iFi Audio Go Link 2 USB-C DAC Brings High-Resolution Audio to Mobile Devices

iFi Audio has unveiled the Go Link 2, a compact USB-C digital audio converter designed to bring high-resolution audio to smartphones and laptops. The petite adapter, weighing just 7.8 g (0.3 oz.), allows users to enjoy lossless music streams from services like Tidal through its ESS Sabre DAC, supporting DSD256 and PCM 384 kHz formats with a frequency response of 10 Hz to 80 kHz.

The Go Link 2 represents a significant upgrade over its predecessor, with iFi claiming a total harmonic distortion plus noise (THD+N) of under 0.0015% at 1.27 V and 32 Ω, representing up to a 62% improvement in audio fidelity. The device features a single 3.5 mm headphone jack that supports both common wired headphones and high-impedance models, delivering 1.59 V and 79 mW at 32 ohms or 2.0 V and 14 mW at 300 ohms.

A key feature of the Go Link 2 is iFi's proprietary S-Balanced technology, which the company states reduces crosstalk by half when using single-ended 3.5 mm headphones. This technology helps maintain audio separation and clarity, particularly important for complex musical passages and spatial audio content.

The adapter measures 137 x 12 x 7.6 mm (5.4 x 0.5 x 0.3 in.), making it highly portable for on-the-go listening. Users can fine-tune their audio experience through the Android iFi Nexus app, which allows for firmware updates and sound settings adjustments. This level of customization enables listeners to optimize the DAC's performance based on their specific headphones and listening preferences.

Priced at $59 MSRP, the Go Link 2 is available through iFi's Amazon store and direct from the company. The device targets audiophiles and music enthusiasts who want to extract maximum performance from their mobile devices without investing in full-sized desktop DACs or amplifiers.

The launch comes as high-resolution audio streaming continues to gain traction, with services like Tidal, Qobuz, and Amazon Music HD offering lossless and hi-res audio tiers. As smartphone manufacturers increasingly remove headphone jacks, USB-C DACs like the Go Link 2 provide a solution for users who want to maintain high-quality wired audio connections while benefiting from improved digital-to-analog conversion.

For users who have invested in high-quality headphones or who simply want to experience their music library with greater detail and accuracy, the Go Link 2 offers a compelling combination of performance, portability, and affordability in a market where premium audio accessories often command significantly higher prices.