iFi Go bar USB DAC / Headphone Amplifier

iFi's Flagship Dongle

The iFi GO bar is the top of iFi's ultraportable range. It is a USB DAC and headphone amp the size of a lighter, weighing one ounce. It plugs into a phone, tablet or computer and turns the headphone output into something serious.

A Cirrus Logic DAC and a 16-core XMOS chip handle PCM up to 32-bit/384kHz, DSD256 and full MQA decoding. The circuit is fully balanced, with a symmetrical twin-channel output stage. The 4.4mm balanced output delivers 475 milliwatts into 32 ohms. The 3.5mm S-Balanced output delivers 300 milliwatts.

That is more power than most dongles, and the GO bar gives you ways to use it. A Turbo mode adds gain for hard-to-drive headphones. An iEMatch switch cuts noise and hiss for sensitive in-ears. Output impedance stays under 1 ohm on both jacks.

Tuned Your Way

Four selectable digital filters change how the DAC handles transients. XBass+ adds analog bass weight. XSpace widens the stage. All are switched on the unit itself, with LEDs showing format and sample rate. The case is aluminum alloy, and a leather travel case with a cable pocket comes in the box.

It measures 2.6 inches long, 0.9 wide and 0.5 thick. It draws power from the host device, so there is no battery to charge.

What Reviewers Are Saying

W. Jennings reviewed the GO bar for Enjoy the Music in September 2022 and counted it among his favorite dongle DACs. He found "the overall level of resolution is very high for a dongle DAC" and noted the XBass setting is restrained by design. His caution: Turbo mode can run warm during long sessions.

Trusted Reviews praised its "open, detailed and endlessly informative sound" and its sturdy alloy build. The reviewer found it larger and pricier than typical dongles, and the rear LED labels hard to read.

Who Is This DAC/Amp Best For?

• You want the most power a dongle can give — 475 milliwatts balanced, with a Turbo mode for demanding headphones.
• You listen on sensitive in-ears — the iEMatch switch removes hiss and gives usable volume range.
• You want to tune the sound without an app — four DAC filters, XBass+ and XSpace, all on the device.
• You stream hi-res or MQA — PCM 384kHz, DSD256 and full MQA decoding.
• You want the smallest, lightest option — the GO bar is a large dongle at one ounce, so the GO link 2 in our headphone amplifiers is the lighter pick.

How Does It Connect to Your System?

Plug the USB-C end into your phone, tablet or computer, using the included cable or an adapter for Lightning iPhones. Plug headphones into the 4.4mm balanced or 3.5mm jack. Set iEMatch for in-ears or Turbo for full-size headphones, and choose your filter and XBass+ or XSpace with the buttons.

Pairs Well With

Building your system? Here are some great companions for the GO bar:

• Headphones: Full-size headphones benefit from Turbo mode — see our Headphones.
• Headphone Cables: A 4.4mm balanced cable for the balanced output — see our Headphone Cables.
• USB Cable: A short, quality USB-C cable — see our USB Cables.
• Headphone Amplifier: When the desk needs more — see our Headphone Amplifiers.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much power does it have?

475 milliwatts into 32 ohms balanced and 300 milliwatts single-ended, with 7.2 volts available into 600 ohms.

Does it need a battery?

No. It draws power from the connected device.

What is iEMatch?

A switch that lowers output for sensitive in-ears, removing hiss and giving finer volume control.

Which formats does it play?

PCM up to 32-bit/384kHz, DSD up to DSD256, DXD and full MQA.

Does it work with iPhone?

Yes. USB-C iPhones connect directly; Lightning models need Apple's camera adapter.

What's the warranty?

iFi covers the GO bar with a one-year manufacturer's warranty.

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Learn More

Want to learn more about dongle DACs, balanced headphone outputs, or hi-res playback from a phone? Visit our Learning Center for guides, tips, and expert advice.