iFi GO bar Kensei: Exceptional Portable DAC/Amp for Audio Enthusiasts

The iFi GO bar Kensei is more than just a portable DAC; it's a testament to craftsmanship and audio fidelity, embodying a spirit akin to the "Sword Saint," which reflects its pursuit of excellence. Designed for serious audiophiles, the Kensei offers a deep dive into the technical aspects of sound without alienating those new to high-end audio.

Price and Availability

Retailing at $449, the iFi GO bar Kensei can be purchased from ifi-audio.com, Amazon, and other leading retailers like Sweetwater. Unlike the limited-edition iFi Gold bar, Kensei will remain widely available, as confirmed by an iFi representative.

Build and Fit

Unboxing the Kensei is a worthy experience, presented in an eco-friendly, intricately carved wooden box. Included in the package are two premium braided cables (USB-C and USB-C to Lightning with USB-A adapter) and a stylish leather pouch. Compact and light—similar in size to a USB flash drive—this device is crafted from Japanese stainless steel, adding a significant heft to its otherwise diminutive form factor. While its design is aesthetically pleasing and high-quality, the stainless steel body tends to attract fingerprints quite easily.

Its face features an informative LED panel displaying volume levels, audio formats, frequency settings, and sound modes. On one side, you’ll find intuitive volume control buttons and the IEMatch switch. The 3.5mm and 4.4mm headphone outputs are conveniently located at the top, while the USB-C input—supporting 32-bit/384kHz audio—resides at the bottom. Although the Kensei warms up slightly during use, it remains comfortable and manageable.

Features

Powered by a 32-bit Cirrus Logic DAC chipset, the GO bar Kensei supports True Native® playback across various formats, from MP3 to DSD256 and PCM384, with complete MQA decoding. The device is equipped with high-end capacitors that enhance sound clarity and reduce potential distortion.

The standout features include four digital filters and two analog modes, each offering a distinct auditory experience:

• Bit-Perfect (cyan): This mode delivers transparency and brightness. It’s ideal for Hi-Res tracks, letting you experience music as intended.
• Standard (red): This setting provides a warmer sound, suitable for those preferring a smoother listening experience.
• Minimum phase (yellow): This warmer option is perfect for bass enthusiasts, enhancing low frequencies without sacrificing clarity.
• Gibbs Transient-Optimised (white): This mode upsamples audio to 352/384kHz for a lively and engaging sound across all frequencies.

The Kensei also incorporates an IEMatch switch that adjusts output levels for high-sensitivity IEMs and a Turbo Mode that boosts gain for high-powered headphones. With impressive output levels—477mW from the 4.4mm output and 300mW from the 3.5 S-Balanced output—the device showcases its versatility across different headphone types.

However, it’s important to note that running the Kensei from a mobile device can lead to increased battery consumption, especially when compared to larger devices like laptops.

Sound Quality

The audio quality of the Kensei can be described as both full-bodied and ethereal, effortlessly combining clarity and musical richness. Whether using the 3.5mm or 4.4mm output, the listening experience is enhanced significantly, particularly with analytical headphones or IEMs.

A notable pairing is with the Sennheiser IE900 IEMs through the balanced output using the bit-perfect filter. Tracks such as "Violin Duel" from the Chevalier OST reveal sonic details and nuances often overlooked, encapsulating the depth of instrumental interactions. Additionally, Beyoncé’s “Texas Hold ‘Em” is delivered with a nuanced plucking of strings, showcasing the Kensei’s capability to extract subtlety from complex arrangements.

When it comes to bass, the transparency of the Kensei allows listeners to appreciate the engineering behind recordings. Songs like Skrillex’s “Mumbai Power” and tracks from the Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse soundtrack benefit from the Kensei's XBass filter, delivering a rich and authoritative low-end sound.

Competition

In the realm of high-end DACs, the GO bar Kensei stands out, not merely due to its unique aesthetic but also because of its thoughtful accessory package. However, it faces competition from notable players. The Fiio Q15, for example, offers a built-in screen and Bluetooth capabilities, catering to users seeking wireless connectivity.

Similarly, the iBasso DC-Elite presents a strong alternative with comparable features and an eye-catching design. Although I couldn't review the iBasso personally, it’s regarded as a formidable competitor to the Kensei.

Should You Buy It?

The iFi GO bar Kensei is a good fit if:

• You’re not concerned about Bluetooth functionality.
• You appreciate DACs with pristine sound quality.
• You can forgo parametric equalization.

It may not be ideal if:

• Price sensitivity is a factor.
• You require Bluetooth connectivity.
• You prefer parametric EQ features.

The Kensei impresses with its transparent sound without harshness, making it an excellent companion for musical IEMs. Its digital filters allow for an enhanced listening experience based on the headphones or IEMs used, especially when paired with open-back headphones that benefit from its analog processing modes. Although it draws some power from your source device, its superior build quality and extensive feature set justify the investment for audio enthusiasts looking for a reliable, portable solution.