iFi Go Link 2

A stellar sequel to a pocket-sized favourite

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The original iFi Go Link was a small but mighty marvel.

For a meagre outlay of just £59, the diminutive DAC belied its compact dimensions and eminently reasonable price tag by delivering clear sonic gains over what most smartphones or laptops could usually provide. The point of the Go Link was to be an inexpensive and convenient way of giving your personal listening sessions a bit more sonic firepower. And it's a similar task with which this second-generation follow up has been charged.

The iFi Go Link 2 isn't for audiophiles trying to drive their £5000 pair of Yamaha YH-5000SE cans. Rather, it is aimed at ordinary consumers wanting to get the most out of their headphones without spending big bucks on complex or high-end gear.

If it ain't broke...

The iFi Go Link 2 maintains the same general configuration as its predecessor, consisting of the main DAC with a 3.5mm headphone socket, a connecting corded cable and a builtin USB-C plug, complemented by interchangeable Lightning or USB-A adapters.

Even if it looks broadly the same, the newer unit does feel different. The aluminium-magnesium alloy chassis comes across as a little cheaper than that found on the original model, and while that drops the perceived value a bit, it does save weight: the second-generation DAC weighs just 7.8g against the 11g of the outgoing Go Link.