iFi Aufio GO bar Kensei

Pro Audio Times would like to thank iFI Audio for providing us with this review unit.

Priced at $449, the GO bar Kensei is a compact USB DAC/headphone amplifier, made of a substantial and weighty – 65.6g (2.3 oz) – chunk of Japanese stainless steel. Packaged in an eco-friendly wooden box, it includes a USB-C to USB-C cable, a USB-C to Lightning cable, and a USB-A to USB-C adapter.

The Kensei uses a 32-bit Cirrus Logic DAC chipset and can accommodate high resolution PCM (up to 32-bit/384 kHz), DSD (up to DSD 256), 2x DXD, and can decode MQA.

It comes with a feature called K2HD technology, which upsamples incoming data streams to 192kHz/24-bit and applies corrective time domain DSP. This is said to restore high-frequency extension, natural harmonics and overtones, to provide a more natural listening experience.

The Kensei matches its supreme industrial design with tactile and classy fidelity. End to end tonality is confident and complete. The pulse and rhythm of the music is well-aligned and anchored.

Low frequencies are palpably firm and jubilant. For listeners who like a natural lift to the low end, the ‘XBass’ switch adds a smooth bass shelf. iFi Audio has always done a nice job with this feature. It adds weight while keeping the bass grounded and defined.

The lower midrange has a well-seated richness that relates well with its neighboring frequencies.

With the Kensei, the listener is treated to a sweetly meticulous midrange that is both technical and visceral. Vocals and instruments sit in their own distinct spaces with organic and complex timbres.

The upper midrange reveals textural minutiae and ambient characteristics of the music.

Highs have a hint of elegant flair and chiseled crispness. Strings, flutes, brass and cymbals are distinct while retaining a smooth brilliance.

Transients are fast, snappy, and delicately etched. Plucks of strings and cracks of the snare drum sound satisfying and true to life.

Soundstage is roomy but focused. There is a sense of specificity to the decay of reverbs and delays. The ‘XSpace’ function can be engaged to create a wider, more immersive presentation.

Powerwise, the Kensei won’t match a high-output desktop system, but its ample amplifier can drive a range of headphones and IEMs with plenty of volume and headroom.

Besides its high price tag, it’s hard to find shortcomings with this device.

A kensei is a revered Japanese title that translates to ‘sword saint’. It signifies a level of mastery that surpasses the more familiar ‘sword master.’ With its sculptural design, stunning build quality, and illustrious sonics, the GO bar Kensei earns the top tier distinction of its name.