iFi GO Link Max vs. GO Link: Portable DAC/Amp Comparison

Portable DAC/Amps have revolutionized the way we experience high-quality audio on the go, offering audiophiles a powerful yet compact solution to elevate their listening experiences. While many portable DAC/Amps tend to be bulky and awkward to carry, iFi Audio has perfected the art of portability and performance with their GO Link series. Today, we explore the advancements in the iFi GO Link Max, a new upgrade to the original GO Link, and evaluate its enhanced functionality, performance, and value.

What Comes In The Box

GO Link Max — $79	GO Link — $59
GO Link Max USB-A Male to USB-C Female Adapter Lightning Male to USB-C Female Adapter Quick Start Card Instruction Card	GO Link USB-A Male to USB-C Female Adapter Lightning Male to USB-C Female Adapter Quick Start Card Instruction Card

 

Both models are well-packaged, with accessories designed to ensure compatibility across a wide range of devices. While the accessories remain the same, the GO Link Max’s enhanced functionality distinguishes it as a more versatile option for demanding users.

Aesthetics and Functionality

In terms of design, the GO Link Max and the GO Link retain a similar aesthetic, with a clean and understated appearance. However, the GO Link Max incorporates a gold-plated chassis, which not only enhances durability but also subtly signifies its premium positioning over the silver-clad original GO Link. The Max is slightly larger to accommodate its dual-output configuration, but the increase in size is minimal and does not compromise portability.

Despite its larger form factor, the GO Link Max integrates seamlessly with smartphones, laptops, and other devices, ensuring a streamlined user experience. Both models feature a robust build quality, making them reliable companions for on-the-go audio setups.

Both the GO Link Max and GO Link are designed with adaptability in mind. Their standard USB-C terminations are complemented by included USB-A and Lightning adapters, enabling compatibility with a wide range of devices, from Android and iOS smartphones to desktop computers. This makes either model an excellent choice for those seeking reliable, long-lasting connections across diverse setups. However, the GO Link Max extends its adaptability with an additional 4.4mm balanced output alongside the standard 3.5mm S-Balanced output, greatly expanding its utility for audiophiles with diverse headphone collections.

Tech Specs

GO Link Max – $79	GO Link – $59
Outputs: 3.5mm S-Balanced 4.4mm Balanced Output Power (RMS) 241mW @ 32Ω; 4V @ 300Ω (Balanced) 100mW @ 32Ω; 2V @ 300Ω (S-Balanced) Signal-to-Noise Ratio >130dBA (Balanced) >125dBA (S-Balanced) THD+N <0.0016% (Balanced) <0.0015% (S-Balanced) Dynamic Range Enhancement: Yes THD Compensation: Yes	Output Power (RMS) 70mW @ 32Ω; 2V @ 600Ω (S-Balanced) Dynamic Range Enhancement: Yes THD Compensation: No

The GO Link Max’s additional balanced output significantly elevates its performance capabilities. The higher output power, lower distortion, and superior signal-to-noise ratio make it better suited for driving high-impedance headphones, ensuring clean, distortion-free audio even at higher listening volumes.

Listening Review

Despite their compact size, both the GO Link Max and the original GO Link deliver remarkable audio performance, punching well above their weight class. Equipped with advanced dynamic range enhancement and THD compensation, these DAC/Amps bring out the best in your headphones, enhancing detail retrieval, imaging, and tonal balance.

The GO Link Max, however, takes the performance to the next level. Its balanced output offers increased headroom and improved channel separation, resulting in a wider soundstage and more precise imaging. During testing, the GO Link Max demonstrated a cleaner, more refined sound profile, especially at higher volumes. This was particularly noticeable when paired with high-impedance headphones, where the additional power output and lower distortion shone through.

By comparison, the GO Link remains a highly capable device, providing excellent performance for its price point. However, it lacks the extended dynamic range and power reserves of the Max, making it better suited for low to moderately demanding headphones.

Summary

iFi has outdone itself with the GO Link Max, offering a compelling upgrade to the already impressive GO Link. For just $20 more, the Max provides:

• A balanced 4.4mm output for greater versatility
• Improved power output and dynamic range
• Cleaner sound reproduction with lower distortion

If your setup includes multiple headphones with varying termination requirements or higher impedance demands, the GO Link Max is an obvious choice. Its enhanced features and performance make it a more future-proof investment for audiophiles seeking portability without compromise.

However, if your needs are simpler—for instance, if you primarily use a single headphone with a 3.5mm jack—the original GO Link remains a solid and affordable option.

The iFi GO Link Max and GO Link are available at Audio46.