iFi introduces GO cable with integrated DAC and amplifier

iFi has introduced the GO cable, a specialized USB-C cable that integrates a digital-to-analog converter (DAC) and a headphone amplifier directly into the wiring. Designed for in-ear monitors (IEMs), the cable features 0.78mm 2-pin connectors, eliminating the need for separate dongles or interconnects between a source device and headphones.

The cable utilizes an ESS Sabre DAC and supports high-resolution audio playback, including PCM up to 32-bit/384kHz and native DSD256. To improve audio quality, iFi has implemented Dynamic Range Enhancement, which claims to add up to 6dB of dynamic range, and THD compensation technology intended to reduce distortion by more than 50 percent compared to the GO Link Max.

Retailing for $79, the GO cable provides 70mW of power at 32 ohms. It is designed to bypass the internal audio circuitry of connected smartphones, tablets, or laptops to handle conversion and amplification independently.