We recently talked about the iFi Go Link Max from the British company iFi, and now it is time to discuss the entry-level model, the iFi Go Link 2, a second-generation device that improves upon the first and highly popular solution offered by the company for those seeking an extremely affordable dongle DAC capable of significantly enhancing portable listening. Since this is not a niche product but one aimed at a broad audience, our review will also include some considerations and advice for newcomers.
First of all, the price: at the time of writing, the device is available from major retailers for €69, and inside its compact box you will find everything needed to get started: the device itself, a USB adapter for PCs and laptops, and a Lightning adapter for Apple devices. Its use could not be simpler. Connect it to the source device (a smartphone, for example), connect your wired earphones or headphones, and you are ready to go.
Prodotti consigliati
Overview
Compared to the first version, the new model introduces changes primarily in terms of portability: the Go Link 2 is 8% smaller and 29% lighter, which simply means that it is tiny and weighs almost nothing. As a result, it is extremely convenient in virtually any situation, not only on public transport or while walking, but also while running or when carried in a pocket or bag.
The device supports PCM up to 384kHz and DSD256. Furthermore, if connected to an Android source, users can take advantage of the rather fun iFi Nexis app, which not only enables OTA firmware updates but also allows users to experiment with digital filters and quickly adjust the sound signature to best suit a particular genre or track.
The Go Link 2 also supports balanced listening through its 3.5 mm output thanks to iFi’s proprietary S-Balanced technology. It offers slightly more power than its predecessor as well as lower THD+N figures, though we will discuss sound quality in greater detail later.
This is clearly a DAC designed not for inclusion in a high-end audiophile setup, but rather to improve the listening experience of virtually any compact audio system, with any headphones or earphones, including relatively inexpensive ones. While its excellent portability makes it ideal for listening on the go, we encourage users not to overlook the possibility of connecting it to a PC or laptop.
We believe some simple explanations may be particularly useful for hi-fi newcomers who are interested in this device. A DAC and a headphone amplifier are fundamental components for high-fidelity playback. Simplifying somewhat, the audio chain begins with your audio file (which should be lossless, either stored locally or streamed through a lossless music service), passes through the DAC, which converts digital data into an analog signal, then through the amplifier, and finally reaches the playback device—in this case, headphones or earphones.
If you do not use a dedicated DAC/headphone amplifier, these functions are performed by the integrated chipset inside your smartphone, tablet, or computer. Those chipsets rarely provide even decent sound quality; in most cases they range from poor to terrible. To give an example, if you subscribe to Qobuz, own lossless audio files, and perhaps have a pair of excellent wired earphones such as the RE2000 Pro Silver, but connect them directly to your smartphone, the resulting sound quality will still be significantly worse than what you would achieve by assigning DAC and amplification duties to a dedicated device such as the tiny Go Link 2.
Therefore, if you are new to the hobby and wondering whether a dongle DAC can genuinely improve sound quality, the answer is yes—absolutely.
The model also implements iFi’s DRE (Dynamic Range Enhancement) technology, which increases dynamic range by allowing a greater difference between the loudest and quietest passages, producing a subtle but positive impact on overall sound quality.
If you are interested in comparing this DAC with other iFi dongle DACs, keep reading: we have included a dedicated comparison section later in the article. For now, let’s focus on sound quality.
How the Go Link 2 Sounds
We tested the device with relatively affordable headphones and earphones such as the RE2000 Pro Silver, HE400se, and Grado SRX80, as well as with a few higher-end headphones.
Overall, the device delivers a sound signature that leans toward naturalness. The strongest impression, both immediately after plugging it in and after many hours of listening, is that the sound is, above all else, clean. The British company’s products often prioritize clarity and purity, and this device follows the same philosophy, albeit on a smaller scale.
We were pleased to find that this cleanliness does not result in an analytical or sterile presentation, but rather in a vivid and lively one. This is thanks to the excellent dynamic range, combined with solid bass presence and the ability to produce a punchy, impactful sound that makes a noticeable difference when listening to rock, hard rock, and metal.
The level of detail retrieval is very good considering the device’s price. As mentioned earlier, the bass has respectable body, presence, and extension, contributing to a full and energetic overall presentation. The soundstage is neither particularly wide nor especially deep (which would honestly be asking too much at this price point), but it does possess a satisfying sense of space that will be especially rewarding for listeners who have previously relied solely on plugging headphones directly into a laptop or smartphone. This spaciousness is accompanied by good instrument separation and convincing placement across the soundstage.
The midrange is particularly clear and detailed, and we detected no unpleasant spikes in the treble. High frequencies offer good detail retrieval, making the listening experience with the iFi Go Link 2 both enjoyable and relaxing. It is easy to listen for hours, even with demanding or aggressive genres.
With tracks such as Metallica’s “Nothing Else Matters,” listeners can enjoy excellent clarity as notes fade into silence, strong energy in the vocals, and a certain realistic rawness in James Hetfield’s voice.
As for output power, our impressions can be summarized quite simply: the Go Link 2 is powerful enough to drive earphones and moderately demanding headphones without any difficulty. In the overwhelming majority of situations, the available volume will be more than sufficient. If you own headphones with particularly high impedance, there is an extremely simple alternative solution: spend twenty euros more and purchase the iFi Go Link Max.
@amplificalo The iFi Go Link 2 is a compact and affordable portable DAC and headphone amplifier designed for a wide audience rather than dedicated audiophiles. Its purpose is to deliver a clear upgrade over built-in smartphone, tablet, and laptop audio at a very accessible price point of around €69. In the box, users find everything needed for immediate use: the DAC unit, a USB adapter for laptops, and a Lightning adapter for Apple devices. Setup is plug-and-play—connect it to a source device, plug in wired headphones or earphones, and it works. Compared to the first generation, portability has improved significantly. The Go Link 2 is about 8% smaller and 29% lighter, making it almost unnoticeable in a pocket or bag. It supports high-resolution audio up to PCM 384kHz and DSD256. On Android, it can be used with the iFi Nexis app, which enables access to digital filter options. It also features iFi’s S-Balanced 3.5 mm output, which improves channel separation and reduces crosstalk compared to standard single-ended outputs. The device offers slightly more power and improved technical performance over the previous generation. A key concept is the role of a DAC and amplifier. In digital playback, audio from streaming services or local files is processed by a DAC, which converts the signal to analog, then amplified to drive headphones. Without an external DAC, this task is handled by the device’s internal chipset, which is often a weak point. Even with good headphones, smartphone outputs can limit performance. The Go Link 2 bypasses this limitation, offering an immediate improvement in clarity, dynamics, and overall sound quality. In listening tests with various headphones and IEMs such as the RE2000 Pro Silver, HE400se, and Grado SRX80, the Go Link 2 delivers a natural, clean, and lively sound. It avoids sounding sterile or overly analytical, instead offering an engaging and energetic presentation. Bass has good weight and impact, making it particularly enjoyable for rock, hard rock, and metal. Detail retrieval is very good for its price. Bass extension is solid and well-controlled, while midrange clarity is a strong point, providing clear vocals and instrument separation. The treble is smooth and non-fatiguing, allowing long listening sessions. The soundstage is not especially wide, but still offers a noticeable improvement over direct device output. Tracks like Metallica’s “Nothing Else Matters” highlight its strengths, with natural vocal presence, good decay, and strong dynamics. In terms of power, the Go Link 2 can easily drive most earphones and many portable headphones, though high-impedance models may require a more powerful device such as the Go Link Max. Within iFi’s lineup, the Go Link 2 replaces the original Go Link as the best entry-level option. It is lighter, better sounding, and benefits from Nexis app support. In conclusion, the iFi Go Link 2 is not aimed at high-end audiophiles but at the much larger group of users seeking a meaningful upgrade over built-in audio without complexity or high cost. Its combination of low price, strong performance, excellent portability, and ease of use makes it an excellent entry point into better sound quality. Full review on Amplificalo.it/en #hifi #iem #headphones @iFi Audio ♬ audio originale – Amplificalo
Go Link 1 vs Go Link 2 vs Go Link Max
Many prospective buyers will wonder what distinguishes the three Go Link models from one another and which one best suits their needs.
The previous Go Link model is slightly heavier and offers somewhat lower sound quality compared to the Go Link 2. Since the Go Link 2 costs the same, performs slightly better in several respects, and includes support for the Nexis app on Android, we would unquestionably recommend the Go Link 2 instead. Is it worth upgrading if you already own the previous model? Our advice is that if you are willing to spend a little more and intend to purchase higher-quality headphones or IEMs in the future, you should consider moving directly to the Go Link Max.
What are the main differences between the Go Link 2 and the Go Link Max? Better sound quality and greater output power in the Max. The Max features a balanced 4.4 mm output, meaning that to achieve the best possible listening experience, it is advisable to use a balanced headphone cable terminated with a 4.4 mm plug. Therefore, if you own very inexpensive earphones and have no plans to upgrade soon, the Go Link 2 is perfectly adequate. On the other hand, if you already own a respectable pair of headphones or IEMs and either have or are willing to purchase a balanced cable, the Go Link Max is the better choice.
Conclusion
The Go Link 2 is not a dongle DAC designed for experienced audiophiles seeking a device for their carefully curated collection of headphones. Instead, it is a compact device aimed at the vastly larger audience of people who simply want to improve their listening experience with entry-level or lower mid-range headphones and earphones without spending a fortune.
For those users, the Go Link 2 is a fantastic solution. Its extremely low price is its first major strength, followed by its excellent sound performance, respectable output power, and outstanding portability and ease of use. Details such as the ability to control the device through the proprietary Android app and experiment with iFi’s digital filters, along with the inclusion of a Lightning adapter in the box, further enhance the Go Link 2’s value proposition.
If you are a music enthusiast looking to improve your listening experience on a tight budget and with minimal hassle, the Go Link 2 is an excellent choice that we wholeheartedly recommend. It is a perfect way to discover just how much better your headphones or earphones can sound when paired with a properly designed DAC/headphone amplifier.
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