Overview

The iFi Audio GO Link Max is a USB-C dongle DAC using dual ESS ES9219 chips with both 3.5 mm (S-Balanced) and 4.4 mm balanced outputs in a 14.5 g body (150×15×10 mm). Rated output is up to 241 mW @ 32 Ω (bal.) / 100 mW @ 32 Ω (SE), SNR 130 dBA (bal.) / 125 dBA (SE), and THD+N ≤0.0016% (bal.) / ≤0.0015% (SE). It supports PCM up to 384 kHz and DSD256. Channel separation exceeds 118 dB. Manufacturer materials note Dynamic Range Enhancement (DRE) adding +6 dB to dynamic range [1][2].

Scientific Validity

\[\Large \text{0.7}\]

Manufacturer specifications fall within or above common transparency thresholds for portable DACs: THD+N ≤0.0016% (32 Ω, bal.) and ≤0.0015% (SE), SNR 130/125 dBA, wide FR (10 Hz–80 kHz, –3 dB), and channel separation >118 dB. Power of 241 mW @ 32 Ω (bal.) is ample for most headphones/IEMs. Independent lab measurements were not located at the time of writing; figures are therefore catalog specs pending third-party data [1][2].

Technology Level

\[\Large \text{0.6}\]

A competent but conventional dual-DAC per-channel implementation with balanced output on a compact dongle. Notable additions include hardware volume and DRE (+6 dB) as claimed by the maker. These are sensible engineering choices, albeit not cutting-edge compared to the most advanced dongles today [1][2].

Cost-Performance

\[\Large \text{0.9}\]

Comparator (cheapest equal-or-better): TempoTec Sonata BHD Pro — dual CS43131, 3.5 mm + 4.4 mm, 280 mW @ 32 Ω (bal.), SNR 131 dB, THD+N 0.00012%, at USD 69.90 [3].
Equivalence note: Provides the same user-visible I/O (3.5/4.4) and measured performance that is equal-or-better in core axes (power ≥241 mW, SNR ≥130 dB, lower THD+N) [1][3].
CP calculation: 69.90 ÷ 79 = 0.885 → 0.9.
(Reference alternative: FiiO KA13, 3.5/4.4 and 550 mW @ 32 Ω (bal.) typically USD 65.99–79.99, but SNR spec is lower at 122 dB; still well within transparent range) [4][5].

Reliability & Support

\[\Large \text{0.5}\]

Warranty: 1-year parts/labor; registration within 30 days required; coverage limited to the country of original sale and non-transferable [7].
User feedback: Trustpilot 4.4/5 (202 reviews) as of 2025-08-24 [6]. No systemic failure data identified; treat as average.

Rationality of Design Philosophy

\[\Large \text{0.5}\]

Focus on measurable performance (balanced topology, low THD+N, high SNR) and practical I/O is rational. Pricing remains competitive given current market baselines once benchmarked against the true cheapest equal-or-better rivals.

Advice

If you want a pocketable, plug-and-play dongle with both 3.5 mm and 4.4 mm and enough power for many full-size dynamics/planars, the GO Link Max is a safe pick at USD 79. If your priority is maximum value or power, consider TempoTec Sonata BHD Pro (cheapest equal-or-better) [3] or FiiO KA13 for sheer output [4][5]. Choose based on your load (impedance/sensitivity) and connector needs.

References

[1] iFi Audio — “GO link Max” (specifications). https://ifi-audio.com/products/go-link-max , accessed 2025-08-24.
[2] iFi Audio — “GO link Max Media Deck 1.0” (DRE +6 dB, tech notes). https://media.ifi-audio.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/iFi_GO_link_Max_Media_Deck_1.0.pdf , accessed 2025-08-24.
[3] TempoTec — “Sonata BHD Pro” (specs & price). https://www.tempotec.us/products/sonata-bhd-pro-portable-usb-dac , accessed 2025-08-24.
[4] FiiO — “KA13 Parameters” (balanced 550 mW etc.). https://www.fiio.com/ka13_parameters , accessed 2025-08-24.
[5] B&H — “FiiO KA13 Portable DAC and Headphone Amplifier” (typical US street price). https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1818066-REG/fiio_ka13_portable_dac_and.html , accessed 2025-08-24.
[6] Trustpilot — “iFi audio Reviews” (score & count). https://www.trustpilot.com/review/ifi-audio.com , accessed 2025-08-24.
[7] iFi Audio — “Warranty” (1-year, 30-day registration, country-of-sale). https://ifi-audio.com/pages/warranty , accessed 2025-08-24.

(2025.8.24)