IFI AUDIO GO LINK MAX: A Nunchaku-like Audio Peripheral Device

iFi Audio is a UK-based audio company whose specialties focuses on more portable audio devices like portable headphone amps and also some lightweight desktop headphone DAC/amps. This company is a subsidiary of Abbingdon Music Research (AMR) which was known for their premium amplifiers, CD players, line-out cables and speakers, and iFi was able to bring some audio technologies from their sister company. iFi has some R&D establishments in both UK and Mainland China as the latter serves as their main manufacturing hub across their overall business operation.

I’m pretty well aware of this audio brand as I've tested some of their model albeit older ones in a local premium Hi-Fi store way back in the last quarter of 2010, and I've tested their Nano which I find pleasant although they are quite a bit bulky. Since this one is a British brand and I myself is quite a bit of an Anglophile and likes UK-based products and especially its subcultures, and so, it is indeed a good pairing between me and this particular audio brand.

Since this one is quite special as this is my first product review from the said audio company and we have here is their latest entry-level headphone amp dongle, the iFi GO Link Max. And we all know that headphone amp dongles are now crucial devices for audio enthusiasts who still wants to carry an external mobile hi-fi device that they will enjoy on listening high quality music track even on the move in which they can carry it anywhere, and also, the removal of the headphone jack on some modern smartphones are the main reasons on why these devices were invented and it was continuously refined until this day.

This peripheral device has a rather unusual design unlike the collection of DAC/Amps dongles that I have which are usually either a single output jack dongle-type or an elongated rectangular-shaped with a detachable cable feature. This dongle has two compartmentalised parts with a single two-core cable that is connectedly fixed between them. Both casing structures are made of aircraft-grade aluminium alloy which are known for its light and durable properties and these materials underwent an anodising process and then sandblasted to achieve that glossy and matte-like finish on its surface.

On the first compartment where the output jacks and probably some of its important components are most likely to be found inside, this one has an array of dual output pots with different types of audio output connectivity; the standard 3.5mm single ended output and the 4.4mm balanced audio output with a gold-plated inner socket rim.

OUTPUT TYPE	POWER OUTPUT RATING
3.5mm S-Balanced Output	100mW @ 32𝛀; 2VRMS @ 300𝛀
4.4mm Balanced Output	240mW @ 32𝛀; 4VRMS @ 300𝛀

With those power outputs, they are sufficient to amplify almost known types of IEM earphones with transducers that are quite power demanding like planar magnetic drivers and ceramic dynamic drivers, and also earbuds that have high impedance rating.

On its internals, this device equipped a DAC IC from ESS in a dual set-up, the ES9219C in which I’m quite with as this is also the same chip that were also used on other USB DAC/Amp dongles from other audio companies and also implemented on LG V60. I can attest that this audio chip is pretty reliable and proven on as it has a high performance quad DAC functionality that it can process up 32-bit/384kHz along with its proven Sabre headphone amp and its Dynamic Range Enhancement to augment its overall macro-dynamics performance for contrasting the varying degree between loudness and quietest volume level in tandem with iFi’s S -Balanced technology that improves the headphone output delivery in a balanced connection on 3.5mm single-ended head/earphones for minimal distortion and reduce cross-talk, just like the 4.4mm reaps on its advantage for audio output performance.

The  device itself has a LED light to determine the status of sampling rate via colour code that also corresponds with digital audio format mode. It supports both PCM and DSD decoding, the former can process up to 32-bit/384khz while the latter format can decode up to DSD256. Unfortunately, this device doesn't have any physical buttons for media controls nor volume key, and when it comes to power source and volume level control, it relies on its device host’s battery power and software volume control.

DIGITAL FORMAT MODE	COLOUR CODE	SAMPLING RATE
PCM	Green	44.1/88.2/96kHz
PCM	Yellow	176.4/192/352.8/384kHz
DSD	Cyan	DSD64, DSD128
DSD	Blue	DSD256

The fixed cable connector between the two sections is a 2-core silver plated copper wiring sheathed with PVC-coating insulators that were twisted for better conductivity and high quality audio signal transmission. The end of the cables have a rubber gasket on it for added firmer structure. Although, while it is quite pliable, I have some concerns on the quality of the cable as it is a bit on a thinner side.

On the section where the USB connector was situated, it uses a USB Type-C connector which has become the standard to all modern devices for connectivity either for charging, file transfer or simply plug and play. The USB Type-C itself was gold-plated for better conductivity and resistant to corrosion.

The product packaging of this one is quite minimalist but it has some useful inclusions that make this device flexible to be operated across devices and here are the following contents inside:

• iFi GO link Max USB dongle
• USB type-A adapter
• Apple lightning adapter
• Stickers
• Paperwork like instruction manual and quick guides

This peripheral contraption is compatible with other devices like smartphones, tablets, laptops PCs or any modern mobile gadgets as long as it supports USB audio.

On the software side, it has a universal support of major OSes in the market in both mobile and desktop formats.

Mobile OS: Android, iOS, iPadOS

Desktop: Windows, MacOS, Linux

In conducting my testing of this device, I will use this one on my Android devices and laptop with LinuxMint OS. On Android apps, it will be processed mainly by HiBy Music but I will also use the USB AudioPlayer Pro  (UAPP) and Neutron Music App, while on Linux OS, Strawberry Music and DeadBeeF Player.

And also, here are the following IEMs that will be paired with iFi GO Link Max for further assessment:

• LETSHUOER MYSTIC 8
• LETSHUOER EJ07
• LETSHUOER EJ07M
• LETSHUOER EJ09
• LETSHUOER Cadenza 12
• JUZEAR 81T Dragonfly
• HiBy Crystal 6 Mk.II
• BQEYZ Frost
• BQEYZ Wind
• 7th Acoustic Supernova
• HIDIZS MP143
• LETSHUOER S12 2024
• TANGZU XUAN NV

The iFi GO Link Max tonality appears leaning towards on a warmish-neutral sound profile in which is rather a departure from their usual warmish-balanced house sound which is quite an analogue-ish sounding that I’m accustomed with most of iFi products like the Nano and Zen Signatures.

LOWS/BASS:

This dongle is capable of delivering a sufficiently punchy and a bit impactful bass quality that even to sets that are neutrally-tuned are known for their less prominent bass response which are tighter, leaner and a bit hollowed in terms of texture. Thus, this dongle seems to give a little bit of colouration but in a subtle way as I also observed that it adds more potency and depth on some sets with snappier bass response.

Another thing that I noticed is that it also adds a bit of  depth and rumbling response to give that engaging bass grooves on some instruments and volume on some low pitch male vocals’ enunciation.

MIDRANGE:

It appears that the midrange of this one delivers a well-balanced, clean with a tad warmth on its overall presentation that gives a clear, detailed and yet organic sound. It is versatile on both vocals and instruments have these plush and density on the their notes that even some neutral sets will have that sort of richness and velvety on their tonal colour.

Both male and female vocals will have that smooth, rich, tender and emotive qualities on their voices that this device is quite transparent to deliver their timbral quality as accurately and reproduce it faithfully as possible. Same with instruments that their tonal colour qualities has a minimal to none in terms of tonal control and accuracy in which I think is very marginal to be noticed with as they sound smooth, satiny and sweet especially on strings and woodwinds along with a hard, warm and rich tones from percussives and brasses.

HIGHS/TREBLE:

The treble quality of this one conveys a neutral, smooth and evened sound yet detailed that I’m quite familiar with that so-called “Sabre glare” characteristic from ESS DACs that are usually found on some hi-fi dongles that make the overall sound “digital-sounding”, but in this case, not on this device. As expected, there will be no extra colouration as the instruments  sound life-like. Another thing is that this device is able to deliver an airy presentation to some selected IEMs as it gives a sense of openness.

OVERALL TECHNICALITIES:

To think that all iFi devices that I've tested are quite technically proficient in terms of performance, and this dongle is no exception as it also possesses it just like its bigger cousins. It projects a fairly wide spacious sound field in a clean pitch-black background and if it is paired with some IEMs with excellent technical capabilities, it is capable of improving even more on highlighting further their layering and separation proficiencies.

As for resolution capabilities, given on the implementation of DRE (Dynamic Range Enhancement) to improve its macro-dynamics aspect, and not just this resolution aspect but also on its micro-dynamics in which can deliver a very detailed of featuring a good amount of information such as grains, nuances and note textures.

PEER COMPARISONS:

HIDIZS XO

• HIDIZS’ older model DAC/Amp dongle that aims at the entry-level segment.
• It has the usual features of a typical dual audio output dongle which has an elongated rectangular profile.
• Like the GO Link Max, it also utilises the same DAC chip in the same configuration, a dual ESS ES9219, but it utilises more of its digital filters.
• As for its audio output interface, this dongle doesn't have 4.4mm audio output but rather a 2.5mm balanced which is an older audio analogue output.
• When it comes to power out, this dongle can deliver 78mW on 3.5mm and 195mW on 2.5mm in what I think as lesser power output compared to iFi Go Link Max.
• It has a warmish-neutral sound as it sounds a bit more analogue-ish.

BLON V1

• BLON’s first ever headphone amp dongle for the entry-level segment.
• It has a similar profile of a typical dual audio output dongle but it has some unusual features like a protrusion on its side for lanyard or loop straps and a tempered glass on its top panel where we can view its circuitry.
• It uses a proven Cirrus Logic DAC, CS43131 which is capable in terms of processing and decoding performance just like the ESS DAC.
• It is also equipped with both 3.5mm and 4.4mm balanced audio output on its interface.
• It was rated to deliver a power output level of 2Vrms in 3.5mm and 4Vrms in 4.4mm.
• It has a neutral-ish bright sound profile which gives more treble emphasis on already bright sounding sets.

LETSHUOER DT03

• This is actually LETSHUOER’s first headphone DAC/Amp dongle model.
• While it has a usual profile of a dongle of similar class but it has a long LED light indicator and it has a PU-leather case for added protection.
• It also sports an identical DAC chip like from Go Link Max, ESS ES9219c but it seems that it doesn't fully utilise the DRE tech like the latter.
• Like the Go LInk Max, it has a dual audio output port with the same configuration on its interface.
• This one features a manual gain button to switch from low gain mode to high gain mode.
• This dongle delivers a balanced-neutral sound but there is also some slight emphasis on the treble region.

In conclusion, iFi did something else about this product as it utilises some of its core proprietary technologies from their other products and implemented it properly on this miniature device that it further improves its overall performance in both tonal and technical performance. This peripheral device has a potential that it could shake the entirety of DAC/Amp dongles in the entry-level section with its pure, natural and clean sound along with its technical prowess like power output and clean soundscape that can match some dongles at the midrange segment. This device also leaves an imprint in the portable audio market that iFi can deliver an excellent product even on the entry-level section.

iFi GO Link Max is currently available on iFi’s official online store, if interested to purchase this device, just simply check out the non-affiliated link below.

LINK:

https://ifi-audio.com/products/go-link-max

SPECIFICATION:

MODEL: IFI GO LINK MAX

OUTPUT POWER: 100mW (SE); 241mW (BAL)

INPUT MODE: USB TYPE-C

OUTPUT MODE: 3.5mm + 4.4mm

DNR: 130dBA via 4.4mm; 125dBA via 3.5mm

THD: ≤0.0016% @ 32Ω 2.4V via 4.4mm; ≤0.0015% @ 32Ω 1.27V via 3.5mm

SNR: 130dBA via 4.4mm; 125dBA via 3.5mm

SAMPLING RATE: 32bit/384kHz

DSD: DSD64/128/256

DAC CHIP: ESS ES9219c

MATERIAL: ALUMINIUM ALLOY

DIMENSIONS: 150x15x10mm (5.9 x 0.59 x 0.39”)

NET WEIGHT: 14.5g

PROS:

● Solidly well-built  aluminium alloy chassis yet it has just a balanced weight on it.

● Features dual output ports, a 3.5mm SE and 4.4mm balanced.

● Implementation of a proven and reliable ESS DAC.

● Can decode up to 384kHz on PCM, up to DSD256 on DSD format

● Not a single hint of  microphonic effects from its cable.

● Fully utilises the Dynamic Range Enhancement and the S-Balanced technology.

● Fairly packed with accessories.

● Truly a versatile device that can be used on both mobile and desktop PCs, a lightning connector on older iphone models and a USB type-A adapter on the latter.

● Seamless compatibility to all major OSes in the market on either mobile or desktop format. 

● Delivers an excellent power output that can drive some of the most power-hungry IEMs and headphones.

●  A clean, clear sound with a well-balanced sound profile.

● Quite a prolific performer with its overall technical aspects.

CONS:

● Cable structure appears to be quite lean in my opinion.

● No hardware buttons for media controls or volume level.

● Does not have a manual gain mode.

TESTING TRACKS: ( * = 16-bit FLAC, ** = 24-bit FLAC, *'* = MQA, '*' = DSD, *'= .WAV)

Alison Krauss -When You Say Nothing At All *

Jade Wiedlin - Blue Kiss**

Led Zeppelin - When The Levee Breaks **

Mountain - Mississippi Queen *

Queen - Killer Queen **

Guns N' Roses - Patience *'*

Eric Clapton - Tears in Heaven '*'

Sergio Mendes- Never Gonna Let You Go '*'

Pearl Jam - Daughter **

Roselia - Hidamari Rhodonite *

Assassin - Fight (To Stop The Tyranny)*

Celtic Frost- Visual Aggression *

New Order - Blue Monday *

The Corrs- What Can I do (unplugged version) *

Jimi Hendrix Experience - Voodoo Child *

The Madness- Buggy Trousers *

Metallica - Motorbreath **

Mariah Carey- Always Be My Baby *

Destiny's Child - Say My Name *

Malice Mizer- Au Revoir *

Mozart - Lacrimosa *

New York Philharmonic Orchestra - Dvorak- Symphony 9 " From the New World." *

Eva Cassidy - Fields of Gold (Sting cover)*

Michael Jackson - Give In To Me *

Exciter - Violence and Force *

Diana Krall - Stop This World **

Debbie Gibson - Foolish Beat *'*

The Sisters of Mercy – Lucretia My Reflection**

Suzanne Vega – Luka **

Lauren Christy – Steep *

Ottoman Mehter - Hucum Marsi *

Diana Damrau - Mozart: Die Zauberflöte*

P.S.

I am not affiliated to IFI AUDIO nor receive monetary incentives and financial gains as they provide me a review unit for an exchange of factual and sincere feedback from yours truly.

Once again, I would like to send my gratitude to the iFi Audio Rep for providing this review unit. I truly appreciate his generosity and trust towards me and other reviewers.