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iFi Audio GO bar Kensei Portable DAC/Amp

$449.00
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iFi Audio GO bar Kensei: K2HD-powered Portable DAC/Amp

The iFi GO bar Kensei is the first portable DAC/Amp to feature JVC's K2HD technology - a powerful audio-correcting algorithm that enhances stale, flat-sounding studio recordings for a deliver rich, engaging sound.

Coupled with iFi Audio's bespoke audio-enhancing filters, a powerful XMOS 16-core chip, S-Balanced technology, and robust design, the GO bar Kensei delivers a masterful audio performance for listening on the go.

ifi audio go bar kensei front top view

What's In The Box?

Everything you need is included with the GO bar Kensei.

  • GO bar Kensei
  • Decorative Japanese wooden box
  • Leather travel case
  • Lightning to USB-C cable
  • USB-C to A adapter
  • USB-C OTG cable
  • Quick Start Guide
  • Instruction Card
ifi-audio-go-bar-kensei-accessories

Power and Precision - iFi GO bar Kensei

The iFi Audio GO bar Kensei will power any headphone or IEM with ease.

The Kensei delivers up to 477mW of power - about 10x the output of the iPhone 15 with a USB-C to 3.5mm Adapter, making it the obvious choice for powering high-end gear on-the-go.

iFi Audio's iEMatch technology guarantees low noise when driving sensitive IEMs, while Turbo mode ensures power-hungry headphones receive enough juice to deliver a full-bodied sound.

ifi audio go bar kensei front view

Breathe Life into Your Favorite Tunes with K2HD

The iFi Audio GO bar Kensei's defining feature is the inclusion of K2HD technology - a sound enhancement algorithm that adds missing details and emotion to flat-sounding studio recordings.

Unlike other K2HD-equipped audio devices, the Kensei features a special K2HD implementation developed specifically by JVCKENWOOD for the ideal K2 sound.

The result is a true-to-source sound with improved energy and musicality for the ultimate portable listening enjoyment.

The GO bar Kensei Lets You Listen To Tunes Your Way

The iFi Audio GO bar Kensei offers four unique digital filters for unmatched sound enjoyment - Bit-Perfect, GTO, Minimum Phase, and Standard.

Bit-Perfect offers the most natural sound, while GTO enhances vocal clarity and presence for vocal-heavy tracks. Minimum Phase adds a bit of warmth to your favorite tracks, while Standard delivers the best sound for listening to Pop.

XBass+ and XSpace lets you enhance bass and soundstage response, respectively, for a true-to-life listening experience.

ifi audio go bar kensei front view with logo and hi res sticker

No Noise Just Music

Boasting dedicated circuit traces for its 3.5mm and 4.4mm Balanced inputs, the iFi Audio GO bar Kensei delivers exceptional clarity and low noise.

iFi Audio's special S-Balanced 3.5mm technology ensures crosstalk and noise is reduced by 50% when powering single-ended headphones and IEMs.

ifi audio go bar kensei audio inputs view

The Best Components for the Ultimate Sound

iFi Audio built the GO bar Kensei from the ground up with the best components available.

At the heart of the iFi GO bar Kensei is a 16-core XMOS chip that's paired to perfection with a 32-bit Cirrus Logic DAC chip for unmatched sound clarity and accuracy in the following formats:

  • PCM (up to 32-bit/384kHz)
  • DSD (up to DSD256)
  • DXD (2x)
  • MQA (Full MQA decode)

Top-tier circuit board components from TDK, Panasonic, Tantalum, and Murata ensure unparalleled reliability and low noise for clean, uninterrupted listening sessions.

ifi audio go bar kensei top circuit board view

ifi audio go bar kensei k2hd logo

K2HD Processing

The iFi GO bar Kensei features K2HD sound enhancement technology by JVCKENWOOD, which promises to add life and enjoyment to flat-sounding studio recordings.

The K2HD algorithm in the Kensei is specifically tuned to deliver the best K2 sound.

ifi audio go bar kensei xmos logo

XMOS 16-core

At the heart of the iFi GO bar Kensei is a 16-core XMOS microprocessor, which handles audio data from the USB digital input.

The XMOS 16x chip promises low-latency through improved clock speeds of up to 2000MIPS and quadruple the on-board memory at 512KB. The XMOS 16x chip is tuned to work seamlessly alongside the 32-bit Cirrus Logic DAC chip to deliver the ultimate sound.

ifi audio go bar kensei hi res audio logo

Hi-Res Audio

The GO bar Kensei supports Hi-Res playback support for all music formats.

Listen to all your favorite MP3, DSD256, PCM384, or DXD384 formats with the highest quality possible.

https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0821/3486/0085/files/ifi-audio-go-bar-kensei-balanced-output-logo.jpg?v=1716177826

Twin-Channel Output

The iFi Audio GO bar Kensei supports dual-channel output for its 3.5mm and 4.4mm Balanced outputs for reduced noise, crosstalk for a clean and balanced sound output.


GO bar Kensei Technical Specifications

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)

*with Intelligent muting activated

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

GO bar Kensei User Manual

User Manual

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Ship happens. We'll deliver the goods - at zero cost to you.
Easy breakup guarantee. FREE 60-day returns, with ZERO fees.
Friendly service. We might even make you blush.
Zero shenanigans. If we can't help you, we won't say we can.

iFi Audio GO bar Kensei Portable DAC/Amp Reviews

Your Ears Deserve a Vacation 1 Month of TIDAL HiFi Plus, free with every purchase.
60 Day Easy Breakup Guarantee Not feeling it? Send it back within 60 days. On us.
Free Extended Warranty Bad cable? Weird rattle? We've got you covered. Shop confidently with our complimentary 5-year extended warranty.
Discount for Duty Are you Military/Police/Fire?
GET DISCOUNT
Friendly Service We might even make you blush.
CALL OR TEXT US
Ship happens. We'll deliver the goods - at zero cost to you.
Price Match Patrol We dare you. Find a better price.
Authorized Dealer We're an authorized retailer of this product, so you'll get a full warranty and product support.
Ship happens. We'll deliver the goods - at zero cost to you.
Easy breakup guarantee. FREE 60-day returns, with ZERO fees.
Friendly service. We might even make you blush.
Zero shenanigans. If we can't help you, we won't say we can.
Military/Police/Fire We appreciate you. Contact us today.
Price Match Promise We dare you. Find a better price.
Secure Checkout We'll make sure your info is safe.
Authorized Dealer Standard warranties included.