iFi Audio GO bar Kensei Portable USB-C DAC and Headphone Amplifier

The iFi Audio GO bar Kensei is a compact high-resolution USB DAC and headphone amplifier designed for premium headphones and sensitive IEMs. Crafted from Japanese stainless steel, its compact 65 mm (2.6") chassis combines powerful headphone amplification with iFi's digital and analogue audio processing technologies.

At its core is a 32-bit Cirrus Logic DAC working with a 16-core XMOS microcontroller and iFi's GMT precision clock system. The GO bar Kensei supports PCM up to 32-bit/384kHz, native DSD256, DXD and full MQA decoding, while JVCKENWOOD K2HD Technology is designed to restore harmonics lost during digital processing.

The Kensei provides both a 4.4 mm balanced headphone output and a 3.5 mm S-Balanced output. Its balanced connection delivers up to 477mW into 32 ohms or 7.2V into 600 ohms. iEMatch provides optimized output for sensitive IEMs, while Turbo mode provides additional drive for demanding full-size headphones.

Four selectable digital filters allow the conversion characteristics to be tailored to the listener, while XBass+ provides analogue bass enhancement and XSpace expands the perceived soundstage.

Features:

• JVCKENWOOD K2HD Technology - K2HD processing is designed to restore natural harmonics lost during digital recording and processing.
• Cirrus Logic DAC - 32-bit Bit-Perfect DSD and DXD DAC provides high-resolution digital-to-analogue conversion.
• 16-Core XMOS Processor - Dedicated XMOS microcontroller is programmed to work with the DAC architecture and high-resolution audio formats.
• High-Resolution Playback - Supports PCM up to 32-bit/384kHz, native DSD256, DXD and full MQA decoding.
• 477mW Balanced Output - Delivers up to 477mW into 32 ohms through the balanced headphone output.
• 4.4 mm Balanced Output - Provides a balanced connection for headphones and IEMs equipped with compatible cables.
• 3.5 mm S-Balanced Output - iFi S-Balanced technology is designed to reduce noise and crosstalk with conventional single-ended headphones.
• iEMatch - Fine-tunes output for sensitive IEMs and helps reduce audible background noise.
• Turbo Mode - Provides additional drive for more demanding headphones.
• Four Digital Filters - Bit-Perfect, GTO, Minimum Phase and Standard filter options allow the digital response to be tailored to preference.
• XBass+ - Analogue processing provides selectable bass enhancement.
• XSpace - Analogue processing is designed to create a more spacious perceived soundstage.
• GMT Precision Clock - iFi's Global Master Timing clock system is designed for ultra-low jitter.
• Japanese Stainless Steel Chassis - Rigid metal construction protects the internal circuitry while maintaining a compact portable form.
• USB-C Connectivity - Connects directly to compatible smartphones, tablets and computers.

Specifications:

• Model: GO bar Kensei
• Product Type: Portable USB-C DAC / Headphone Amplifier
• DAC: Bit-Perfect DSD & DXD DAC by Cirrus Logic
• Digital Processor: 16-Core XMOS Microcontroller
• Input: USB-C
• Headphone Outputs: 4.4 mm Balanced; 3.5 mm S-Balanced
• PCM Support: 44.1 / 48 / 88.2 / 96 / 176.4 / 192 / 352.8 / 384kHz
• DSD Support: 2.8 / 3.1 / 5.6 / 6.1 / 11.3 / 12.3MHz
• DXD Support: 352.8 / 384kHz
• MQA: Full Decoder
• Frequency Response: 20 Hz - 70 kHz (-3dB)
• Balanced RMS Output: 477mW @ 32Ω; 7.2V @ 600Ω
• S-Balanced RMS Output: 300mW @ 32Ω; 3.8V @ 600Ω
• DNR: 108dB(A) / 109dB(A) (Balanced / S-Balanced)
• SNR: 132dB(A) / 121dB(A) (Balanced / S-Balanced)
• Balanced THD+N: ≤0.0025% (600Ω, 2V) @ 20Hz - 20kHz
• S-Balanced THD+N: ≤0.009% (16Ω, 1.27V) @ 20Hz - 20kHz
• Digital Filters: Bit-Perfect, GTO, Minimum Phase, Standard
• Analogue Processing: XBass+, XSpace
• Output Optimization: iEMatch, Turbo Mode
• Chassis Material: Japanese Stainless Steel
• Maximum Power Consumption: <4W
• Limited Warranty: 12 Months

Dimensions & Weight:

• Dimensions: 65 x 22 x 13.2 mm (2.6" x 0.9" x 0.5")
• Net Weight: 65.5 g (2.3 oz)

What's in the Box:

• iFi Audio GO bar Kensei
• USB-C to USB-A Adapter
• USB-C OTG Cable
• User Manual