iFi Audio makes some great little DACs that can turn smartphones and computers into top-flight audio systems. Now the company is introducing its latest innovation: the GO Bar Kensei.
The company claims that its new product merges artistry and Japanese swordsmanship with cutting-edge audio technology. The name Kensei is a Japanese honorary title bestowed on a warrior who possesses legendary skill in swordsmanship. The name literally translates as sword saint. The GO Bar Kensei is the world’s first ultra-portable DAC with K2HD, a new technology to bring listeners closer to the sound of the original recording.
At the heart of the new iFi GO Bar Kensei is brand-new K2HD Technology. Developed by JVCKENWOOD’s sound engineers, K2HD technology works to restore music to the same quality as the original master, reviving it with the rich, natural harmonics lost during digitalization. That aim sounds like the aim behind MQA, the Master Quality Authenticated format developed by Bob Stuart and now owned by Canadian Audio company Lenbrook.
The GO Bar Kensei can handle digital audio files up to 384kHz, DSD256 (12.3MHz) as well as comping with full MQA decoding. iFi says the GO Bar Kensei offers a tailored and personal experience for the listener thanks to four digital filter options as well as XBass+ and XSpace options designed to create a more accurate bass response and a spacious sound field.
The new iFi headphone DAC has an enhanced power output and clock circuitry that the company claims can produce a wider soundstage that projects more detail and serves up a robust bass.
The new GO Bar Kensai has a 4.4mm Pentaconn balanced output, a symmetrical twin-mono output stage, plus a 477mW maximum output power. Additionally, iFi’s iEMatch technology fine tunes the output levels to match more sensitive IEMs while Turbo Mode boosts output by 6dB for driving more difficult headphones.
Crafted from Japanese stainless steel for high rigidity, the GO Bar Kensei takes its inspiration from the ancient craftsmanship of a Kensei legendary blade. The company says that each component of this portable DAC offers high-end sound.
Pricing & Availability: The iFi GO Bar Kensei will be available from March 19, 2024, from selected retailers and is priced at $449 / £449 / €449.
More info: www.ifi-audio.com
Tech Specs:
- Supported formats: 384kHz, DSD256 (12.3MHz), full MQA.
- Digital filters: Standard, Bit Perfect, GTO, Minimum Phase.
- K2HD Processing: Yes.
- Headphone 4.4mm output: 477mW @ 32Ω, 7.2V @ 600Ω.
- Headphone 3.5mm output: 300mW @ 32Ω, 3.8V @ 600Ω.
- Output impedance (4.4mm): <0.62Ω.
- SNR: 132dBA (with software mute).
- DNR: 109dBA.
- THD+N: <0.002% (6.5mW/2.0V @ 600Ω).
- Digital inputs: 1 x USB-C.
- Power consumption: <4W Max.
- Dimensions: 65 x 22 x 13.2mm.
- Weight: 65.5g.
