Five Simple Ways to Upgrade Your Listening Experience
The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold8 brings plenty of upgrades, from a refined design and improved cameras to faster performance. But one of its most overlooked improvements is support for LDAC, Sony's high-resolution Bluetooth codec, allowing the phone to transmit significantly more audio data than standard Bluetooth for better wireless sound.
It's a welcome upgrade for music lovers, but it's only part of the story.
While LDAC helps preserve more of your music over Bluetooth, your phone still relies on a built-in digital-to-analogue converter (DAC) when listening to music over USB or wired headphones. Which is why a dedicated DAC can help you get more from your music.
Whether you're streaming lossless audio from Apple Music, Spotify or Qobuz, or simply just want to get more from your favourite headphones, a portable DAC bypasses your phone's internal audio hardware to deliver cleaner, more detailed sound with greater power and control.
If you've invested in one of Samsung's most capable smartphones, here are five portable DACs that help you hear everything it's capable of.
1. GO bar Kensei – Ultimate portable performance
If you want the very best sound quality in a pocket-sized package, the GO bar Kensei is the flagship choice. Crafted from stainless steel and around half the size of your phone, it delivers desktop-inspired performance wherever you go.
Exclusive K2HD Technology helps restore subtle harmonic detail often lost during digital playback, creating a richer, more natural listening experience. Combined with powerful amplification and support for Hi-Res Audio, it's built for listeners who refuse to compromise.
2. GO link 2 – The easiest audio upgrade
Looking for a simple plug-and-play solution? GO link 2 is the easiest way to transform your Galaxy Z Fold8 into a high-resolution music player.
As iFi's smallest and lightest dongle DAC, it bypasses your phone's internal audio hardware to deliver cleaner, more detailed sound. Compact enough to take anywhere, it's the perfect everyday upgrade for streaming lossless audio on the move.
3. GO link 2 Max – Small size, bigger sound
GO link 2 Max takes portable listening a step further. With a balanced architecture and increased output power, it delivers greater separation, lower background noise and improved dynamics.
The result is a wider soundstage, tighter control and up to 6dB more dynamic range, allowing quiet details and powerful crescendos to shine through. It's an excellent choice for anyone looking to get more from higher-end headphones.
4. GO blu Air – Wireless freedom, premium sound
Prefer to leave the cables behind? GO blu Air combines the convenience of Bluetooth with the sound quality expected from a premium portable DAC.
Supporting high-resolution codecs including LHDC and aptX, it lets you enjoy better wireless audio without sacrificing quality. A magnetic clip makes it easy to attach to a jacket, bag or belt, while the built-in microphone with noise and echo suppression keeps calls clear wherever you are. iFi's XBass and XSpace technologies complete the experience, adding deeper bass and a more spacious sound presentation.
5. iDSD GR 2 – A Legend, Perfected.
Evolved from the award-winning xDSD Gryphon, the newly launched iDSD GR 2 is A Legend, Perfected. Rebuilt from the ground up with a new DAC architecture, upgraded amplification and intuitive touchscreen controls, it unlocks even more from your Galaxy Z Fold8. Whether you prefer the convenience of high-resolution Bluetooth or a wired USB connection, the GR 2 adapts to the way you listen. Powerful enough for demanding headphones yet compact enough to travel with, it's the ultimate portable DAC/amp for listeners who want flagship performance wherever they go.
Upgrade Your Phone and Your Audio
A better camera isn't the only upgrade worth making. Pairing the Galaxy Z Fold8 with a portable DAC unlocks more detail, more dynamics, for more of the music you love. If you're after the simplicity of the GO link 2, the wireless freedom of GO blu Air or the flagship performance of the GO bar Kensei, there's an iFi solution to suit every way of listening.
FAQ:
Can I use a portable DAC with the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold8?
Yes. The Galaxy Z Fold8 works with USB-C portable DACs like GO link 2, GO link 2 Max, and GO bar Kensei, as well as Bluetooth DAC/amps like GO blu Air and iDSD GR 2.
Does LDAC improve sound quality on the Galaxy Z Fold8?
Yes. LDAC can transmit significantly more audio data than standard Bluetooth codecs, helping preserve more detail when streaming wirelessly. Pairing the Galaxy Z Fold8 with a high-quality Bluetooth DAC/amp lets you make the most of this capability.
Can a portable DAC improve Spotify or Apple Music?
Yes. Even when streaming from Spotify, Apple Music or TIDAL, a portable DAC can provide cleaner conversion, better amplification and greater detail. If you're listening to lossless audio, the improvement can be even more noticeable.
