iFi GO link - Portable DAC & Headphone Amplifier-USB - C to 3.5mm Adapter

I had an LG phone in the past that had an ESS DAC built in and it sounded great with MQA files and Hi Res Audio. I wanted to be able to listen to Hi-Res audio again and found support built into modern phones virtually non existent. I bought a HIDIZ USB C headphone DAC that I thought would mean I could listen to high quality again but alas no. It required putting my phone in developer mode with USB debugging enabled to work, it was very hit and miss sometimes not working at all. Very poor. I bought a Sony phone that supported Hi-Res audio. It was good but the headphone amp on it was rubbish. Not good enough to drive decent headphones. Both of these went on eBay. I then decided to buy the GO Link to listen with my new iPhone having switched from Android. Really wanted to listen to Apple HiRes Lossless properly. It comes with a USB C to lightning adapter included. I plugged it in and added a pair of good quality wired headphones then went into the settings in Apple Music and switched on being able to listen to HiRes Lossless. It worked perfectly without any problems. The sound was very impressive. The first album I managed to find that was Hi Res was Iggy Pop’s “The Idiot” I found the stereo separation excellent. Hearing subtle nuances in the sound field I hadn’t heard before. All the different components of the opening track Sister Midnight could be heard individually rather than blending into the entire sound of the song. I did notice bits I hadn’t heard before. Even Iggy’s backup vocals behind his own main track could be heard quite clearly. Tried lots of other albums in high res quality and all sounded excellent. Apple Music on the iPhone iOS can’t seem to do gapless properly which is a bit annoying. It can on Android apparently. No fault of the GO (come on Apple) Listening to the Go Link with Qobuz I had no gapless worries and LP’s like Floyds Dark Side of The Moon or a bit of Jean Michel Jarre all worked fine and sounded REALLY good! I’ve also used it whilst working plugged into my MacBook Air and can listen to my own HD Audio collection. All in all a well built great little headphone DAC at a very reasonable price. Finally I can listen to HD Audio again. Very pleased, can’t fault it.

I am posting here a quick preview before I post my long one in headfi. I have many similar devices (ka3, ka2, dc03 pro, DRAGONFLY V1.2, DACMAGIC ) and reviewed the ifi go bar in headfi few months ago. The go link is the absolute nobrainer to buy immediately. The sound is absolutely stellar and scale significantly my beloved 58x that are not easy to drive. Now if you have vastly more difficult to drive headphones than the 58x you should look devices like the ifi go bar and fiio ka3. The ifi go bar is also very good but I find it expensive and I do not have expensive headphones to match at the moment. The fiio ka3 is also amazing for the money but drawing a lot more power and a bit aggressive tuned for my taste. Even if you have that there is still room to buy also the go link is so much smaller, so much more efficient and tames the ESS sabre dac sufficiently enough to make it sound organic as only ifi products can sound. To my taste is much better than the dc03 pro, I am still thinking to return the dc03 but if I keep it will be only for the app with the special discrete volume steps. And the s-balanced configuration can be used with a suitable adapter and your special balanced cable that you already have and love in one of your favourite headphones so almost not to miss balanced configuration at all.. The icing on the cake : a very good lighting adapter for the iPhone is also included. I paid 17£ for that when I bought my ka3. I mean how much better deal can be than that?

I have an older pair of BOSE quiet comfort ANC headphones which are awesome. With newer mobile phones I haven't been able to use them though because of having no 3.5mm jack. My current phone is a Pixel 7 Pro for reference. I really hoped this dongle would be the solution as Bluetooth headphones are nowhere near the same audio quality. This device did an excellent job of converting the information, the sound was balanced and of excellent quality. However, random tracks often didn't play at all, when the same track had been played previously. There was the occasional pop sound. No immediate help was available from their website; apart from getting a support ticket and waiting. The poor experience of others online in getting their issues resolved convinced me to just return it and look elsewhere.

Replacement for Creative SoundBlaster Play 3 dongle which was a huge improvement on original pc soundcard. After reading so many positive reviews and watching relevant YouTube reels, I took the plunge and purchased. Immediately noticeable sound improvement. It's like looking through windows without the net curtains. Everything just seems more clear and focussed. This will be primarily for listening to my audio files on my pc through quality desktop speakers. Just WMA lossless or FLAC files, not any hi res files. Won't be tempted on a further upgrade any time soon. Edit: 02/01/2026 Been listening to some new albums and some "classics" to try and find fault and trick this DAC. Haven't listened to anything yet that has not been a massive improvement on the old SoundBlaster DAC. Even on discs burned for my old Fiat panda cd player. And I'm not using expensive hardware to rip and burn discs, and am using Music Bee software to play my audio files as PC is my main music player now. I cannot recommend this DAC highly enough. It has wildly exceeded all of my expectations

Excellent reproduction, marked improvement in sound stage and instrument separation. Nice construction, a little concerned at the interconnect cable which seems like it may be a little fragile/vulnerable. Time will tell. Recommended.

Good product clear sound although the build quality is not so satisfactory a very tight jack socket and a loss casing causing it to move slightly in and out when I pull it out or push in. I stopped using it anyhow When I bought my iPad M5 the USB C cable provided with it sounds much better and plays louder sound then this dongle

I don't often leave reviews, but on this occasion ... Wow! I bought the iFi GO link to use with my laptop but have started by using it between a Samsung A52s and RODE NTH-100 headphones. The sound quality is amazing - open, detailed, good bass, accurate trebles. I've just listened to Tom Waits' Make it Rain - spine tingling. Ry Cooder - great prentation of even fine detail. On Taj Mahal's Corinna I heard nots I hadn't realised were on the recording. Why did I wait so long to buy this?

Bought on a whim to see how good it was and TBH was not expecting much. Using Apple Music (lossless) on an iPad as a source into Beyerdynamic DT990 Pro 8 ohm headphones I was surprised at how good it sounded - I can hear detail I never heard before. I also regularly listen, while I’m working, from a MacBook Air into an old, but was good in the day, Altec Lansing PC Speaker setup. Already sounded good for casual listening using the DAC in the MAC so was not expecting any improvement but again sounds clearer and with more detail. I have also tested with an iPhone and a Samsung phone and same good results. So a very good purchase :-)

pas beaucoup de points de comparaison mais la qualité audio est au rendez-vous (Qobuz + Casque B&W filaire)

Good

Un produit tres sympathique qui offre un vrais DAC a votre smartphone et permet d'utiliser un casque filaire sur les mobiles de dernières générations qui n'ont plus de prises jack 3.5. La qualité sonore est de plus excellente compte tenu du prix, comme d'habitude chez ifi, j'ai aussi un Zen DAC v2 de la même marque et il est excellent lui aussi. A noter toutefois qu'il existe maintenant des alternatives Chinoises de qualité pour des prix équivalents (Fiio notamment), mais j'ai préféré faire confiance a une boite Européenne dont je connais déjà le sérieux et la qualité de fabrication.

ligero, practico, materiales de muy buena calidad, robusto, preciso, y donde destaca es en su sonido, este DAC da un sonido cálido con muy buen balance en frecuencias, su chip da muy buena calidad de sonido, realmente escuchas la diferencia al usarlo. Excelente calidad-precio.

I recently acquired the iFi Audio GO Link Portable DAC and Amp, and it has been an absolute revelation for my music listening experience. This compact device has breathed new life into my audio setup, making me realize what I've been missing out on all these years. Firstly, the compatibility of the GO Link is outstanding. With both lightning and USB connectors included, I've seamlessly integrated it into my iPhone, Lenovo Laptop, and Desktop Computer setups. This flexibility alone sets it apart, as it caters to a wide range of devices, making it a versatile solution for any audiophile. The impact on the audio quality is nothing short of remarkable. I've noticed a remarkable improvement while streaming from platforms like Amazon HD and YouTube Music. It's like discovering a hidden layer of detail that was previously obscured. The music now feels immersive, alive, and incredibly enjoyable. The difference in sound quality is staggering, to say the least. What truly surprised me was how the GO Link bridged the gap between mid-tier audio setups and those high-end, expensive options. It's like taking a significant step closer to that elite league of audio equipment without breaking the bank. The way it enhances the sound quality, revealing nuances and subtleties, is a testament to the engineering prowess behind this device. From the moment I received the GO Link, I was captivated. I remember losing track of time as I kept indulging in my music library. The fact that I found myself listening for hours on end speaks volumes about the impact it had on me. It's not just a gadget; it's a gateway to a richer, more fulfilling sonic experience. In conclusion, the iFi Audio GO Link Portable DAC and Amp is a game changer for anyone who takes their music seriously. It's not just an accessory; it's a necessity. If you're looking to elevate your music listening to a whole new level, this device is your ticket. Kudos to the team behind this marvel for delivering an affordable solution that punches way above its weight. This is one purchase that I can confidently say is a keeper in my setup. Pros: Incredible compatibility with various devices. Immersive and detailed sound quality upgrade. Bridges the gap between mid-tier and high-end audio setups. Captivating and engaging listening experience. Great value for the price. Cons: Does not support the mic function on the headphone I wish there was a small carry/storage bag for the USB and lightning connectors, even the box could have been designed for this purpose. If you're seeking to unlock the full potential of your music library and headphones, the iFi Audio GO Link Portable DAC and Amp is a must-have addition to your setup. Prepare to be amazed by the enhanced sonic journey it offers.