Plug headphones into iFi audio GO link for supercharged sound!
Apr 2, 2024 at 4:35 PM Post #347 of 359
Wait, so to update we have to first go to 1.91 then to 1.92? Can't go straight to 1.92? Weird
You should not have too, I will test when I get near my windows PC, unless others beat me to it!

Cheers!!
 
iFi audio Stay updated on iFi audio at their sponsor profile on Head-Fi.
 
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Apr 28, 2024 at 7:59 PM Post #350 of 359
...so I've finally gotten around to updating my Go Link to the new firmware but the update utility isn't recognizing that I have the dongle plugged in, is this happening for anyone else?
 
Apr 29, 2024 at 1:52 AM Post #351 of 359
...so I've finally gotten around to updating my Go Link to the new firmware but the update utility isn't recognizing that I have the dongle plugged in, is this happening for anyone else?
Sounds like the issue I had, here:
So figured this issue out, but iFi support wasn't helpful. All iFi support told me to do was try another PC, which I did and it was the same thing. I told iFi support this and they just went silent.

I poked around iFi's Download Hub some more and noticed they had a Windows Driver download for the Go-Link. The instructions pdf included in the firmware update package did not mention this whatsoever. I tried installing the driver and viola, the update utility could now recognize my Go-Link. I successfully updated to v1.80.

I told iFi support in the ticket that they should include the driver installation in the instructions, but who knows if they will listen. Anyway, no bricked device, it's on v1.80 and seems to be working just fine.
Seems like iFi hasn't done anything about updating their update instructions yet 🤦
 
Apr 29, 2024 at 8:11 AM Post #352 of 359
Sounds like the issue I had, here:

Seems like iFi hasn't done anything about updating their update instructions yet 🤦
Thanks for pointing this out, I will certainly report this to those who take care of that department.

Sorry for any confusion this may have caused...

Cheers!!
 
iFi audio Stay updated on iFi audio at their sponsor profile on Head-Fi.
 
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May 2, 2024 at 2:57 PM Post #354 of 359
iFi audio Stay updated on iFi audio at their sponsor profile on Head-Fi.
 
https://www.facebook.com/people/IFi-audio/61558986775162/ https://twitter.com/ifiaudio https://www.instagram.com/ifiaudio/ https://ifi-audio.com/ https://www.youtube.com/@iFiaudiochannel comms@ifi-audio.com
May 3, 2024 at 6:12 AM Post #355 of 359
Still seeing it but I’m now heading away on an overseas trip without my windows laptop so I won’t be able to try again for a couple of months. I’ll try uninstalling the drivers when I get back and starting from scratch.
 
May 3, 2024 at 8:35 AM Post #356 of 359
Still seeing it but I’m now heading away on an overseas trip without my windows laptop so I won’t be able to try again for a couple of months. I’ll try uninstalling the drivers when I get back and starting from scratch.
I understand, safe travels, and let us know when you can regarding this issue!

Cheers!!
 
iFi audio Stay updated on iFi audio at their sponsor profile on Head-Fi.
 
https://www.facebook.com/people/IFi-audio/61558986775162/ https://twitter.com/ifiaudio https://www.instagram.com/ifiaudio/ https://ifi-audio.com/ https://www.youtube.com/@iFiaudiochannel comms@ifi-audio.com
Jun 6, 2024 at 7:44 AM Post #357 of 359
Hi! I need someone light to attach to my deck and nintendo oled i have bigger dac amp as Diablo but it has too much power and big to carry around. I need someone slightly stronger than apple dongle. I ordered ifi go link based on headphone power calculator, can it drive my ZMF Eikon, based on calculator it says 113 db unbalanced which is surprisingly loud.
 
Jun 7, 2024 at 5:59 PM Post #358 of 359
Hi, I have decided to review this product in an unusual way, starting with the device's design. Overall, audio products have evolved significantly. We started with small, easy-to-use dongle-DACs, but over time, these devices grew, bringing certain drawbacks. One of the main issues is that the increased weight of the dongle-DACs can cause wear and tear on the USB-C ports of devices. This is a problem I prefer to avoid by using a DAP, which, although it can also have issues over time, is cheaper to repair. Moreover, the trend towards designing extremely detailed sound signatures has led to prolonged listening fatigue and considering that Android's native equalizer is not the best, this can be problematic.

Despite these issues, a dongle-DAC is often necessary for daily use, especially after the elimination of the 3.5 mm jack. In this context, the iFi GO LINK presents itself as an ideal option. Weighing less than 12 grams, this device minimizes USB port wear and is lighter than other dongle-DACs, which can be 2 to 5 times heavier and more expensive. While there are solutions for heavy dongle-DACs, they usually involve additional costs.

In terms of sound, the GO LINK offers remarkable performance for its price. Unlike many other devices that feature an overly detailed sound signature, the GO LINK provides a balanced and pleasant sound, allowing for extended use without listening fatigue. I have tested the GO LINK in various scenarios: while exercising, running, in the Santiago metro, on buses, on the street, on a PC, and on Android devices, without experiencing any issues.

Regarding amplification, the GO LINK has proven effective with a variety of headphones, ranging from Sennheiser HD560s and Philips SHP9500 to more exotic models like Shanling Sonos, 7Hz Sonus, Kinera Phoenixcall, and SeeAudio Rinko. This dongle-DAC does not overly emphasize the bass or treble, resulting in a more balanced and pleasant listening experience, especially with headphones that tend to be bright.

The GO LINK uses an ESS ES9219MQ/Q chipset that combines DAC and amplifier functions into a single chip, optimized by iFi with a proprietary clock to reduce jitter and improve dynamic range. This device can handle PCM up to 32-bit/384kHz, DSD up to 11.2MHz (DSD256), and is compatible with MQA, making it a versatile option for audiophiles.

One of the most notable features of the GO LINK is its compact size and light weight, making it ideal for portable use. However, the fixed cable could benefit from a removable option in future versions to further enhance its portability and durability.

In summary, the iFi GO LINK is an excellent choice for those looking for a lightweight, affordable dongle-DAC with a balanced sound. Its compact design and ability to handle a wide range of audio formats make it an essential tool for any audio enthusiast on the go.


For more info:

 
Jun 7, 2024 at 6:07 PM Post #359 of 359
Hi, I have decided to review this product in an unusual way, starting with the device's design. Overall, audio products have evolved significantly. We started with small, easy-to-use dongle-DACs, but over time, these devices grew, bringing certain drawbacks. One of the main issues is that the increased weight of the dongle-DACs can cause wear and tear on the USB-C ports of devices. This is a problem I prefer to avoid by using a DAP, which, although it can also have issues over time, is cheaper to repair. Moreover, the trend towards designing extremely detailed sound signatures has led to prolonged listening fatigue and considering that Android's native equalizer is not the best, this can be problematic.

Despite these issues, a dongle-DAC is often necessary for daily use, especially after the elimination of the 3.5 mm jack. In this context, the iFi GO LINK presents itself as an ideal option. Weighing less than 12 grams, this device minimizes USB port wear and is lighter than other dongle-DACs, which can be 2 to 5 times heavier and more expensive. While there are solutions for heavy dongle-DACs, they usually involve additional costs.

In terms of sound, the GO LINK offers remarkable performance for its price. Unlike many other devices that feature an overly detailed sound signature, the GO LINK provides a balanced and pleasant sound, allowing for extended use without listening fatigue. I have tested the GO LINK in various scenarios: while exercising, running, in the Santiago metro, on buses, on the street, on a PC, and on Android devices, without experiencing any issues.

Regarding amplification, the GO LINK has proven effective with a variety of headphones, ranging from Sennheiser HD560s and Philips SHP9500 to more exotic models like Shanling Sonos, 7Hz Sonus, Kinera Phoenixcall, and SeeAudio Rinko. This dongle-DAC does not overly emphasize the bass or treble, resulting in a more balanced and pleasant listening experience, especially with headphones that tend to be bright.

The GO LINK uses an ESS ES9219MQ/Q chipset that combines DAC and amplifier functions into a single chip, optimized by iFi with a proprietary clock to reduce jitter and improve dynamic range. This device can handle PCM up to 32-bit/384kHz, DSD up to 11.2MHz (DSD256), and is compatible with MQA, making it a versatile option for audiophiles.

One of the most notable features of the GO LINK is its compact size and light weight, making it ideal for portable use. However, the fixed cable could benefit from a removable option in future versions to further enhance its portability and durability.

In summary, the iFi GO LINK is an excellent choice for those looking for a lightweight, affordable dongle-DAC with a balanced sound. Its compact design and ability to handle a wide range of audio formats make it an essential tool for any audio enthusiast on the go.


For more info:


Thanks so much for posting your thoughts here on our GO Link! We appreciate your time and thoughts!

Cheers!!
 
iFi audio Stay updated on iFi audio at their sponsor profile on Head-Fi.
 
https://www.facebook.com/people/IFi-audio/61558986775162/ https://twitter.com/ifiaudio https://www.instagram.com/ifiaudio/ https://ifi-audio.com/ https://www.youtube.com/@iFiaudiochannel comms@ifi-audio.com

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