The iFi GO Link 2 is iFi’s smallest and lightest portable DAC, designed to transform audio quality on smartphones, tablets, and laptops without the bulk of traditional hi-res audio gear. After ten days of testing, this pocket-sized device proves that exceptional sound does not require a large footprint or an enormous price tag.
Key Takeaways
- iFi GO Link 2 is the smallest portable DAC iFi has ever made, smaller than the first-generation GO Link.
- Connects via USB-C to smartphones, tablets, laptops, Macs, and PCs for instant audio enhancement.
- Features ESS Technology Sabre HiFi series DAC chip with Quad DAC+ technology for reduced distortion.
- Delivers 70mW power at 32 ohms, scaling to 2V for higher-impedance headphones.
- Available at entry-level pricing: around £59 or $59, making hi-res audio accessible to newcomers.
Why This Portable DAC Matters Right Now
The portable DAC market has long suffered from a fundamental compromise: devices that deliver true hi-res audio tend to be bulky, expensive, or both. The iFi GO Link 2 breaks that pattern. It shrinks the entire audio upgrade into something that fits on a keychain, yet retains the engineering that separates genuine hi-res playback from smartphone marketing hype. For commuters, travelers, and anyone tired of muddy audio from built-in headphone outputs, this is a genuine significant shift at a price that does not require justifying to skeptical family members.
The device’s magnesium alloy case keeps weight minimal while maintaining rigidity. Its gold-plated 3.5mm S-Balanced output uses a noise-reducing configuration that eliminates the ground-loop hum plaguing cheaper adapters. The inclusion of iFi’s dedicated clock circuitry and Time Domain Jitter Eliminator means the audio engineering inside rivals devices costing five times as much.
What the iFi GO Link 2 Actually Delivers
Testing revealed immediate, audible improvements across every audio source. Streaming from Spotify on a smartphone sounded noticeably cleaner and more detailed. Podcasts gained clarity. Even compressed YouTube videos benefited from the device’s ability to extract more information from the source material. The 70mW power output at 32 ohms is sufficient for most in-ear monitors and portable headphones, though users with high-impedance studio headphones will appreciate the device’s ability to scale up to 2V output for those applications.
The portable DAC excels at revealing what your music actually contains. Tracks that sound flat through a phone’s built-in amp suddenly acquire layering, separation, and dynamics. The Quad DAC+ technology and ESS Sabre HiFi chip work together to reduce distortion and expand dynamic range in ways that make the upgrade immediately obvious, even to casual listeners. This is not a subtle enhancement — it is the difference between hearing a recording and hearing what the artist intended.
Compared to the first-generation iFi GO Link, the new model shrinks the form factor while improving the core audio performance. It also outclasses the built-in headphone outputs on even the best smartphones, tablets, or computers, making it a practical upgrade for anyone who already owns quality headphones but has not yet invested in dedicated audio hardware.
Size and Practicality
The device’s diminutive size is its defining strength. It connects via USB-C, meaning no additional cables or adapters are required for modern phones and laptops. The magnesium alloy construction feels premium without adding weight. For travelers, this is crucial — the device adds virtually nothing to a travel bag yet delivers audio quality that rivals desktop setups costing hundreds of pounds or dollars.
Pairing the portable DAC with quality headphones amplifies the upgrade. Testing with Meze Audio Liric headphones and Campfire Audio Trifecta earphones revealed the device’s ability to drive even demanding transducers with authority and control. The S-Balanced output configuration eliminates channel imbalances that plague standard single-ended connectors, another engineering detail that separates this device from budget alternatives.
Who Should Buy the iFi GO Link 2?
This portable DAC is an entry-level gateway to hi-res audio without compromises on size or audio quality. Audiophiles on a budget, commuters tired of tinny smartphone audio, and anyone who already owns good headphones but has not upgraded their audio chain should seriously consider it. At £59 or $59, it represents exceptional value for a genuine audio upgrade rather than a marketing gimmick.
The device is less suitable for users content with standard Bluetooth earbuds or those unwilling to use wired headphones. It also requires a USB-C port, meaning older devices with Micro-USB or Lightning connectors will need adapters. But for anyone with modern hardware and a desire to hear their music as intended, this is one of the most practical audio upgrades available.
Is the iFi GO Link 2 worth buying?
Yes, if you own quality wired headphones and use a USB-C device regularly. The audio improvement is immediate and significant, the price is accessible, and the form factor makes it genuinely portable. It is one of the best entry-level investments in audio quality available today.
How does the iFi GO Link 2 compare to other portable DACs?
The iFi GO Link 2 is smaller and lighter than the first-generation GO Link while improving audio performance. It outclasses the built-in headphone outputs on smartphones, tablets, and computers, making it a practical upgrade for anyone already using quality headphones.
What headphones work best with the portable DAC?
The device pairs well with any wired headphones, but testing revealed excellent results with higher-quality models like Meze Audio Liric headphones and Campfire Audio Trifecta earphones. Check your headphone impedance against the device’s 70mW output at 32 ohms to ensure adequate power delivery.
The iFi GO Link 2 proves that portable audio does not require compromise. It is small enough to forget you are carrying it, powerful enough to transform your listening experience, and affordable enough to justify the purchase without second-guessing. For anyone serious about audio quality but unwilling to sacrifice mobility, this is the portable DAC that finally gets it right.
Where to Buy
Edited by the All Things Geek team.
Source: TechRadar
