Imagine carrying high-quality audio in your pocket without spending a fortune. That's precisely what the iFi GO Link MAX promises: an affordable €79 dongle that challenges its more expensive brother, the €449 Kensei. Christmas dream or audible reality?
At first glance, declaring that a €79 device is comparable to a €449 device seems too bold. As a reviewer who previously recommended the GO Bar Kensei—a device that won the EISA 2024/25 Compact DAC Award—I recognise the complexity of this comparison. But don't worry—not everyone needs or wants to invest almost 500 euros to enjoy music on the move.
The problem that MAX solves
Nowadays, many smartphones lack a headphone output, and those that do rarely have enough power to feed quality audio equipment. The MAX is the elegant solution to both challenges.
This is an easy-to-read review for Christmas. Hificlube audiophiles, who value every nuance of sound, can read a more detailed review of the Kensei (and other iFI products) here.
The GO Link Max is supplied with a USB-C cable and silver-plated braided conductors (Lightning and USB-A adaptors).
Specifications: Kensei vs MAX
Technical characteristics
- Kensei: A real LED Christmas tree: K2HD, MQA, Xbass, Xspace
- MAX: A discreet LED device that changes colour according to the file resolution: PCM (green), PCM HD (light yellow), DSD64/128 (cyan), DSD256 (blue).
Resolution and technologies
MAX surprises with:
- PCM384 (DXD) and DSD256 resolutions (I was only able to reach DSD128)
- Advanced THD Compensation (harmonic distortion reduction)
- Dynamic Range Enhancement (6dB increase in dynamic range)
Although some of these capabilities are less relevant when using the phone as a source, the MAX also shines when connected to a PC for high-resolution listening.
The small GO Link Max shares all the iFI Audio DNA.
Acoustic Performance
The unexpected question: which sounds better?
- The Kensei is like having headphones connected to a dedicated amplifier: full, powerful, natural sound, with impactful bass reminiscent of a system with subwoofers.
- Conversely, the MAX is more transparent, perhaps because the sound has less body and texture. It also has less power to drive low-efficiency headphones (use the balanced Pentacon 4,4mm output).
It's the difference between high-end and hi-fi. But does it justify the €370 difference? Honestly, no.
At just €79, you can give your Secret Santa a fantastic musical experience for Christmas.
MAX key specifications:
- Price: €79
- Weight: 15g (in lightweight aluminium)
- Power: 241mW
- Outputs: Pentacon 4.4mm balanced and S-balanced (3.5mm)
- Conversion: ES9219 low jitter quad DACs
Verdict
The iFi GO Link MAX isn't just a Best Buy; it's proof that sound quality doesn't have to be an unaffordable luxury. For just €79, you can give your Secret Santa a fantastic musical experience for Christmas.
Final tip: buy a MAX for your friend or relative, and treat yourself to a Kensei if you can. After all, you deserve the best sound possible.
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