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iFi’s GO link Max Dongle DAC Doubles Down on Power and Connectivity

With more power and balanced connectivity, the iFI GO link Max dongle dac is a great upgrade over the previous GO link and only costs $70.

iFi GO link Max Dongle DAC connected to laptop and IEM

iFi Audio, a maker of popular reasonably-priced compact and portable audio devices, such as portable DACs, has announced the GO link Max dongle DAC. Building on the foundation of the previously released GO link, the Max provides improvements in output power, a balanced Dual DAC setup with a 4.4mm balanced headphone output, minimized distortion, and a wider dynamic range. 

The GO link Max has a compact design similar to that of its predecessor, the Go link. With its silver-plated copper cable and noise-rejecting helix design, listeners can enjoy clear, uninterrupted sound at home or on the go.

iFi Audio GO link Max with Earbuds and Laptop

With up to 241mW of output power — nearly five times more than a MacBook Pro (calculated at 32 ohms RMS using MacBook Pro’s stated headphone output voltage, Go line Max can drive demanding headphones without strain. 

For added audio quality support, the GO link Max incorporates balanced circuitry with a Dual ES9219 DAC setup, physically and audibly separating the left and right channels at greater than 118 dB separation. 

A 4.4mm balanced headphone output helps listeners to hear ultra-clear, precise balanced sound. Balanced audio minimizes unwanted noise or interference that can disrupt the signal resulting in distortion-free listening with better musicality.

iFi Audio GO link Max Connection Diagram

In addition to a 4.4mm true balanced headphone connection, the iFI GO link Max also includes “S-Balanced” connectivity. This is an iFi Audio technology that allows a single-ended 3.5mm headphone jack to deliver the benefits of a balanced audio connection. “S-Balanced” supports reduced distortion and improved channel separation even when using standard single-ended headphones.

The “S” stands for “Single-Ended Compatible.” This allows the 3.5mm jack to be used with both balanced and unbalanced headphones.

iFi Audio GO link Max Connections Close-Up

THD Compensation minimizes harmonic distortion while fine-tuned Dynamic Range Enhancement (DRE) extends the range between the loudest and quietest moments, making music listening more realistic.

The inclusion of ‘Quad DAC+’ and Jitter Elimination enable the GO link Max to deliver ultra-low distortion and clarity. This system reduces digital noise to ensure ultra-clear sound with exceptional detail. Every note, instrument, and vocal is rendered with pinpoint accuracy, allowing listeners to experience their music with enhanced clarity and precision, free from the subtle distortions that can otherwise impact sound quality.

Unlike some of the competition, the GO link Max uses a hardware-based volume control. This means you can turn the volume up or down without losing any of the details in music.

Comparison

iFi Audio GO link Max vs Go link
GO link MaxGO link
Price$79$59
Product TypePortable DAC and Headphone AmpPortable DAC and Headphone Amp
InputUSB-CUSB-C
Headphone Output3.5mm (Single-Ended/S-Balanced)
4.4mm (Balanced)
3.5mm (Single-Ended/S-Balanced)
Microphone Pass-ThroughNot SupportedNot Supported
Hi-Res Audio SupportPCM 384kHz
DSD256 (11.3MHz)
PCM 384kHz
DSD256 (11.3MHz)
MQA RenderingNot IndicatedYes
DAC2 x ESS Sabre ES92191 x Bit-Perfect DSD & DXD DAC by ESS (exact model not provided)
Output Power (RMS)Single-Ended/S-Balanced: 100mW @ 32Ω; 2V @ 300Ω
Balanced: 241mW @ 32Ω; 4V @ 300Ω
Single Ended/S-Balanced: ≥1.5V/70mW @ 32Ω, ≥2V/14mW @ 300Ω
Output ImpedanceSingle-Ended/S-Balanced: 0.35Ω
Balanced: 0.7Ω
Single Ended/S-Balanced: <0.4Ω
SNR (Signal-to-Noise Ratio)Single-Ended/S-Balanced: 125dBA
Balanced: 130dBA
Single-Ended/Balanced: ≥125dBA (2.05V)
THD+NSingle-Ended/S-Balanced: ≤0.0015% @ 32Ω 1.27V
Balanced: ≤0.0016% @ 32Ω 2.4V
Single Ended/S-Balanced: ≤0.004% (1.27V @ 32Ω)
THD CompensationYes
Dynamic RangeSingle-Ended/S-Balanced: >125 dBA
Balanced > 130 dBA 
Single-Ended/S-Balanced: >125  dBA
Dynamic Range EnhancementYes
Frequency ResponseNo Provided10-80kHz (-0.5dB)
Power ConsumptionNo Signal ~0.6W
Max Signal ~3.2W 
No Signal ~0.2W
Max Signal ~1W
Cable Length2.8″ (60mm)2.8″ (60mm)
Dimensions150 x 15 x 10mm
5.9 x 0.59 x 0.39-inches
135 x 12.6 x 7.6mm
5.3 x 0.5 x 0.3-inches 
Net Weight14.5g (0.51 oz)11g (0.4 oz)
Box ContentsiFi Audio GO Link Max
USB-A Male to USB-C Female Adapter
Quick Start Card
Instruction Card
iFi Audio GO Link 
USB-A to USB-C adapter
Lightning to USB-C adapter
Quick Start Card
User Manual
iFi Audio GO link Max What's In The Box

Bottom Line

With so many portable dongle DACs on the market, it can be confusing for music listeners to select the best one to meet their needs and the fact that iFi has a large selection within its brand doesn’t make things easier.

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However, whether you prefer balanced or unbalanced headphone connectivity, the iFi GO link Max might be just the ticket. For $79 you get a sophisticated dongle DAC that can easily travel with you.

Although we haven’t reviewed the GO link Max yet, we have reviewed its predecessor, the iFi GO link and were quite impressed. So we’d expect the Max to be even better.

Pro Tip: In addition to earbuds or headphones, the 3.5mm output can be used to connect the GO link Max to a preamp, integrated amp, or powered speakers.

iFi Audio GO link Max Size Example

Where to buy?

Get the regular iFi GO link for $59 at Amazon.

For more information: ifi-audio.com/products/go-link-max/

Related Reading

3 Comments

3 Comments

  1. Asa

    November 21, 2024 at 5:42 pm

    Just curious – in a few photos above are 64 Audio earbuds. I didn’t see any reviews of them on the site – is it something you’ll look at in the future? They seem to be geared more towards audio engineers/musicians. Thanks.

    • Ian White

      November 21, 2024 at 6:53 pm

      Asa,

      I will ask Will to see if he can get a pair to review in January.

      Ian

      • Asa

        November 21, 2024 at 6:58 pm

        Thanks!

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