this! We are both running iOS 18.1.1.

None of the music apps I use (primarily Apple Music but I checked Spotify) have separate volume control from the hardware volume. I wonder if Tidal is different?

For reference, an apple lightning dongle is significantly louder at low levels. With an HD660S2, I can hear (very quiet) audio at 1/16 or 2/16 volume, depending on the song. With the Go Link Max, I don't even hear anything playing until I hit 6/16 or 7/16 volume. But to be clear, it can still get loud. If I maxed out the hardware volume like you showed it would be way too loud for me.

I was probably not very clear in my explanation, I was referring to the overall (top-end) output level as some have described it as a low volume level, you are completely correct in your assessment of the "Useable Volume Range" so I just think it was an inartful explanation on my part.

Rest assured I am reporting all of my testing results and the folk's comments from here to our tech support team, hopefully, we will have a resolution to this sooner rather than later.

Hope that helps clear it up, and I will check tidal and the other apps as well.

Cheers!!

 

[Mr BubbaHyde]

Yes, I updated the firmware on Friday, no change with the Switch. Thank you for looking into this, I appreciate it!

Also re: the firmware update, I can confirm I haven’t experienced the channel imbalance issue on my iPhone anymore — thanks! However, I haven’t noticed any change in volume output between updates. On an iPhone 12, I literally don’t hear anything until the volume is close to 50 percent. This is the same with single ended and balanced. I actually don’t mind this since usually I have the other problem where the lowest volume setting is still too loud, but just letting you know since it was called out in the firmware release notes.

I have also gotten ahold of my switch (on loan to my son, lol) and have confirmed everything there as well.

This issue was previously reported I am told and is already being worked on.

Cheers!!

 

[kotaku]

I have also gotten ahold of my switch (on loan to my son, lol) and have confirmed everything there as well.

This issue was previously reported I am told and is already being worked on.

Cheers!!

That is awesome news, thank you!!!

Also in case anyone else ever finds themselves like me wondering what portable dac/amps support the Switch, I've been told by an iFi support member that a firmware update actually did add wired USB Switch compatibility to the Go Blu. So I think all of iFi's "Go" line is compatible, which is really great!

 

[iFi audio]

Many Thanks to Ryan Ho and his review of the GO Link Max posted on YouTube!

“This is honestly the most surprising thing I've heard in a long time, it punches above its weight! Competes with higher end stuff around $500!
The performance on this is pretty crazy!”



Cheers!!