The UK’s iFi Audio has introduced the Go pod, a pair of Bluetooth-enabled DAC/headphones amp modules designed to remodel any in-ear displays with removable cables into high-performance wi-fi earphones.
The corporate has glorious kind in enhancing the audio output from smartphones and computer systems within the form of transportable USB digital-to-analog converters (DAC)/headphone amps just like the hip-dac, in addition to bringing Bluetooth streaming to any hi-fi setup. The iFi Go pod caters to cell listeners in search of sound that is “far prematurely of any ‘true wi-fi earbuds’ or Bluetooth headphones.”
Initially, the corporate is providing to match the Go pod with in-ear displays from “among the world’s most interesting IEM producers” however the DAC/amp answer can be being made out there as a standalone product so patrons can select to match with any IEMs that rock removable cables.
Both manner, there are two models in every package deal plus a charging case. The listener removes the cable from every IEM and attaches a 12-g (0.4-oz) IPX5-rated Go pod as a substitute, which is then hooked across the corresponding ear. The Go Pods are reckoned good for as much as seven hours of steady Bluetooth playback per cost, with the case providing a complete of 35 hours earlier than its 1,500-mAh battery wants topping up over USB or Qi wi-fi.
iFi Audio
So why plump for iFi’s new gadgetry moderately than a pair of TWS earphones? “True wi-fi earbuds – even the dearer ones – depend on SoC (system on a chip) options to combine the requisite tech right into a tiny area,” defined the corporate. “From a high-performance audio perspective, this isn’t excellent; amalgamating crucial levels comparable to Bluetooth decoding, digital-to-analog conversion and amplification saves area and reduces price, however compromises sound high quality. The iFi Go pod is distinctly completely different. Every of those crucial levels is designed individually and optimized individually to make sure glorious sound high quality.”
Bluetooth 5.2 connectivity and processing is dealt with by Qualcomm’s 32-bit, quad-core QCC5144 module, which is suitable with high-resolution codecs comparable to LDAC for 990-kbps bitrate for Android units supporting Snapdragon Sound or 66 kbps for different LDAC-enabled units. Qualcomm’s 24-bit aptX HD and aptX Adaptive codecs are additionally onboard, together with aptX Low Latency, common aptX, AAC and SBC.
Although that chipset can deal with digital-to-analog conversion, iFi has opted to go away such issues within the succesful arms of a 32-bit Cirrus Logic MasterHiFi chip in every pod. the corporate says that one purpose the Go pod answer presents higher sound high quality in comparison with TWS buds is that the “hi-res DAC chip is devoted to single-channel digital-to-analog sign conversion within the Go pod’s circuit design, combining with a jitter-eradicating precision clock to ship ultra-low distortion and excessive dynamic vary.” One other is the hardware-based analog quantity management. And 5 digital filter preset are additionally out there to tweak the listening expertise “to swimsuit private style, musical model and format kind.”
The ultimate ingredient within the enhanced listening recipe is an amp stage that boasts an influence output of 120 mW into 32 ohms and an output voltage of 4 volts into 300-ohm hundreds, and which is ready to mechanically detect the IEM’s impedance and regulate energy to match.
The aluminum panel on the outer face of every pod is used for contact management, and a built-in microphone makes use of Qualcomm’s cVc noise suppression expertise for voice readability throughout calls, video chats or when utilizing a paired handset’s digital assistant.
iFi Audio
The Go pod + IEM flavors are restricted to simply 1,000 packages. The most affordable providing shapes up because the US$799 Go pod + Symphonium Meteor IEM. The Go pod + Meze Audio Advar and Go pod + Westone Mach 60 packages are available in at $999 every. Subsequent is the Go pod + Meze Audio Ria Penta for $1,199, then the Go pod + 64 Audio U4s for $1,299, and eventually the Go pod + Craft Ears Aurum is priced at $1,399. Actually an expensive prospect whicever manner you have a look at it, however iFi says that the mixed packages do characterize a saving on particular person product purchases.
The standalone Go pod will go on sale from early June for a really useful retail value of $399, which can embrace ear loops for MMCX and 2-pin IEM connections. Ear loops suitable with Pentaconn, T2 and A2DC connections will price an additional $29 every.
Product web page: iFi Go pod
