iFi GO bar Kensei Portable USB DAC & Headphone Amplifier

Product Description

The iFi GO bar Kensei brings high-resolution digital audio, powerful headphone amplification, and JVCKENWOOD's K2HD technology to a remarkably compact USB DAC. Crafted from Japanese stainless steel, this portable DAC and headphone amplifier connects directly to your smartphone, tablet, or computer, providing a substantial upgrade over conventional headphone outputs without the bulk of a desktop audio system.

Inside its precision-machined enclosure, the GO bar Kensei combines a 32-bit Cirrus Logic DAC, a custom-programmed 16-core XMOS processor, and fully balanced headphone amplification. With support for PCM up to 384kHz, DSD256, and full MQA decoding, it is equipped to handle an extensive range of high-resolution digital music formats.

Its 4.4mm balanced and 3.5mm S-Balanced headphone outputs, adjustable gain, and iEMatch technology make it equally practical for sensitive in-ear monitors and demanding full-size headphones.

K2HD Technology: Rediscover the Harmonics

The defining feature of the GO bar Kensei is its integration of JVCKENWOOD's K2HD technology. Developed to address the loss of harmonic information that can occur during digital recording and processing, K2HD uses proprietary signal processing to restore high-frequency harmonic content.

The technology is intended to give digital recordings a more natural tonal character and a greater sense of musical presence. K2HD can be activated or deactivated, allowing listeners to compare its processing with the original digital signal and choose their preferred presentation.

Unlike conventional equalization, K2HD is designed around harmonic restoration rather than simply adjusting the level of different frequency bands.

32-Bit Cirrus Logic DAC and Custom XMOS Processing

The GO bar Kensei uses a 32-bit Cirrus Logic DAC chipset paired with a custom-programmed 16-core XMOS microcontroller. This combination manages USB audio processing and digital-to-analog conversion while supporting high-resolution PCM, native DSD, DXD, and MQA playback.

Four selectable digital filters allow listeners to tailor the DAC's processing characteristics:

• Bit-Perfect for minimal digital filtering.

• GTO (Gibbs Transient Optimized) for a different approach to transient response.

• Minimum Phase for reduced pre-ringing.

• Standard for conventional digital filtering.

These options provide flexibility when matching the GO bar Kensei with different headphones, recordings, and listening preferences.

Balanced Headphone Amplification

Despite its compact dimensions, the GO bar Kensei delivers up to 477mW into 32 ohms through its 4.4mm balanced output. The 3.5mm S-Balanced connection provides up to 300mW into 32 ohms and incorporates iFi's proprietary circuitry to reduce crosstalk and noise when using conventional single-ended headphones.

Two gain and sensitivity features extend its compatibility with different headphone designs.

Turbo Mode increases gain for headphones that require additional drive, while iEMatch attenuates the output for highly sensitive in-ear monitors. iEMatch helps provide a more usable volume range while reducing audible background hiss.

Whether you're listening with high-end IEMs during your commute or full-size audiophile headphones at your desk, the GO bar Kensei provides flexibility without requiring separate portable amplifiers.

Japanese Stainless Steel Construction

Inspired by the precision and craftsmanship associated with Japanese swordmaking, the GO bar Kensei features a Japanese stainless steel enclosure. The rigid housing gives the device a substantial feel while maintaining dimensions of just 65 × 22 × 13.2mm.

Its compact design makes it easy to carry alongside a smartphone or laptop. USB-C connectivity provides plug-and-play operation with compatible devices, drawing power directly from the connected source rather than relying on an internal battery.

Physical volume controls and LED indicators provide convenient access to playback information, digital filter settings, and K2HD processing.