iFi GO Link 2 Max Review: Another Classic Gets Revisited

Back in April, we reviewed the iFi GO Link 2, a revised dongle DAC/amp from iFi Audio. People were curious when they'd revise the upgraded GO Link Max, and they listened. The iFi GO Link 2 Max updates another classic dongle DAC, one that offers a bit more power and versatility for listeners. What does this dongle do to upgrade your experience? Is it truly an improvement from the previous GO Link Max? 

The iFi GO Link 2 Max follows a similar upgraded design to the GO Link 2 when that model was revisited. The larger green block that used to be the main body has been replaced with a slightly lighter, more compact blue shell. It is only a few grams lighter, but the overall design is sleeker and easier to manage. You are still given the accessories you remember with the previous GO Link Max, including a USB-C to Lightning adapter and a USB-C to USB-A adapter. You can use the GO Link 2 Max with any audio source, be it a latest iPhone or an old desktop computer, and still be able to achieve the quality upgrade from the GO Link 2 Max.

The GO Link 2 Max offers the same extra feature that was first upgraded with the first revision of the GO Link dongle. The 4.4mm and 3.5mm output ports make the GO Link 2 Max a great choice for any and all devices. Whether you have over-ear headphones or simple IEMs, you are going to be able to pair the GO Link 2 Max with your device. The GO Link 2 Max is a device that upgrades with you, so if you're someone who has an older iPhone but may be upgrading soon, this dongle will upgrade with you. You won't even have to spend any extra cash to do it. 

• 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:
  • ≥241mW @ 32Ω; 4V @ 300Ω (Balanced)
  • ≥100mW @ 32Ω; 2V @ 300Ω (S-Balanced*)
• Output Impedance:
  • <0.7Ω (Balanced)
  • <0.35Ω (S-Balanced*)
• SNR & DNR:
  • ≥130dBA (Balanced @ 600Ω)
  • ≥125dBA (S-Balanced @ 600Ω)
• THD+N:
  • ≤0.0007% (Balanced 2.4V @ 32Ω)
  • ≤0.001% (S-Balanced* 1.27V @ 32Ω)
• 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)

How does the iFi GO Link 2 Max sound? During my testing, I used a collection of different IEMs and over-ear headphones to get a feel for how this DAC affected the sound of your tracks. The GO Link 2 Max has the highest power output on an iFi dongle to date, so it became an easy pairing to a lot of devices. For my listening, I paired the GO Link 2 Max with the following: 

• Sivga Lyrebird
• Sennheiser HD 650
• MoonDrop Armature Art 12
• Beyerdynamic DT 700 Pro X
• Kiwi Ears Orchestra II
• Dan Clark AEON Core

While listening to these IEMs and headphones, I was impressed with the GO Link 2 Max's performance. The sound signature of all of these devices remained pretty level, so the GO Link 2 Max didn't completely change the sound profiles I already grew to love. The iFi dongle did a great job in highlighting the dynamics in the profiles, bringing out punchy bass responses and bright, detailed treble. Natural sound signatures from headphones like the Sennheiser HD 650 were given an extra boost of power to highlight their detail and precision in the sound signature. The differences were subtle, but to more sensitive ears, the sound quality definitely takes a step up. 

The GO Link 2 Max is a pretty simple dongle, so it does have its limitations. As an introductory dongle, this device is perfect for pairing with your first pair of open-back headphones or high-end IEMs. If you are someone with some high-end over-ears, this may not be the most appropriate device. It doesn't have sufficient power to drive over-ears like the Abyss JOAL or Dan Clark E3 from your phone. This DAC is definitely geared more towards entry-level headphones or any pair of IEMs with their easier-to-drive technology. 

There are a few key differences between the first GO Link Max and the revision. The most obvious difference is the look, but there are qualities beneath the surface that make these devices quite different. The power output of the iFi GO Link 2 Max exceeds that of its predecessor, making it a better match for more over-ear headphones. Granted, it doesn't drive every headphone to its greatest potential, but the balance and clarity in the GO Link 2 Max are definitely a step up from what you hear in the original GO Link Max. 

Compared to other dongles, the iFi GO Link 2 Max surpasses all others in terms of performance. The regular Apple dongle doesn't deliver nearly the same amount of power or clarity, so you are getting more out of your headphones or IEMs when you use the GO Link 2 Max. 

Is the GO Link 2 Max a worthy upgrade to add to your collection? If you already own the GO Link Max, you may find it a bit redundant since nothing has really physically changed. Still, the power output and sound quality speak to the device's value and make it a worthy addition to any budding audiophile's collection. The versatility of being able to use 3.5mm or 4.4mm headphones is a great feature, as well as the many adapters to be compatible with any device. If you're looking for an inexpensive way to get more out of your sound, the iFi GO Link 2 Max is a fantastic option that does a lot in a small form. 

You can get the iFi GO Link 2 Max at Audio46.