iFi
GO cable
iFi launches GO cable with integrated DAC and amplifier
iFi has added the GO cable to its portable audio range, using architecture derived from the GO link. A starter kit pairs the cable with AIRO Astra in-ear monitors.
Georg S. Kuklick
•
iFi has launched an in-ear monitor cable with an integrated DAC and headphone amplifier. The iFi GO cable connects USB-C sources to earphones with 0.78mm two-pin sockets and is available to buy in the UK for £79.
An ESS Sabre DAC handles conversion, supporting PCM at up to 384kHz and DSD256, alongside bit-perfect DSD/DXD decoding. The design incorporates Dynamic Range Enhancement and THD compensation. The amplifier's specified RMS output ratings are at least 70mW into 32 ohms and at least 14mW into 300 ohms, while output impedance is below 1 ohm.
Compatible source devices include phones, tablets, computers and games consoles. Inline controls provide volume adjustment, play/pause and track selection, and the cable incorporates an echo-cancelling microphone. It also supports Nintendo Switch 2 GameChat.
The specified signal-to-noise ratio is at least 120dBA, and dynamic range is at least 125dBA. Specified THD+N is no more than 0.004% at 1.27V into 32 ohms, and frequency response is 10Hz to 80kHz at −0.5dB. Power consumption is approximately 0.3W with no signal and less than 1W at maximum signal.
The 1.37m cable weighs 16g, uses OFHC conductors with pure silver and has a water-resistant chassis. Included accessories are a USB-C-female-to-USB-A-male adapter, a quick-start guide and an instruction card. The manufacturer's warranty lasts one year in the UK and US, or two years in the EU.
Key specifications
Product type | IEM cable with integrated DAC and headphone amplifier |
|---|---|
Digital input | USB-C |
IEM output connectors | 0.78mm two-pin left/right male |
DAC chipset | ESS Sabre; bit-perfect DSD/DXD DAC |
PCM support | Up to 384kHz |
DSD support | Up to DSD256 |
Dynamic Range Enhancement | Supported |
THD compensation | Supported |
RMS output | ≥1.5V/70mW at 32Ω; ≥2V/14mW at 300Ω |
Output impedance | <1Ω |
Signal-to-noise ratio | ≥120dBA |
Dynamic range | ≥125dBA |
Rung above: GO link 2 Max — £85
Rung below: GO link 2 — From £59
Sources
Data Source
