iFi GO Pod Review
3…2..1.GO! For this review, we will go into further detail about the iFi GO Pods. The iFi GO Pods are wearable DAC/Bluetooth headphone AMPs for IEMs. This review will further explore the capabilities of the iFi GO Pods.
Tech Specs
Auto impedance detection 16Ω / 32Ω / 64Ω / 300Ω
Total Harmonic Distortion + Noise ≤0.002% (1KHz/32Ω) @ (20-20KHz)
Output Max power 120mW@32Ω; 4V@300Ω
16Ω： ≥0.98V/60mW
32Ω： ≥1.96V/120mW
64Ω： ≥2.77V/120mW
300Ω：≥4.0V/53mW
SNR 32Ω ≥ 129dB (A) / 300Ω ≥ 132dB (A)
THD+N ≤0.002% (1kHz/32Ω)
Bluetooth version Bluetooth 5.2™
Bluetooth codecs LDAC*, LHDC/HWA*,
aptX Adaptive, aptX HD, aptX LL, aptX,
AAC, SBC
Bluetooth chipset Qualcomm QCC 5100 Series
Frequency response 10-20 kHz(-3dB) LDAC
Dimensions (GO pod) 43.5 x 16.4 x 9.5 mm
1.7" x 0.6" x 0.4"
Dimensions (Charging case) 116 x 76 x 38.5 mm
4.6" x 3" x 1.5"
Net weight GO pod 12g (0.42 oz)
Case 126g (4.44 oz)
Power System 5V/1A or 5V/2A Qi certified charger
Battery GO pod 180mAh
Charging case
1500mAh
What is included
Included in the box are the Go Pods (IEM are extra), charging box, charging cable, Ear Loops, and three sets of IEM tips (Two-pin, MMCX, and Pentacon Ear).
Tech Packed GO Pods
Before I get to the sound of the Go Pods, I must talk about some of the amazing techs these possess.
The iFi GO Pods use Qualcomm’s QCC5144 chipset, which not only allows up to 24/96 playback. But also, a whopping 120mW@32Ω, all over HD Bluetooth, and without the downsides of the past. We will go into more detail in the sound section about just how fantastic Bluetooth playback can sound.
GO Pod Quick Start
To learn how to use the GO Pods themselves please refer to the GO Pod Quick Start Card. This will show you how to connect your device. And the different “Tap” shortcuts.
How do they sound
For this section, I used some of my reference tracks. I used a pair of Fir Audio V x V IEMs with the GO Pods. For a wired and Bluetooth source, I also used the V x Vs via an iBasso DX320.
An iPhone 13 Pro Max and iPad 7 Generation for hardware. For, our music source, I used Qobuz. The results did surprise me.
I did volume match each song, as well as listened to each song several times to become accustomed to the minute details.
For our first rendition, we used the track from Diana Krall's “Let's Fall In Love (Live)”, a beautifully detailed number. In this track, you notice the subtlety of the brushes in the drum kit. The depth of the upright bass and the beauty of the piano are not lost either. Dina’s voice is just brilliant on the track. This is a surprise, as this is Bluetooth, not wired. Quite amazing if you ask me from just a few years ago.
It's time to talk about a little “FREEDOM”, that’s right a little freedom from Jon Batiste. This next challenge is Freedom, with a consistent bass line that in some cases may sound muddy in lesser equipment. Surprisingly this is not the case, likely due to the QCC5144 SoC and Truly balanced components. In addition, each GO Pod is IPX-5 rated, “so no problem wearing them down the gym or getting caught out in the rain.”
“Back To Tupelo” by Mark Knopfler is a beautiful song showcasing mainly electric guitar, Mark’s vocals. Through this song, Mark’s voice rings true, as if coming from in front of you. More so the guitars of the song are ever present, just as warm, and enveloping as if this was from a wired track. Quite impressive.
It is amazing how far Bluetooth has come, and this treats the upper registers of sound. The upper frequencies are just, so clear, as well as the lower register. Is it safe to say that Bluetooth audio is on par with wired? No, but we are much closer than we haver ever ben before.
Battery Life
Battery Life is amazing. Reported battery life, I.E., how long I can use the GO Pods is consistently longer than the 30 hours promised. Charge time is as reported, I.E., 7 hours on average. And I am fine with this. One thing that I found, Is that music sounds better from Android Vs Apple. I cannot explain this when using GO Pods.
Suggestions
The iFi GO Pods are a fantastic product, but as with any product are not perfect. Here are some of the issues that I have found.
The comfort of the GO Pods was a slight issue for me, but I can see where it can be an issue for several people. I wear glasses, so decreasing the size of the Go Pods would be a major plus.
As you know the GO Pods are not focused on talking, but the mic quality on them needs to be improved.
Final Thoughts
The iFi GO Pods are a fantastic product, that has made a tremendous leap in Bluetooth achievement, but starting at $399 may not be for everyone. Though, for the right person, I would highly value audio quality, I recommend them!
For more information and to purchase use the link! Go Pods!
Music Used
Diana Krall - Let's Fall In Love (Live)
https://open.qobuz.com/track/641937
Jon Batiste – FREEDOM
https://open.qobuz.com/track/112153250
Mark Knopfler - Back To Tupelo
https://open.qobuz.com/track/734394
Gear Used
Fir Audio V x V IEMs
Apple 13 Pro Max
Apple iPad 7th Generation
Qobuz (Current software)