iFi Go Link Max

iFi's tiny DAC offers impressive portability and performance

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Following on from the release of the super-portable five-star iFi Go Link last year comes this slightly costlier model that adds a balanced headphone output and promises exceptional sound in a small, affordable package. One question, then: is it worth the extra cash?

There is only one conceivable way of making the iFi Go Link Max seem burly, and that is to compare it with its smaller stablemate; and even then it's hardly a case of David versus Goliath. The main unit of the Max is slightly longer and chunkier than the standard Go Link mostly to leave enough space for that secondary 4.4mm headphone outputbut the general configuration is the same, consisting of the main DAC unit and a built-in USB-C plug connected by a short woven cable. If your device hasn't caught up to the USB-C revolution, two handy adapters in the box - Lightning and USB-A-mean you won't miss out if you are using, for example, an older iPhone or a laptop.

Externally, the titchy unit features a single LED which changes colour depending on the format and sample rate of the file you are listening to.