If you have spent any time in audiophile circles, you know that the “dongle life” is usually a compromise. Most of us just want a simple way to plug in our favorite wired headphones without carrying around a brick-sized amplifier. With the launch of the iFi GO link 2 DAC, that dream of high-fidelity sound on a budget is becoming a lot more realistic.
This little device arrives at a perfect moment. Spotify has finally started moving its massive user base toward lossless streaming, and most smartphones simply aren’t equipped to handle that extra data with their built-in internals. The iFi GO link 2 DAC acts as an external brain for your audio, taking the digital signal and converting it into something much richer and more detailed than what your phone’s standard jack or a cheap adapter can manage.
Smaller footprint with bigger power
One of the first things you notice about the iFi GO link 2 DAC is just how much the team in Southport managed to trim down. It is about 8% smaller and nearly 30% lighter than the original version. Weighing in at just under 8 grams, it is practically unnoticeable when it is hanging off your phone or laptop.
Under the hood, it is running an updated ESS Sabre DAC chipset. This chip is the workhorse that allows the device to support PCM files up to 32-bit/384kHz and DSD256. For anyone keeping track, that is far beyond the quality of a standard CD. By moving the digital-to-analog conversion outside of your noisy smartphone chassis, the iFi GO link 2 DAC significantly reduces distortion and background hiss, leaving you with nothing but the music.
Getting the most out of Spotify Lossless
The timing of this release is not an accident. Now that Spotify Lossless audio is finally reaching the masses, the bottleneck for most listeners is no longer the file quality, in fact, it is the hardware. Most wireless earbuds use Bluetooth compression that effectively kills the benefits of a lossless file. To actually hear the difference, you need a wired connection and a capable converter.
The iFi GO link 2 DAC bridges that gap perfectly. It uses a proprietary “S-Balanced” circuit which essentially gives you the benefits of a balanced audio setup through a standard 3.5mm headphone jack. This reduces crosstalk and interference between the left and right channels, making the soundstage feel wider and more lifelike. Whether you are listening to a complex orchestral piece or a bass-heavy electronic track, the added clarity is immediate.
Built for the daily commute
Durability is always a concern with these small cable-style DACs, but the iFi GO link 2 DAC feels surprisingly sturdy despite its weight. It features a magnesium-alloy shell and a silver-plated copper cable that is flexible enough to survive being shoved into a pocket alongside your keys.
There are no buttons to fiddle with and no complicated apps to install. You just plug it into your USB-C port, connect your headphones, and let the hardware do the heavy lifting. It is an “invisible” upgrade that makes your existing gear sound like it cost twice as much. For $59, it is hard to find a more effective way to level up your mobile listening experience.
The iFi GO link 2 DAC is officially on sale as of late February 2026. Given the popularity of the first generation, expect these to move quickly through specialized audio retailers.
