Recently, iFi audio added an "odd one out" to its portable audio product line - the new GO cable. This product embeds the DAC and headphone amplifier directly into the IEM cable, subverting the traditional "dongle" form with a kind of "inline all-in-one" design. [1]
Before this, iFi already had the well-received GO link dongle DAC/amp, and the GO cable is a more radical variant. It has USB-C input on one end and a 0.78mm dual-pin connector on the other, allowing direct connection to detachable-cable IEMs. The core circuit is housed inside the Y-splitter or the cable itself, specific location not fully disclosed. [1]
Structurally, the GO cable eliminates the short cable between the traditional dongle and the earphones, simplifying the entire chain from "player → dongle → earphones" to "player → cable (with DAC/amp) → earphones". This design greatly reduces cable clutter when carrying around, and also lowers the risk of poor contact due to loose connectors. [1]
Although the official has not yet announced specific chip solutions, output power, and battery life details, the core concept of the GO cable is already very clear: integrating decoding and amplification functions into the headphone upgrade cable to achieve true "plug and play". This idea is quite attractive to audiophiles who seek ultimate portability and a clean desktop layout. [1]
Editor's perspective: The GO cable is not a traditional "dongle" or "upgrade cable" but a fusion of the two. It is best suited for users who already have IEMs with 0.78mm connectors and want to get rid of an external dongle while still demanding quality from the built-in amplifier. Compared to a separate dongle+cable combination at the same price, the GO cable has clear advantages in portability and cable management, but once the cable is damaged, repair or replacement costs may be higher. Currently lacking specific parameters and sound quality evaluations, it is recommended to take a wait-and-see attitude and decide after more detailed reviews. [1]