Continuing their success off the wireless powerhouse that is the Go Blu, iFi looks to make the GO name even stronger with its latest outing. Going by the GO Bar, iFi is unleashing one of their smallest and most portable designs yet, that is sure to deliver brilliant sound from smartphones, tablets, PCs, Macs and more. 

This new pocketable DAC/Amp is made up of a robust yet lightweight alloy enclosure that measures 65x22x13mm and weighs 28.5g. Forgoing wireless connection this time around, the GO Bar will prioritize performance with its primarily USB connection that any digital source can work with. While there are similar DAC dongles like the GO Bars size, iFi is aiming to outmatch them all with their high standard of technical achievement and sound resolution. 

The GO Bar's main board is based around a 32-bit Cirrus Logic DAC chipset with advanced multi-bit modulation. This is coupled with a customised digital filter to minimise pre-echoes and ringing artefacts, and iFi’s GMT (Global Master Timing) precision clock system to ensure ultra-low jitter, thus reducing errors and distortion in the digital audio signal.

The DAC is fed by a powerful 16-core XMOS microcontroller, which processes the audio data received at the USB input. iFi’s in-house digital development team has programmed the XMOS firmware to optimise sound quality and ensure a perfect partnership with the Cirrus Logic DAC. Hi-res PCM is supported to 32-bit/384kHz, alongside DSD64, 128 and 256, and single- and double-speed DXD. The DAC’s architecture maintains DSD data in true native form, unlike other DACs that convert DSD to PCM.

Tidal streamers should be aware that the GO Bar fully decodes MQA, making the most out of their highest tier subscription.

XBass+ and XSpace make a welcome return here, helping to tailor the sound to your taste. The implementation of these features has always been a success, and the their pressence on the GO Bar should be no different. IEM Match and Turbo power tuning will also be supported here, displaying perfect output matching for sensitive earphones or power-hungry headphones. 

For their headphone connectors, the GO Bar will feature both 3.5mm s-balanced, and 4.4mm balanced inputs that is set to showcase ultra-low noise capabilities. 

On its initial release, the GO Bar will also have a special anniversary variation that will be a 18ct gold-plated edition limited to 1000 pieces. It has a copper chasis with improved electric shielding, and enhanced power supply filtering for better performance.

The iFi GO Bar, and GO Bar Anniversary will be available from select retailers for £329 and £499 respectively starting May 20th, 2022. 

Find more from iFi here.