Go Bar Kensei, a portable DAC Amp, features a design crafted from durable Japanese stainless steel, inspired by samurai katanas. Its robust structure ensures longevity.
Inside the Go Bar Kensei, the advanced K2HD technology from JVCKenwood, similar to MQA, acts as a digital filter. It restores music playback and claims back the “rich natural sounds” that the digitization process can lose.
As a DSP, K2HD upscales audio signals from 44kHz to 192kHz, aiming to restore ultra-high frequencies in recordings. According to iFi, this upgraded audio signal provides an extended frequency range equivalent to a 96kHz file.
The Go Bar Kensei exceeds iFi’s other models in sound quality with powerful technology and advanced pulse generation circuitry. It offers a wider sound range, high resolution, and cleaner bass. The controller chip for receiving USB signals is a 16-core XMOS, while the DAC chip from CirrusLogic supports digital music: PCM up to 32-bit/384kHz, Native DSD256, 2x DXD, and Full MQA decoding.
The Go Bar Kensei includes both a 4.4mm output and a 3.5mm output. It also features a select switch that can activate Ifi’s IEMatch technology for each port, reducing noise.
With the capacity to power both headphones and IEMs, the balanced output offers 477 milliwatts at 32 ohms and 7.2V at 600 ohms, while the unbalanced output delivers 300mW at 32 ohms and 3.8V at 600 ohms.
iFi GO Bar Kensei price and release date
Included with the Kensei are an engraved wooden box for accessories, USB-C and Lightning-compatible cables, a USB-C to USB-A adapter, and a carrying bag. You can purchase the Go Bar Kensei for $499 on Amazon and Bhphotovideo online shops.
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If you’re interested, we also have a review of the FiiO K11, which is a popular budget desktop DAC AMP product line from FiiO. It caters to entry-level users who seek advanced sound quality. The K11 offers a solution for DAC AMP computer speakers, including active, monitor, and standard computer speakers, as well as headphones.
