iFi Audio GO bar Kensei Portable USB DAC & Headphone Amplifier

iFi Audio GO bar Kensei Portable USB DAC & Headphone Amplifier

 

The iFi Audio GO bar Kensei Portable USB DAC & Headphone Amplifier is the perfect solution for music enthusiasts who value purity, balance, and refinement in their listening experience. This compact and powerful device offers cutting-edge Japanese audio processing technology, including K2HD and improved power supply and clock circuitry, to elevate your headphone experience to heavenly heights.

Named after the Japanese term for "Sword Saint," the Kensei represents the pinnacle of refinement in the GO bar range. Like a master swordsmith, the engineers at iFi have focused on perfecting the sound quality of this device, infusing it with life and emotion through their use of K2 Technology. This unique process revitalises digital recordings by adding rich, natural harmonics and organic qualities, resulting in a true representation of the original "K2 sound."

With four bespoke digital filters and two analogue processing modes, each tailored for different music genres, the GO bar Kensei allows you to listen to your music the way you like. And with features like XBass+ for chest-thumping bass and XSpace for a spacious sound field, you can immerse yourself in your music like never before.

Crafted with Japanese stainless steel for maximum rigidity, the GO bar Kensei is not only powerful but also durable. Its compact dimensions make it the perfect travel companion, blending seamlessly into your mobile, tablet, or MacBook Pro for on-the-go listening. Its USB-C connectivity ensures hassle-free use, while its maximum output power of up to 477mW makes it 10 times more powerful than an iPhone. Plus, with two power tuning technologies, iEMatch and Turbo mode, it can easily drive a wide range of premium earphones and headphones.

"Combining USB DAC and headphone amplifier technologies in a compact, pocket-friendly design, the GO Bar Kensei is a fit for on-the-go audiophiles. Utilising its USB-C connection for both power and hi-res file playback, iFi Audio’s stunning portable delivers a superb performance to headphones, whether IEMs or conventional over-ear designs, via its 3.5mm/4.4mm outputs. Key to this is the GO Bar’s high-quality hardware engineering, and the integration of JVCKENWOOD’s K2HD processing to revive the natural sound of digital recordings. A choice of filters and analogue EQ presets are available to further finesse the GO Bar Kensei’s sonics, all indicated by status lights on its smart, brushed aluminium body. " EISA Awards 2024 - Best Compact DAC

Features

• Japanese Audio Processing (K2HD): Utilises advanced Japanese audio technology for organic sound quality.
• Customisable Sound: Offers tailored digital filters and analogue modes for genre-specific enhancement.
• Powerful DAC: Features a 16-core XMOS microcontroller and 32-bit Cirrus Logic DAC for high-quality audio processing.
• High-Resolution Support: Plays PCM up to 32-bit/384kHz, native DSD up to DSD256, 2x DXD, and full MQA decoding.
• Compact and Portable: Made with Japanese stainless steel, compact design, USB-C connectivity, and advanced power tuning for diverse headphone compatibility.

 

Forged for Masters of Audio.

GO bar Kensei is akin to a legendary sword meticulously forged for a Kensei. Embodying the dedication of a master swordsmith, we focused on purity, balance, and refinement to reveal the true essence of your music.

Featuring cutting-edge Japanese audio processing technology: K2HD, and improved power supply and clock circuitry, the Kensei represents the pinnacle of our journey of refinement in the GO bar range.

Whether you’re commuting, working remotely, or traveling for pleasure, the GO bar Kensei offers a perfectly portable solution to elevate your headphone experience to heavenly heights.

Kensei is a Japanese term that translates to “Sword Saint” in English, a title granted to the elite few who elevate the craft and artistry of swordsmanship beyond even that of the finest swordmasters.

 

Revitalise studio recording sound with legendary K2HD.

Despite their pristine clarity, digital recordings sometimes seem emotionally flat and lifeless.

Engineers at Victor Studio noticed a lack of emotion between their original masters and digital sub-masters, sparking a quest for a solution. They meticulously compared countless finished recordings with the copy recordings by ear, relying on their instinctive feel and human expertise. Their solution: K2 Technology.

The K2 Technology process revives rich, natural harmonics into digital sound, adding an organic quality unlike any other. K2 Technology processing revitalises the studio recording sound, infusing it with life once again.

“The K2 parameter values provided by iFi this time are completely new K2 parameter values that have never been used before and were selected by JVCKENWOOD and passed a listening test by studio engineers at Victor Studios. While previous K2 parameter values were set with consideration of correcting the sound quality of the product itself, the K2 parameter values provided this time for iFi are purely the settings for the best K2 effect. In this sense, it can be said that the K2 parameter values allow you to hear the original ideal “K2 sound.” commented, JVCKENWOOD.

“K2 Technology” and “K2HD” are registered trademarks of JVCKENWOOD Corporation.

 

Tailored. Sweet Sound.

Listen the way you like with four bespoke digital filters and two analogue processing modes, each tailored to enhance your enjoyment across different music genres.

• Bit-Perfect: Delivers natural tones, ideal for all genres.
• GTO: Enhances sound details and density, particularly suited for Vocal tracks.
• Minimum Phase: Produces a warmer sound, blending characteristics of Bit-Perfect and Standard, perfect for Soul and Jazz.
• Standard: Offers a tighter sound with controlled highs, perfect for Pop music and Movie OST.

Experience chest-thumping bass with XBass+ and immerse yourself in a spacious sound field with XSpace.

 

Advanced chip. Accurate clock.

The DAC section of the GO bar Kensei uses a powerful 16-core XMOS micro controller to process the audio data received at the USB input. Our in-house team has programmed the XMOS firmware to optimise sound quality and ensure a perfect partnership with the 32-bit Cirrus Logic DAC chipset.

A customised digital filter minimises pre-echoes and ringing artefacts. Our GMT (Global Master Timing) precision clock system ensures ultra-low jitter.

Supports higher-than-streaming audio formats:

• PCM up to 32-bit/384kHz
• Native DSD playback up to DSD256
• 2x DXD
• Full MQA decoding

 

Compact and Powerful.

The GO Bar Kensei is crafted with Japanese stainless steel for maximum rigidity.

With its compact dimensions of 65 x 22 x 13.2 mm, it matches the size of a USB flash drive. This makes it the perfect travel companion for your mobile, tablet or MacBook Pro, blending into your life for headphone use.

Its USB-C connectivity ensures plug-and-play convenience, allowing for hassle-free use.

The GO Bar Kensei offers a maximum output power of up to 477mW, which is about 10 times more powerful than an iPhone 15*.

It incorporates two power tuning technologies: iEMatch for high-sensitivity IEMs, and Turbo mode for power-hungry headphones. This allows it to easily drive a wide range of premium earphones and headphones.

*Compared to iPhone’s USB-C to 3.5mm Adapter.

 

Cut the Crosstalk.

Connect to the GO bar Kensei via 3.5mm S-Balanced or 4.4mm Balanced headphone outputs.

iFi’s exclusive 3.5mm S-Balanced* technology cuts crosstalk and noise by 50% with regular single-ended headphones.

 

	Extensive jitter-eradication technologies are applied to the digital stage, including our GMT (Global Master Timing) femto-precision clock and intelligent memory buffer. This represents a total ‘out-of-the-box’ systematic digital solution that solves jitter once and for all.
	K2HD Processing revives rich, natural harmonics into emotionally flat and lifeless digital recordings. The unparalleled originality of K2HD lies in its advanced high-frequency extension, enabling the restoration of natural harmonics and overtones beyond 22kHz, delivering audio quality that is close to the original master.
	The XMOS 16-Core chip processes the audio data received via the USB* digital input. This low-latency XMOS microcontroller has greatly enhanced processing power. Compared to the current generation of eight-core chips, this 16-core IC delivers double the clock speed (2000MIPS) and four times the memory (512KB), as well as the latest SuperSpeed USB standard. iFi’s in-house digital development team has programmed the XMOS firmware to optimise sound quality and ensure a perfect partnership with the Burr-Brown DAC. (* Also on S/PDIF on the Diablo-X)
	Hi-Res True Native® playback of all music formats from MP3 to DSD256, PCM384 and DXD384.
	Tantalum capacitors are another example of the top-notch components we prefer. These polarised electrolytic capacitors have superior frequency and stability characteristics, giving them a super high volumetric efficiency.
	The GO bar’s analogue circuitry features balanced design with a symmetrical twin-channel output stage. This topology, usually reserved for larger and more expensive amplifiers owing to its cost and complexity, reduces noise and crosstalk in the signal path by fully separating the left and right channels.
	TDK C0G (Class 1 ceramic) capacitors offer high stability and low losses for resonant circuit applications. Getting ever closer to the theoretical ideal of pure, frequency-constant capacitance, these capacitors reduce capacitor-induced distortion to vanishingly low levels. They are pricey but are a perfect addition to our products.
	Panasonic OS-CON caps totalling 5,410uF give very-low Equivalent Series Resistance (ESR), excellent noise reduction capability and frequency response characteristics. In addition, OS-CONs have a long-life span and its ESR changes little even at low temperatures since the electrolyte is solid. They are not often found in products costing <US$1000.
	muRata control-type, low-ESR high-Q multi-layer capacitors. The ‘ESR control’ aspect of the Murata is something special. Their noise suppression abilities are impressive.

 

Specification

• Input: USB-C
• 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 DAC by Cirrus Logic
• Headphone Output: BAL 4.4mm/S-BAL 3.5mm
• Output Power (RMS)
• Balanced: 477mW@32Ω; 7.2V@600Ω
• S-Bal: 300mW@32Ω; 3.8V@600Ω
• Output Impedance: ≤1Ω (≤3.6 Ω with iEMatch engaged)
• SNR
  • 132dB(A) / 121dB(A) (BAL/S-BAL)*
  • 114dB(A) / 114dB(A) (BAL/S-BAL)
• DNR : 108dB(A) / 109dB(A) (BAL/S-BAL)
• THD+N
• Balanced: ≤0.0025% (600Ω 2V) @ (20-20KHz)
• S-Bal: ≤0.009% (16Ω 1.27V) @ (20-20KHz)
• Frequency Response: 20Hz - 70kHz (-3dB)
• Power Consumption: <4W max.
• Dimensions: 65 x 22 x 13.2 mm (2.6" x 0.9" x 0.5”)
• Weight: 65.5g (2.3 oz)
• Warranty Period: 12 months

 

About iFi Audio 

iFi Audio is an award-winning audio tech company dedicated to enhancing your music enjoyment. With a mission to improve sound quality and eliminate noise, distortion, and hiss, iFi Audio offers a wide range of products that cater to headphones, speakers, portable audio devices, phones, and TVs. By doing so, they aim to deliver studio-quality audio that allows you to experience music as the artists intended.

Since its establishment in 2012, iFi Audio has been driven by the love of music and a commitment to making a difference in people's lives. With over 50 meticulously designed and manufactured products, they ensure every detail meets their high standards. Sourcing parts from around the world, including Germany, the USA, and Japan, they bring together global expertise to create exceptional audio devices.

At the heart of iFi Audio's business are its customers. They prioritise delivering the highest quality audio wherever you are, whether in the comfort of your home or on the go. Their distribution centre in the USA serves renowned retailers such as B&H and etailz, expanding their global network and reaching more music enthusiasts.

iFi Audio takes pride in its eco-friendly practices, using recyclable materials like aluminium, paper, and recycled plastics for its products and packaging. They strictly adhere to environmental standards, ensuring their components are hazardous toxins-free.

With a focus on Class A analogue circuitry and maintaining the audio signal's integrity, iFi Audio's products offer exceptional performance without compromising environmental sustainability. They believe that how a product looks, performs, and impacts the environment all matter, and they strive to deliver audio solutions that meet these criteria.

Experience the difference of high-quality audio with iFi Audio and immerse yourself in the joy of music.