GO bar Kensie Edition Portable
USB DAC Headphone Amplifier
User Manual

Thank you for purchasing the bar from the GO series. The bar is a balanced USB audio DAC amplifier.

Audio format, frequency and sound effects LED

The LED colour scheme indicates the current sampling frequency and audio format received by the GO bar Kensei from the music source. Sound effect modes are also indicated.
Different positions are lit to indicate the following corresponding audio formats

Sound effects

*The XSpace Matrix recreates a holographic sound field. It is a pure analogue signal processing circuit de signed for listening to headphones as if one was listening to speakers. This addresses the ‘music inside th e head’ sensation, which makes for unsettling listening.
••XBass+ was uniquely designed to extend bass response to suit different headphones. It is a pure analogue signal circuit.
Tip: Sonically-hindering DSP is NOT used for XBass+ nor XSpace systems. They use the highest-quality discrete components and operate purely in the analogue domain. Hence all the clarity and resolution of the original music is retained.

K2HD LED

Featuring JVCKENWOOD’s“K2HD Technology”. “K2HD”achieves high
sound quality by restoring altered or degraded digital sound sources to the
same quality as the original master.
••••••K2 TECHNOLOGY’ and “K2HD” are trademarks or registered trademarks of JVCKENWOOD Corporation.”

MQA and Digital filter LED

MQA:

Digital Filter for PCM Playback:

iEMatch switch

iEMatch reduces the output level, so that even the most sensitive In- EarMonitors (IEMs) can be matched to the GO bar Kensei.

Tip: The GO bar Kensei and/or the headphone will not be damaged if the iEMatch switch is adjusted incorrectly, but the attenuation level will not be correct.

Volume control and gain

To increase volume, press the + button, and to decrease it, press the – button.
Volume level is briefly displayed on the GO bar Kensei while pressing one of the volume buttons, shown by the number of white LEDs on at a time – from none to 6 (K2HD to PCM LED).
The increase or decrease of volume can be synchronised with the volume of the mobile phone/computer. The connected device will indicate a change of volume on its display if synchronisation is on, and the device’s volume controls can additionally be used to adjust volume. The GO bar Kensei’s volume buttons are still operational.
By default, the synchronisation feature is off. To switch this on or off, press the settings button (6) for > 8s. On is indicated by the 6 white LEDs switching on in sequence from PCM LED and K2HD LED to the centre. Off is indicated by the 6 white LEDs switching off in the opposite direction.
Turbo Mode increases the gain by 6dB. To switch this on or off, press the + and – volume buttons together for ≥ 2s. Turbo Mode on is indicated by 2 white LEDs (K2HD – DSD) increasing to 6 lighting up at the same time for 2s. Normal
gain is indicated by 6 white LEDs (K2HD – PCM) diminishing to 2 lighting up for 2s.
Tip: For sensitive headphones and earphones, leave Turbo Mode off. For less sensitive headphones, it may be appropriate to switch Turbo Mode on.

Settings and Digital filter mode and K2HD mode

This button cycles between:
Off > XSpace > XBass+ > XSpace and XBass+ (short click).
Please refer to item 1 for sound effects LED indications.
Digital filter setting mode (long press ≥3s). Please see below.
K2HD setting mode (long press ≥3s). Please see below.
Please refer to item 2 for K2HD LED indications.
Digital filter
To enter digital filter setting mode, press and hold the button for ≥3s. The MQA LED will flash with the currently set digital filter colour (as shown in item 2). Press the – buttons (5b) to change the filter selection. A short press on the settings button (6) will select and exit the filter setting mode.

The following 4 digital filters are available:

filtering, no pre ringing, minimum post ringing

Note : If the GTO filter is selected, the only sample rate indicator showing will be 352.8/384kHz, indicating the upsampling operation of this filter.

K2HD
Long press and hold the Setup button (6) for ≥ 3s, after the MQA LED (3) starts to flash, press +(4a) and the K2HD LED lights up to indicate that K2HD is enabled.
Tip: K2HD mode is only effective when the audio file format is PCM and the sampling frequency needs to be ≤ PCM 192kHz; K2HD mode is not effective when it is greater than PCM 192kHz.
K2HD mode is invalid and cannot be enabled when the audio file format is DSD or MQA.
Tip: When both K2HD mode and GTO filter are enabled, the sampling frequency of GTO is 192kHz, and the sampling frequency of GTO is 384kHz when K2HD mode is not enabled.

*S-Balanced 3.5mm headphone output**

For connecting 3.5mm headphones (compatible with standard TRS configuration, Single-Ended Compatible Balanced).
Tip: Single-Ended Compatible Balanced.

Balanced 4.4mm headphone output

For connecting balanced 4.4mm headphones. This is a fully balanced output.

USB-C input

The USB-C socket plays up to 32-bit 384kHz, has full MQA decoding, and native DSD up to DSD256.
Tip: When the phone battery is low (<30%), the GO bar Kensei on older iPhones (6S or before) may not be able to operate.
Warning: If the GO bar Kensei’s volume synchronisation function is on, and the music source is Tidal via Windows, please ensure that the Tidal setting of Forced Volume is off. With this function on, there is no volume control possible, and the volume will be at maximum. This has the potential to damage the connected headphone and/or your hearing.

Specifications

Input: USB-C
Formats: DSD 256 / 11.3MHz PCM 384kHz full MQA decoder
DAC: Bit-Perfect DSD & DXD DAC by Cirrus Logic
Headphone Outputs:
Balanced 4.4mm
S-Balanced 3.5mm
RMS Output Power:
Balanced 477mW @ 32Ω; 7.2V @ 600Ω
S-Balanced 300mW @ 32Ω; 3.8V @ 600Ω
Output Impedance:
Balanced 1••Ω (With iEMatch engaged: ••3.6Ω)
S-Balanced ••Ω (With iEMatch engaged: ••3.6Ω) 1
SNR :
Balanced ••132dBA
S-Balanced ••121dBA
DNR :
Balanced ••108dB(A)
S-Balanced ••109dB(A)
THD + N:
Balanced ••0.0025% (600Ω @ 2V) @ (20-20kHz)
S-Balanced ••0.009% (16Ω @ 1.27V) @ (20-20kHz)
Frequency Response: 20Hz – 70kHz (-3dB)
Power Consumption: <4W max.
Dimensions: 65 x 22 x 13.2 mm (2.6″ x 0.9″ x 0.5”)
Net weight: 65.5g (2.3 oz)
Limited Warranty: 12 months**

Single-Ended Compatible Balanced.
12 months typical or as permitted/required by local reseller laws.
Specifications are subject to change without notice.
••K2 TECHNOLOGY” and “K2HD” are trademarks or registered trademarks of JVCKENWOOD Corporation. For more information, please visit www.jvckenwood.com/en/technology/k2.html”

Quick Start Guide

Scan QR code for view the GO bar Kensei user manual on https://ifi·audio.com/products/go-bar- kensei

GO Bar Kensei Tech Lowdown

World’s first Ultraportable DAC with K2HD

K2HD Technology
Relentlessly leading the way at the bleeding-edge of technology, K2HD is our latest “new” tech.
Shaping waveforms and restoring harmonics
K2HD restores music data lost during digitalization, bringing your audio closer to the analogue master recording quality.

Story of K2 Technology

Despite their pristine clarity, digital recordings sometimes seem emotionally flat and lifeless.
Engineers at the prestigious Victor Studio, troubled by the discernible lack of emotion between their original masters and digital sub-masters, embarked on a quest for a solution.
They meticulously compared countless finished recordings with the copy recordings by ear, relying on their instinctive feel and their human expertise.
Their solution; K2 Technology.
The K2 Technology process revives rich, natural harmonics into the sterile, detached digital sound, adding an organic quality unlike any other.
K2 Technology processing revitalises the studio recording sound, infusing it with life once again.

Devices and CDs with K2

K2 Technology is not only used in studios; JVCKENWOOD has implemented it into music playback devices, including wireless earphones, DACs, mini-Hi-Fi, CD players and CDs.

K2HD Processing

The latest version of K2 Technology is known as K2HD.
When mastering to match CD specifications, all data above 22kHz is cut off, and resolution is diminished by 256 times.
This isn’t even limited to CDs specifically – Spotify’s entire library is compressed to 44.1kHz/16-bit.
K2HD gets back your lost data.
This advanced processing optionally upscales a file to 192kHz/24-bit and applies their hand-selected K2 parameters for waveform correction – which processes the time-domain, not the frequency domain.
The unparalleled originality of K2HD lies in its advanced high frequency extension, enabling the restoration of natural harmonics and overtones beyond 22kHz, delivering audio quality that is close to the original master.

Visual explanation of K2HD Processing. Source: JVCKENWOOD website.

Key Features

| Enhances audio to near master quality with JVCKENWOOD’s ‘K2HD Technology’| | Enhanced clock and power supply circuitry
---|---|---|---
| Four digital filter options, and XBass+ and XSpace analogue processing modes| | Optimising output for high-sensitivity headphones/IEMs
| Delivers up to 477mW of continuous power| | Symmetrical, twin mono output stage

Kensei vs. GO bar Looks

Kensei vs. GO bar Comparison

| | |
---|---|---|---
| GO bar Kensei| GOld bar – 10th Anniversary| GO bar
Material| Japanese Stainless Steel
for maximum rigidity| Copper| Aluminium Alloy
K2HD| Yes| No| No
Clock| Ultra-Low Jitter| Standard Low Jitter| Standard Low Jitter
Power supply| Enhanced| Enhanced| Standard
Presentation| Engraved Wooden Box| Eco-Packaging| Eco-Packaging
XBass+ & XSpace| Yes| Yes| Yes
Digital filters| Yes| Yes| Yes
iEMatch| Yes| Yes| Yes
Turbo mode| Yes| Yes| Yes
Headphone outputs| | 4.4mm Balanced, 3.5mm S-Bal|
Power (4.4mm)| 477mW @ 32Ω; 7.2V @ 600Ω| 475mW @ 32Ω; 7.2V @ 600Ω| 475mW @ 32Ω; 7.2V @ 600Ω
Power (3.5mm)| | 300mW @ 32Ω; 3.8V @ 600Ω|
Formats supported| | DSD256, PCM 384kHz, MQA Decoder|
Input| | USB-C|

Connection Guide

Box Contents

Specifications

Digital|
---|---
Formats supported| 384kHz; DSD256 (12.3MHz); full MQA
Digital filters| Standard, Bit-Perfect, GTO, Minimum Phase
K2HD Processing| Yes
Output power (RMS)|
Headphone outputs| 4.4mm, 3.5mm
4.4mm| 477mW@32Ω; 7.2V@600Ω
3.5mm| 300mW@32Ω; 3.8V@600Ω
Headphone output (4.4mm)|
Output impedance| <0.62Ω
SNR| 132dBA (with software mute)
DNR| 109dBA
THD+N| <0.002% (6.5mW/2.0V @ 600Ω)
General|
Power consumption| <4W max.
Dimensions| 65 x 22 x 13.2 mm
Net weight| 65.5g

Connectivity

Explanation of Analogue Processing Modes

The XSpace Matrix on/off recreates a holographic sound field using purely analog signal processing, designed for headphones as if one was listening to speakers.
It addresses the ‘music inside the head’ sensation that can be uncomfortable.
XBass is an analogue circuit designed to ‘add back’ the lost bass response for more accurate reproduction of the original music.
Cycle through to select:

Off> > >

Note: Research into headphone frequency response showed that a purely at response may not be correct. Our long present XBass fits the profile of the low frequency correction required.
Note: Sonically-hindering DSP is NOT used for XBass+ nor XSpace matrix systems. They use the highest-quality discrete components and operate purely in the
analogue domain. Hence all the clarity and resolution of the original music is retained.

Explanation of Digital Filters

There’s no one-size-fits-all solution; it’s about finding what suits you best. The following four digital filters are available:

‘BP’ Bit-Perfect, with no digital filtering or pre/post ringing.
Delivers crisp, robust sound, sharp natural tones, and a fuller midrange.

‘MIN’ Minimum Phase offers slow roll-off with minimal pre and post ringing, slight reverberation, and a warmer sound.
It balances data metrics and listening experience, between STD and BP.

‘STD’ Standard provides balanced filtering with modest pre and post ringing.
With its fast roll-off and subtle post-reverb, delivering a powerful sound.
It reduces high-frequency noise, resulting in a tighter sound with controlled highs. ‘GTO’ Gibbs Transient-Optimised, up-sampled to 352.8/384kHz, offers minimal filtering with no pre-ringing and minimal post-ringing.
With its precision characteristic, it enhances sound details and density.

Type A Connections
( where applicable)

This iFi device with a USBType A male port was designed for direct connection to mobile devices to extract the digital signal.

Phone connection via
Apple (iOS) use Apple USB to USB-C/Lightning:

Android* use On-The-Go (USB-C/USB-mocro):

For further support FAQs and Support lkket System. https://support.ifi- audio.com/

• Please ensure your Android is USB host mode compatible

Note for Charging
( where applicable)

• If the LED is BLUE when you first switch ON the machine, it means that it is sufficiently charged. If the LED is RED, please turn OFF the machine and charge until no LED is lit.

• If you cannot power ON or if there is no LED light, please insert a USB cable with USB power 3-5 times, then the LED should be BLUE.
  It should stay like this for a few hours (depending upon how flat the battery is). If not, please re-insert the USB cable (with USB power) 3-5 times again, and once the LED is BLUE, leave for at least 6 hours.

• After a long period on inactivity (say 3-6 months), please fully charge the machine again. Ideally, repeat this process once every 3 months.

• If you encounter any issues, please contact our technical support department at: https://support.ifi-audio.com/

After-Sales

3 Easy Steps …

Dear iFi customer: Thank you for purchasing this iFi product.
Step 3
Provide as much
system information
Please do not hesitate to contact u s 1f you have any questions surrounding our products/ support.
https://support.ifi-audio.com/

M QA/Setup

( where applicable)

For MQA computer setup, please scan this QR code or type ‘ ifi audio’ into search.
You will find two-setup videos:

• MQA Decoder – eg Pro iDSD
• MQA Renderer – eg nano iDSD BL

just select te correct video setup or your device.

https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLsD3o2R0heunIhnirWRuRGykeHC0NTov6

Any queries, please search the FAQs or open a support ticket here:

https://support.ifi-audio.com/

Review the i Product Safety Guide before using your iFi Product.
View the guide at ifi-audio.com/product-guides. Retain documentation for future reference.
Safety and Handling See “ii Product Safety Guide” a \t-eudio.com/product- guides.
fveetd Hearing Damage To prevent possible hearing damage, do not listen at high volume levers for long periods.
Abrams Check the actual output volume on your earphone, headphone, or loudspeakers before platy audio, as many music player software and operating Symone do not appropriately apply industrial wanders governing control (e.g. USB Device Class Definition for Human wee face Devices). if in doubt, before playing any music, turn off Cyberzine or army other volume scientization feature on the Fi Product and bring the volume down to the lowest setting.
WARNING: To prevent possible hearing damage, do not listen at high volume levels for lang periods.
Medical Device interference iFi Product contains that may imparter with monachal devices See “IFi Product Safety Guide” at ifi-audio.com/product- guides.
Reteed epee product may become very er ae a ae at important to keep yours Wi on a hard, stable, and well-ventilated work when in use or ts in prolonged contact width’s device or Re ones stutter hen fsid contact with a device or its power adapter when it ts operating or plugged into s power source, as sustained contact with warm surfaces may cause discomfort or injury. Take specie! care ff you have a physical condition that affects your ability to detect heat against the body.

Regulatory information Regulatory certification information is avalable at ifi-audio.com/product-guides.
OCC end (SBD Concede Compliance This device complies with part 15 of the FCC Rutes end SED Canada loanee exempt RSS standard (3). Operation is subject to the following two conditions: (1) this Gevi ce may not couse harm bud wtterferance, and (2) this device must Scout any tec rence received, in chiding interference that may cause operation.
GU / UK Compliance Fi hereby deciares that this wireless device is in compliance with Directive 2014/S3/EU and Radio Equipment Regulations 2017. A copy of the Declaration of Conformity ts Fe CO evener React Aden. WF EU representative fs Abingdon , 6827 OC Netherlands.

1 UK representative Tragion Ghose Lead 79 Scarisbrick New

Rode, Southport, PRB 6LJ.

****Use Restriction appetible This device 4 restricted to indoor vse when in the 5150 tp 5350 Mz frequency range. This revision apes AB BG, YZ OO EE EES POL 0G, GS, 10 4, LT, LU) LA, AAT, PL, I, PL, PT, SE, Sk SK, TH L UK (NI).

ENERGY STAR* Compliances

As an ENERGY STAR partner, Fi has determined that standard configurations of this product meet the ENERGY STAR guidelines for energy efficiency. The ENERGY STAR program ts a partnership with electronic equipment  manufacturers to promote energy-efficient products. Reducing energy consumption of products saves money and helps conserve veluable resources.
Dispersal end Recycling information

The symbol shove means that seconding to local laws and regulations your product and/or its battery shell be disposed of seperately from household waste. When this product reaches its Orne, “ani R00 2 coaction point designated by total authorities. The separate collection and recycing of your product and/or ts battery at the time of disposal will help conserve natural resources end ensure that it is recycled in 8 manner that protects human health and the  environment.
Guttery end Charging Don’t attempt to replace or remove the battery yourself—you may damage the battery, which could cause overheating, fire, and injury. The built-in battery should be replaced by IFi or an authorised service provider, and must be recycled or disposed of separately from household waste. Dispose of batteries according to your local environmental tews and guidelines. for information about charging, see “Fi Product Safety
Guide’ at ifi-audio.com/product-guides.
Software License Agreement Use of iFi Product constitutes acceptance of the iFi and third-party software license terms found at (R-audio.com.
Accessories Mansard and/or non-standard Jed party accessories many be included with the ii product. Only i products are Compatible with those accessories AR accessories are given “as is” wino other exploit or implied assurances, and expressly Gavialis all implied warranties, including any promise of merchantability or fitness for s particular purpose.

ifi  Limited Wardenry Summary i warrants the included Sear project ond accessories agate detects in miseries and workmanship for one year from the of original retail purchase (undress otherwise provided by law). IFi does not warrant against normal wear and tear, nor damage caused by accidents cr abuse. To obtain service, call Fi or an Fi Authorized Service Provider— avalable service options are dependent on the country in which service 6 eequested and may be restricted to the original country of depending on the location. Subject to the full terms and detailed DTT ation, of Obtaining service available xt W-sudio.com. ¥ you submit a veliid claim this warranty, Fi will either repair, replace, of refund your product at its own discretion. Warranty benefits are in addition to rights provided under local consumer tews. You may be required to furnish proof of purchase details when making a cite under this warranty. For Australian consumers. Our goods come with guarantees that cannot be encoded under the Australian Consumer Law. You ave entitized to a replacement or refund for a major failure and for compensation for any other reasonably foreseeable loss or damage. You are also entitized to have Gre goods repaired oF replaced ¥ the Qods fa to be of acceptable Quality and the figure does not amount to a major failure.

© 2022 tf All rights reserved. #1, the if logo, and iFi Product are trademarks of Abbington Limited, Abingdon Global Limited.
Oe ranean’ other conanines. ENERGY STAR end the ¥ STAR mark are registered trademarks owned by the US. Instrumentals Protection Agency.

References

• iFi audio | the Award-Winning Audio Technology Company
• Support Desk | iFi audio

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