IFI GO BAR KENSEI

The iFi GO Bar Kensei headphone DAC presents itself as a device designed for those seeking the highest level of sonic precision even on the move, combining advanced technological solutions with exceptionally refined construction. Inspired by the Japanese concept of “Kensei,” the sword master, it is conceived as a sophisticated and meticulously crafted instrument, capable of delivering a pure, balanced sound rich in nuance, enhancing every musical detail. Its Japanese stainless steel chassis ensures rigidity and durability, while its compact size, comparable to a USB stick, makes it easily portable and perfectly suited for use with smartphones, tablets, or laptops via USB-C connection, ensuring immediate usability.

Its sound performance stands out for an অত্য sophisticated approach, also thanks to the integration of K2HD technology developed by Victor Studio engineers, which enhances digital recordings by restoring natural harmonics and greater depth, transforming what can sometimes be a flat and sterile sound into a more organic and engaging listening experience. This processing allows high-frequency information beyond standard limits to be recovered, bringing playback closer to the original master quality and delivering a richer, more natural tonal range.

The device also enables precise sound customization through multiple digital filters and analog processing modes, designed to suit different musical genres and listening preferences, offering a presentation that ranges from highly faithful and neutral to warmer, more detailed or more controlled interpretations. Dedicated features such as XBass+ and XSpace further expand its capabilities by enhancing low-frequency presence and widening the soundstage, respectively.

At the core of its performance lies an advanced 16-core XMOS microcontroller, which processes audio data with high speed and low latency, working in synergy with a 32-bit Cirrus Logic DAC to ensure accuracy and transparency. Support for major high-resolution formats, including PCM up to 32-bit/384kHz, native DSD256, DXD, and full MQA decoding, allows full utilization of high-quality audio sources. The digital architecture is further optimized by advanced jitter elimination systems, such as the femto-precision GMT (Global Master Timing) clock and an intelligent memory buffer, contributing to stable, clean, and interference-free playback.

The analog section adopts a balanced configuration with a symmetrical dual-channel output stage, a solution typically reserved for higher-end devices, significantly reducing noise and crosstalk by completely separating the left and right channels. The 3.5 mm S-Balanced and 4.4 mm balanced headphone outputs provide connection flexibility, with the proprietary S-Balanced technology effectively reducing noise and crosstalk even with single-ended headphones.

Power supply and internal circuitry are built using carefully selected high-grade components, including TDK C0G ceramic capacitors, Panasonic OS-CON, tantalum, and multilayer muRata capacitors, chosen to ensure stability, low losses, and virtually imperceptible distortion. Output power reaches high levels of up to 477 mW, allowing it to drive both sensitive in-ear monitors, thanks to iEMatch technology, and high-impedance headphones via Turbo mode, always maintaining precise control and consistent sonic performance.

Overall, this portable DAC represents a significant evolution in mobile listening, offering a combination of compactness, versatility, and top-tier audio performance, designed for those who want to experience music with an exceptionally high level of detail and naturalness in any situation.

Technical specifications:

• Input: USB-C
• Supported formats: PCM 44.1/48/88.2/96/176.4/192/352.8/384kHz; DSD 2.8/3.1/5.6/6.1/11.3/12.3MHz; DXD 352.8/384kHz; MQA Full Decoder
• DAC: Bit-Perfect DSD & DXD conversion with Cirrus Logic chipset
• Headphone outputs: 4.4 mm balanced; 3.5 mm S-Balanced
• Output power (RMS): 477mW@32Ω; 7.2V@600Ω (balanced); 300mW@32Ω; 3.8V@600Ω (S-Balanced)
• Output impedance: ≤1Ω; ≤3.6Ω with iEMatch engaged
• Signal-to-noise ratio (SNR): 132dB(A) / 121dB(A) (balanced/S-Balanced with intelligent muting); 114dB(A) / 114dB(A) (balanced/S-Balanced)
• Dynamic range (DNR): 108dB(A) / 109dB(A) (balanced/S-Balanced)
• Total harmonic distortion + noise (THD+N): ≤0.0025% (600Ω 2V, balanced); ≤0.009% (16Ω 1.27V, S-Balanced)
• Frequency response: 20Hz – 70kHz (-3dB)
• Power consumption: <4W max
• Dimensions: 65 x 22 x 13.2 mm
• Weight: 65.5 g