Hunting for a portable audio solution that doesn’t compromise on sound quality? Check out the Ifi Audio GO pod wearable Bluetooth DAC/amp.
Today, iFi Audio launched the GO pod ($799.00 – $1,399.00), its new wearable Bluetooth DAC/headphone amp. It is designed to enhance the sound quality of corded in-ear monitors (IEMs), making them wireless.
According to iFi, the quality of the GO pod’s circuitry allows it to produce a sound that is superior to any true wireless earbuds or Bluetooth headphones. In addition, the GO pod is designed for easy use; just detach the cable from your IEMs, connect the earpieces to the left and right pods, pair the pods with your source device, and hook the ear loops behind your ears for a comfortable fit.
As part of the launch, iFi has partnered with several high-performance IEM manufacturers to create curated GO Pod + IEM packages.
These collaborations have produced six pairs of TWS in-ear headphones that are said to be world-class:
GO pod + 64 Audio U4s £1299
GO pod + Craft Ears Aurum £1399
GO pod + Meze Audio Advar £999
GO pod + Meze Audio Ria Penta £1199
GO pod + Symphonium Meteor £799
GO pod + Westone MACH 60 £999
The GO pod has been certified for Qualcomm’s Snapdragon Sound platform and Bluetooth 5.2 to ensure maximum range, speed, and reliability. Bluetooth functionality is powered by Qualcomm’s QCC5144 module, which has a 32-bit, quad-core architecture and low power consumption, providing excellent wireless audio performance while minimizing battery usage.
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Additionally, the GO pod supports various high-definition Bluetooth formats, including LDAC and LHDC (HWA), at their maximum 32-bit/96kHz specifications. Users of Android devices that support Snapdragon Sound can enjoy LDAC’s highest 990kbps bitrate, while other LDAC-enabled devices can access a bitrate of 660kbps. Other supported codecs include aptX Low Latency, regular aptX, AAC, and SBC.
To improve sound quality, the GO pod utilizes two Cirrus Logic MasterHIFI chips, one in each earbud. These chips are responsible for converting digital-to-analog signals, resulting in high dynamic range and extremely low distortion.
The GO pod also has an analog volume control, meaning volume adjustments are made within the DAC rather than through software-based controls on a connected device. This hardware-based approach avoids the negative impact on audio resolution that can come from digital volume controls.
The GO pod, a TWS in-ear headphone, has the unique feature of providing a balanced output signal to each earpiece. In addition, the amp stage of the GO pod has been meticulously designed to ensure minimal distortion and a noiseless background with high-sensitivity IEMs.
With a power output of 120mW at 32 ohms and an output voltage of 4V at 300-ohm loads, each GO pod provides sufficient power to drive any connected IEM without draining the internal battery too quickly. The pod auto-detects the IEM’s impedance and adjusts power accordingly to match the connected IEM, with four settings available (16 ohms, 32 ohms, 64 ohms, and 300 ohms) and the most suitable setting selected automatically.
iFi offers compatibility with all types of IEM brand connection types through the GO pod’s detachable ear loop, which is adaptable to MMCX, 2pin, Pentaconn, T2, and A2DC connectors. The GO Pods are flexible and lightweight, weighing only 12g, to ensure comfort while also being sturdy and long-lasting. Additionally, the pods are designed to be water and sweat-resistant (IPX5 certified), making them suitable for use in the gym and during rainy weather.
The charging case for the GO pod has been intelligently designed to include a soft compartment with enough space to hold the connected IEMs and pods. It also includes a 1500mAH battery that can be recharged multiple times, allowing up to 35 hours of playing time. A single charge can last up to seven hours for a pair of GO pods. The charging case offers both Qi wireless charging and USB-C fast charging.
On April 14th, 2023, the Ifi Audio GO pod will be introduced at AXPONA (Audio Expo North America). Customers can purchase one of the 1000 ‘GO pod + IEM’ packages directly from iFi or a chosen IEM manufacturer. Once these packages are sold out or 60 days have elapsed, iFi will make the GO pod available on its regular sales channels as a standalone product that can be paired with any IEMs. For more information, visit https://ifi-audio.com/products/go-pod/.
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