The case also has room to hold a connection cable. There’s also a leather travel case included in the box to protect your DAC/Amp.
A quick peek inside of this DAC/Amp shows the lengths iFi has gone to make this unit sound bigger than it is.įurthermore, the Go bar has detachable cables so that you can switch between the included Lightning to USB-C cable for iOS devices or the included USB-C OTG cable for Android/PC/Mac devices.īy the way, you also get a USB-C to USB-A adapter for additional flexibility. This guarantees you will get the best sound possible from MQA files, which is vital for those streaming TIDAL Masters music.Īs usual, iFi also specs premium components for optimum sound, including a more robust processor and higher grade capacitors than you usually see in this category.
#IFI GO BAR REVIEW FULL#
The DAC section is based around a 32-bit Cirrus Logic DAC chipset, which allows the Go bar to support up to 32-bit/384kHz PCM, native DSD, along with the full MQA unfold. I was able to use some pretty difficult-to-drive full-size headphones with this DAC/Amp, no problem. This makes it the most powerful ultra-portable DAC I’ve come across. The Go bar’s headphone amp section has an output of up to 475mW into 32 ohms (balanced), which is insane for this size device. The volume indication ranges from no LEDs meaning zero volume, up to six LEDs which signifies max volume. The sample rate LEDs also display the volume level briefly while pressing the volume buttons. Below the sample rate LEDs are additional lights indicating the effect/filters in use. On the bottom of the Go Bar is the format/sample rate LED indication, a row of LED lights that give you an easy-to-understand view of the type of file being processed. I only had one headphone that needed it, and that was the Dan Clark Aeon Flow Closed. While you can drive pretty much any headphone with the standard gain, the “Turbo” mode is suitable for additional headroom on the most power-hungry headphones. This is accessed by pressing both volume buttons at the same time. You also have a “Turbo” mode gain option, which gives you a considerable boost of +6dB for the most power-hungry headphones. The lower gain settings are meant for high-sensitivity IEMs and the like. Then, by moving the button either left or right, you can select a lower gain setting for either the 3.5mm or 4.4mm output. First is “Off,” which sets the standard gain for both outputs. Moving over to the IE Match switch, it has three settings.
Conversely, you can also sync volume between the DAC and the connected device. The volume control is also quiet and precise, making it a pleasure to use. The Go bar’s volume control works independently of its connected device, which is a pretty nice feature. Additionally, holding that same setting button down will let you select between the four previously mentioned digital filters. The setting button will let you turn on either XBass+ or XSpace individually or both simultaneously with subsequent presses. On the outside of the Go bar’s metal enclosure are its function buttons, including a two-button volume control, a switch for the previously mentioned IE Match, and a setting button for the XBass+/XSpace effects. Phase, Gibbs Transient Optimised) to further tailor the sound. In addition, you can select between four digital filter settings (Bit-Perfect no filter, Standard the factory setting, Min.
#IFI GO BAR REVIEW PLUS#
There’s also full MQA decoding on board, plus iFi’s popular XBass+ and XSpace analog-based sound effects. Not only does it resemble many of its larger siblings, but it also provides much of the same functionality, like an actual balanced output (4.4mm), a Single-ended output (3.5mm), IE Match gain control and native DSD processing. It basically looks like a miniaturized version of iFi’s larger transportable DACs (think micro iDSD Signature), and it feels just as durable while still managing to be extremely lightweight.
When it comes to build quality, the iFi Go bar is solid, using a full aluminum alloy enclosure. The company gave no input regarding the content included in this evaluation. So is the iFi Go bar the new premium ultra-portable DAC/amp to beat? Well, read on, and I’ll let you know the scoop!ĭisclaimer: The iFi GO bar was sent to us by iFi Audio in exchange for an honest, unbiased review.
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