iFi GO link 2 Max

Dual ESS DACs with Balanced Output in a Pocket-Sized USB-C DAC
Sale price$85

Description

The iFi GO link 2 Max is a compact USB-C DAC and headphone amplifier designed to improve wired headphone listening from compatible smartphones, tablets, laptops, and computers. With dual ESS Sabre DACs, balanced and S-Balanced headphone outputs, high-resolution audio support, and hardware volume control, it provides a substantial audio upgrade without the size of a conventional portable or desktop DAC/amp.

Two ESS Sabre DAC chips are used with one dedicated to each channel, while the GO link 2 Max supports PCM up to 384kHz and DSD256. The 4.4mm balanced headphone output delivers up to 241mW at 32 ohms and 4V at 300 ohms, while a 3.5mm S-Balanced output provides compatibility with conventional headphones and IEMs. iFi's S-Balanced implementation is designed to reduce crosstalk between left and right channels.

Dynamic Range Enhancement provides up to 6dB of additional dynamic range, while iFi's updated DAC implementation is designed to reduce harmonic distortion compared with the previous GO link Max. Hardware-based volume control provides direct adjustment of listening level without relying solely on software volume attenuation.

iFi GO link 2 Max Portable USB DAC Headphone Amplifier

The GO link 2 Max also supports the iFi Nexis app on Android, providing access to firmware updates, volume limiting, and Hybrid or Linear digital filter selection. At approximately 11.5g and powered directly from the connected USB device, it is designed as an easy-to-carry upgrade for wired headphone and IEM listening.

Dual ESS Sabre DACs

The GO link 2 Max uses two ESS Sabre DAC chips, with one dedicated to each audio channel. It supports PCM up to 384kHz and native DSD256 for compatible high-resolution music playback.

iFi GO link 2 Max Portable USB DAC Headphone Amplifier

Balanced & S-Balanced Headphone Outputs

A 4.4mm balanced headphone output provides up to 241mW at 32 ohms and 4V at 300 ohms.

The 3.5mm output uses iFi's S-Balanced technology, which applies balanced circuit principles to a conventional single-ended headphone connection and is designed to reduce channel crosstalk.

Dynamic Range Enhancement

iFi's Dynamic Range Enhancement provides up to 6dB of additional dynamic range between quieter and louder musical passages. It gives listeners another option for tailoring playback without adding complexity to the physical controls.

Hardware Volume Control & Nexis

Hardware-based volume control provides direct adjustment of output level. Android users can also use the iFi Nexis app for firmware updates, volume limiting, and selection between Hybrid and Linear digital filters. iFi specifies these Nexis functions as Android-only.

KEY FEATURES

  • Dual ESS Sabre DACs — One DAC is dedicated to each audio channel.

  • 4.4mm Balanced Output — Delivers up to 241mW at 32 ohms and 4V at 300 ohms.

  • 3.5mm S-Balanced Output — Provides compatibility with conventional headphones and IEMs while reducing channel crosstalk.

  • PCM 384kHz / DSD256 — Supports high-resolution PCM and native DSD playback.

  • Dynamic Range Enhancement — Provides up to 6dB of additional dynamic range.

  • Hardware Volume Control — Provides direct volume adjustment without relying solely on software attenuation.

  • iFi Nexis Support — Android users can access firmware updates, volume limiting, and digital filter selection.

  • Two Digital Filters — Hybrid and Linear filter options are available through Nexis on Android.

  • USB-C Powered — Draws power directly from the connected device and requires no internal battery.

  • Compact Design — Approximately 11.5g for easy portable use.

CONNECTIVITY & COMPATIBILITY

Input

  • USB-C digital input

  • USB-A compatibility with included adapter

Headphone Outputs

  • 4.4mm balanced

  • 3.5mm S-Balanced

Supported Audio

  • PCM up to 384kHz

  • DSD up to DSD256

Wireless

  • Bluetooth: No

  • Wi-Fi: No

App Compatibility

  • iFi Nexis on Android

  • Firmware updates

  • Hybrid/Linear filter selection

  • Volume limiting

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the iFi GO link 2 Max?
The GO link 2 Max is a compact USB-C DAC and headphone amplifier designed to improve wired headphone playback from compatible smartphones, tablets, laptops, and computers.
Does the GO link 2 Max have a 4.4mm balanced output?
Yes. It includes a 4.4mm balanced headphone output delivering up to 241mW at 32 ohms, along with a 3.5mm S-Balanced output.
What audio formats does the GO link 2 Max support?
It supports PCM up to 384kHz and native DSD up to DSD256.
Can I use the GO link 2 Max with an iPhone?
Yes, with compatible USB-C iPhones. The GO link 2 Max functions as a USB DAC/headphone amplifier, although iFi specifies its Nexis customization features as Android-only.
Does the GO link 2 Max have Bluetooth?
No. The GO link 2 Max is a wired USB-C DAC/headphone amplifier and does not include Bluetooth or Wi-Fi.
Does the GO link 2 Max need a battery?
No. It draws power directly from the connected USB device, so there is no internal battery to charge.

Specifications

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
Digital Inputs USB-C
Hi-Res Support PCM 384kHz; DSD256
Chipset 2x Bit-Perfect DSD & DXD DACs by ESS
Headphone Output Balanced 4.4mm; S-Balanced* 3.5mm
RMS Output Power Balanced: ≥241mW @ 32Ω; 4V @ 300Ω
S-Balanced*: ≥100mW @ 32Ω; 2V @ 300Ω
Output Impedance Balanced: <0.7Ω
S-Balanced*: <0.35Ω
SNR & DNR Balanced @ 600Ω: ≥130dBA
S-Balanced @ 600Ω: ≥125dBA
THD+N Balanced (2.4V @ 32Ω): ≤0.0007%
S-Balanced* (1.27V @ 32Ω): ≤0.001%
Frequency Response 10Hz–80kHz (-3dB)
Dimensions 143 x 15 x 9.4mm (5.6 x 0.6 x 0.37")
Net Weight 11.5g (0.40oz)
Limited Warranty 12 Months*; 24 Months in EU
WHAT'S INCLUDED
In the Box 1x GO link Max
1x USB A to C Adapter
1x User Manual
1x Warranty Card
DOWNLOADS
User Manual Download PDF

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