iFi Audio GO Bar Kensei Review

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Design & Build Quality

The GO Bar Kensei embodies iFi’s signature industrial design, enhanced with a more polished and eye-catching appearance. The unit features two Japanese characters etched onto its surface, reminiscent of a traditional Japanese Katana, making it stand out from typical USB dongles. However, its larger size might be less ideal for those seeking a truly pocketable solution.

The device is adorned with multiple LED indicators, showing the volume level, sample rate, xBass and xSpace settings, MQA status, and K2HD processing. While the setup may seem complex initially, it becomes intuitive with use.

Constructed with a stainless steel finish, the GO Bar Kensei is robust and exudes a premium feel. However, this finish requires careful handling to avoid scratches. The device is somewhat heavy, which can make on-the-go use with a smartphone less convenient. It’s more practical as a laptop companion, perfect for situations where you can take it out from your bag and enjoy high-quality music in a relaxed setting, such as a cosy café.

Overall Experience

The GO Bar Kensei offers a straightforward plug-and-play experience across various devices, including smartphones, tablets, and PCs. Just connect the USB, and you’re ready to enjoy high-quality audio. While the user experience is generally positive, mastering all the features can be somewhat complex.

One notable improvement over the standard GO Bar is the readability of the indicators. iFi has enhanced the visibility of the indicators, which were previously hard to read due to their grey color. This makes it easier to navigate and use the device. Despite this improvement, the button layout remains somewhat complicated.

The LED indicators serve multiple purposes. While adjusting the volume, the LEDs display the current volume level, but they also indicate the sample rate and other settings when not in volume mode. Additionally, the settings button uses various press combinations to access different features, which can take some time to get used to.

Settings

When using the GO Bar Kensei, navigating the settings button allows you to control the xBass and xSpace features. Here’s how it works:

1. First Press: Activates the xBass feature.
2. Second Press: Switches off xBass and activates xSpace.
3. Third Press: Turns on both xBass and xSpace simultaneously.
4. Fourth Press: Deactivates both xBass and xSpace.

Digital Filters

To set up the digital filter mode on the GO Bar Kensei, follow these steps:

  1. Press the Setting Button for Over Two Seconds: This activates the digital filter mode.
  2. Use the +/- Volume Buttons: Cycle through the filters, each indicated by a different colour:
    • Cyan: Bit-perfect; no filtering.
    • Red: GTO; enhances sound details and density, particularly suited for Vocal tracks..
    • Yellow: Minimum Phase; produces a warmer sound, blending characteristics of Bit-Perfect and Standard, perfect for Soul and Jazz..
    • White: Standard; offers a tighter sound with controlled highs, perfect for Pop music and Movie OST.

The GO Bar Kensei includes iFi’s IEMatch feature for the 3.5mm and 4.4mm outputs, which can be activated with a simple switch.

K2HD Setting

You can enable the K2HD processing technology by pressing and holding the setup button for 3s. After the MQA LED flashes, press the volume(+) button and the K2HD LED will light up to indicate that it is active.

Sound General

The GO Bar Kensei makes a strong impression from the outset, delivering a clear, natural sound with impressive technical performance. Its audio reproduction is characterized by clarity, resolution, and precise stereo imaging, creating a well-balanced and controlled listening experience. One notable aspect is its excellent background blackness, which enhances overall imaging and layering.

While it maintains a neutral character, the Kensei doesn’t lean towards being overly bright or veiled, striking a fine balance that allows your connected earphones or headphones to shine with their unique characteristics. The soundstage is reasonably spacious, complemented by precise imaging and separation.

In frequency response, the bass is articulate with good pace and decay, although some users may find it slightly light. The midrange is clean and forward, offering excellent tonality and clarity, while the treble is crisp, airy, and well-extended.

One of the Kensei’s strengths is its versatility across different genres and recordings. Whether the music is dynamic and energetic or relaxed and laid-back, the Kensei faithfully reproduces the intended sound, making it an ideal choice for those who appreciate a neutral sound signature.

Page 1: iFi Audio, GO Bar Kensei, Packaging
Page 3: Sound Details, Comparisons, Conclusion
4.4/5 - (132 votes)
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A keen audiophile and hobby photographer, Berkhan is after absolute perfection. Whether it is a full-frame camera or a custom in-ear, his standpoint persists. He tries to keep his photography enthusiasm at the same level as audio. Sometimes photography wins, sometimes his love for music takes over and he puts that camera aside. Simplistic expressions of sound in his reviews are the way to go for him. He enjoys a fine single malt along with his favourite Jazz recordings.

3 Comments

  • Reply June 11, 2024

    Adam

    What about comparison vs DC-Elite which has been promised?

  • Reply June 18, 2024

    Oscar Antonio López Quintanilla

    Better make a comparison with the L&P W4, iBasso DC-Elite, HiBy FC6, Cayin RU7 as well as the iFi GO Bar Kensei.

  • Reply July 28, 2024

    Jorge Rafael

    I can’t find the comparison between the DC Elite and IfI Go Bar Kensei. Which one in your opinion has better sound quality? Please be specific and if possible use percentages.
    Thank you

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