Review: iFi Go Link Max brings you hi-res audio on the move
You've picked up some high-end headphones but you're going to need some extra power to get the best out of them, often more power than your phone or laptop can deliver.
This is where the iFi GO Link Max comes in. This mini DAC (Digital to Analogue Converter) unlocks the true potential of your playlist, boasting a 4.4mm headphone output and 10x the power of your typical iPhone.
Your phone or laptop will have its own DAC, but usually they aren't up to much. The iFi will supercharge the sound they produce and you hear.
The GO Link is a little dongle that can attach via USB-C to your device (you also get Lightning and USB-C adapters included), and then you can plug in your headphones via the 3.5mm or 4.4mm inputs.
Now this is where we go into audiophile territory. The DAC allows you to enjoy hi-res audio offered by the likes of the Tidal music streaming service. The quality of audio that you're not going to get via your Bluetooth bins. It supports up to PCM 384 kHz and DSD256 natively, letting you enjoy high-fidelity playback directly from your phone or laptop.
I must say it works well, being plug-and-play, and you can really tell the difference once you access some hi-res audio. A little LED light on the GO Link lets you know the bit rate of the songs you are listening to.
With up to 241 mW balanced output, it can drive most in-ear monitors and some full-sized headphones - but you'll need to do some research first. However, it will improve the sound coming from your any wired headphones.
It can't compete against the desktop amps but nor should it at its size and price. For the first step into the world of high-end audio, it's a manageable one.
The iFi GO Link is available via Amazon for £59.
What users say
"Enhances sound quality nicely with corded cans. I've tried this on my Galaxy S20 and S21FE phones, using Tidal. Fine detail is easier to hear whether using my earbuds (RHA) or Grado over ear headphones. Surprisingly, it was on a 1962 live recording of a Herbie Mann concert that the detail was most easily perceived. Does consume battery of course, albeit not excessively. I've had to cover the LED indicator up as it's surprisingly bright for nocturnal listening."
"Not sure how they manage to make headphone amplifier so small easy to use, plug into my laptop the sound is clear loud and detailed impressive through my AKG headphones."
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