iFi Audio has introduced the Go Link 2, a compact USB-C DAC designed to bring true high-resolution, lossless audio to everyday devices like smartphones, tablets, and laptops. Built for listeners who rely on wired headphones and want better sound quality than most built-in audio outputs can deliver, the Go Link 2 targets popular hi-res music use cases, including streaming from services such as Tidal as well as playing locally stored files.
At the heart of the Go Link 2 is an ESS Sabre DAC, enabling support for high-resolution formats up to DSD256 and PCM 384 kHz. For anyone chasing cleaner detail, wider dynamics, and a more refined sound from a phone or laptop, those format capabilities are a key selling point. iFi also highlights measurable performance improvements, stating the Go Link 2 achieves THD+N below 0.0015% (1.27 V @ 32 Ω), which the company says is up to 62% lower than the original Go Link. The frequency response is rated from 10 Hz to 80 kHz, aiming to preserve nuance at both ends of the spectrum.
Despite its tiny size, the Go Link 2 is built to drive a wide range of headphones through a single 3.5 mm jack. Output is rated at 1.59 V and 79 mW into 32 ohms, or 2.0 V and 14 mW into 300 ohms, making it suitable not only for common portable headphones but also for some higher-impedance models that benefit from a bit more voltage swing.
One standout feature is iFi’s S-Balanced technology, implemented through the standard 3.5 mm connection. The company says it reduces crosstalk by half when using typical single-ended headphones, helping improve channel separation for a cleaner stereo image without requiring specialized balanced cables or a larger balanced output.
For Android users, firmware updates and sound settings can be managed through the iFi Nexus app, giving owners a simple way to keep the device current and adjust playback behavior.
The Go Link 2 is built to be genuinely travel-friendly, weighing just 7.8 g (0.3 oz.) and measuring 137 x 12 x 7.6 mm (5.4 x 0.5 x 0.3 in.). It’s positioned as an affordable upgrade for people who want a noticeable step up in audio quality without carrying a bulky headphone amp.
