Chord 2GO vs. RME Digiface Ravenna: Which High-End Desktop Audio Interface Fits Your Stream?

Quick answer

If you need a portable, easy-to-use streamer that works over Wi‑Fi and integrates with your existing HiFi gear, the Chord 2GO is the natural choice. But if your desktop setup revolves around a PC or Mac and you demand professional-grade flexibility with high channel counts, the RME Digiface Ravenna is far more capable. Choose based on whether portability or expandability matters more to you.

Choosing between the Chord 2GO and the RME Digiface Ravenna is not just about specs—it's about how you want to enjoy music at your desk. Both are serious audio devices, but they solve very different problems. The 2GO is a compact streamer that pairs with a DAC and works over your network, while the Digiface Ravenna is a network audio interface designed for multi-channel audio over Ethernet.

In this comparison, we'll break down their real-world strengths and limitations. You'll see exactly where each excels and where it falls short, so you can make a confident choice for your listening setup.

Chord 2GO: A Portable Streamer for Simple, High-Quality Listening

The Chord 2GO is a Wi‑Fi streamer that pairs with a DAC via USB or optical, turning your wired headphones into a wireless listening hub. Its compact size makes it ideal for desk setups where you want to avoid a full-size computer. You can control it from your phone or tablet, and because it’s battery-powered, you can even move it around the house.

The 2GO is best when you already own a high-quality DAC or amplifier and want to add network streaming without buying a bulky player. Its strength is simplicity: fewer cables, no software installation, and a focus on getting your music from network sources to your ears with minimal fuss. However, it doesn’t offer the multi-channel flexibility or extensive I/O options that a dedicated interface like the Digiface Ravenna does.

• Use the 2GO if you value portability and want a clean, cable-free desk setup.
• Remember that the 2GO requires a separate DAC to convert the digital signal.
• It’s an ideal upgrade for listeners who already have a good headphone amp or DAC.

RME Digiface Ravenna: A Network Audio Interface for Professional Flexibility

The RME Digiface Ravenna is a mobile USB interface that connects to a PC or Mac and provides access to a Ravenna network, allowing you to transfer up to 256 audio channels over a standard Ethernet connection. This is a powerful feature for studios or advanced users who need to route many channels between devices, such as a PC and an audio mixer or an outboard converter.

Unlike the 2GO, the Digiface Ravenna isn’t a streamer in the consumer sense—it’s a network bridge for professional audio. It requires a computer to run the RME driver and control software, and it works best in a static, desk-bound environment. For a simple two-channel listening setup, it might be overkill, but for multi-room distribution or live recording scenarios, it’s a game-changer.

• The Digiface Ravenna excels when you need to move many audio channels over a network.
• Expect a learning curve if you’re new to network audio interfaces.
• It’s designed for desktop use, not portability.

Form Factor and Connectivity: What Differences Matter?

The most obvious difference is size and connectivity. The Chord 2GO is small, battery-powered, and connects to your DAC via USB or optical. It streams over Wi‑Fi, so it doesn’t require a wired network connection. The RME Digiface Ravenna, on the other hand, is a compact USB interface that requires a computer connection and uses an Ethernet port for audio networking.

If you’re assembling a minimal, elegant desktop HiFi setup, the 2GO’s wireless convenience is a major plus. But if you’re building a professional audio workstation or want to integrate with a larger network-based audio system, the Digiface Ravenna’s multi-channel capability is far more important than portability.

• Consider how many physical channels you actually need before choosing.
• The 2GO’s Wi‑Fi streaming is perfect for a clean desktop, while the Digiface Ravenna needs a wired network.
• Think about whether you want to control your music from a mobile device (2GO) or from a computer (Digiface Ravenna).

Tradeoffs at a glance

• Portability: The Chord 2GO is small and battery-powered, designed for on-the-go streaming. The RME Digiface Ravenna requires a computer and a wired network connection, making it a desktop-only tool. If you need to move your streamer around the house, the 2GO wins effortlessly.
• Channel count and expandability: The Digiface Ravenna supports up to 256 audio channels over a Ravenna network, which is essential for multi-channel recording or complex audio routing. The 2GO is a simple two-channel streamer that lacks this professional flexibility. Choose the Digiface Ravenna if you foresee growing beyond a stereo setup.
• Ease of use: The 2GO is designed for consumer-friendly control via an app. The Digiface Ravenna requires driver installation and a learning curve for its TotalMix software, which may be intimidating for beginners. Think about your comfort with configuration—the 2GO is simpler, the Ravenna is more powerful.

Key product facts and why they matter

• iFi ZEN Air CAN Headphone Amplifier: The ZEN Air CAN is a powerful, hi-res home analogue amplifier that provides greater headphone enjoyment with any analogue source such as your PC, Mac, smartphone, tablet, streamer or TV. When you add a streamer like the Chord 2GO that outputs a digital signal, you’ll need a DAC and an amp. The ZEN Air CAN is a practical, affordable amp that pairs well with a streamer setup, giving you clarity and volume control for your headphones.
• Beyerdynamic DT 900 PRO X Open-Back Headphones: The DT 900 PRO X are open-back studio headphones for critical listening, with a 48-ohm impedance, detailed and spacious sound, and robust workmanship. Pairing an open-back headphone like the DT 900 PRO X with a dedicated streamer and amp reveals the details and soundstage that make high-end source gear worthwhile. The 48-ohm impedance also means they are easy to drive, even with a compact amp like the ZEN Air CAN.

Which interface fits you?

Best for

• Audiophiles who want a wireless streamer for a clean, minimal desktop setup, especially when working with an existing DAC.
• Listeners who rely on a Mac or PC as a source and want a simple route to high-quality headphone listening without multi-channel complexities.

Not for

• Users who need to route more than a stereo pair of channels over a network.
• Anyone looking for a portable, battery-powered music source (that’s the 2GO’s job, not the Digiface Ravenna’s).
• If you’re on a budget and only need a simple streamer, the 2GO’s price is a significant investment; consider used options or more affordable network players.

Deciding between the Chord 2GO and the RME Digiface Ravenna comes down to the role you want the device to play. For straightforward, high-quality wireless streaming into your existing HiFi chain, the 2GO is intuitive and portable. But if your setup demands professional networking, high channel counts, or deep integration with a computer, the Digiface Ravenna is the more powerful ally. Consider your space, your willingness to configure, and your future plans—then pick the one that fits your listening life.