iFi GO pod Wearable HD Bluetooth DAC and Headphone Amp

Qualcomm’s Snapdragon SoundiFi always go to great lengths to ensure their Bluetooth technology is state-of-the-art. The GO pod continues this uncompromising approach, including certification for Qualcomm’s Snapdragon Sound platform and Bluetooth 5.2 for optimum range, speed and reliability. Bluetooth processing is handled by Qualcomm’s top-tier QCC5144 module, with its 32-bit, quad-core architecture and low power draw delivering excellent wireless audio performance whilst minimising drain on the GO pod’s battery.

LDAC and LHDCThe GO pod is compatible with an impressive range of high-definition Bluetooth formats. LDAC and LHDC (HWA) are both supported to their maximum 32-bit/96kHz specifications, with LDAC’s highest 990kbps bitrate available to users of Android devices that support Snapdragon Sound (660kbps with other LDAC-enabled devices).

TrueWireless MirroringAnother Qualcomm technology enabled in the GO pod is TrueWireless Mirroring. Both the left and right pods can receive Bluetooth signals, but only the one with the strongest connection acts as the receiver while the other mirrors the connected pod. If the listener moves position and the connection to the mirroring pod becomes stronger, they swap over so the mirroring pod becomes the receiver without interrupting the audio signal. If the receiving pod is removed from the listener’s ear, the other pod becomes the receiver, for a seamless true wireless stereo experience.

Qualcomm cVc noise suppressionA built-in microphone utilises Qualcomm’s cVc noise suppression technology for excellent voice clarity, if you’re making a hands-free phone call, chatting on a video call, speaking to the connected device’s voice assistant or even playing a game online. The aluminium panel on the front of each pod works as a touch control; simply tap to play or pause audio, skip forward or back, answer or reject a phone call, or engage the connected device’s voice assistant.

Analogue Volume ControlThe GO pod benefits from hardware-based analogue volume control. The GO pod doesn’t rely on the software-based volume controls in connected digital devices, which can have a deleterious effect on audio resolution. Instead, adjusting the volume on the connected device controls the volume level in the DAC, rather than in the phone, tablet or computer.

Cirrus Logic MasterHIFIAlong with Bluetooth processing, Qualcomm’s QCC5144 chipset can be configured to perform digital-to-analogue conversion and headphone amplification too. But, the sonic benefits of separate, individually optimised DAC and amp stages are far more valuable than the savings made by one-chip-does-all solutions. With this in mind, the GO pod incorporates two Cirrus Logic MasterHIFI chips – one in the left pod, the other in the right. This 32-bit hi-res DAC chip is dedicated to single-channel digital-to-analogue signal conversion in the GO pod’s circuit design, combining with a jitter-eradicating precision clock to deliver ultra-low distortion and high dynamic range – one of the key reasons why the GO pod unlocks better sound quality than true wireless earbuds.

Personal Sonic TailoringTo reduce pre-echos and ringing artifacts, the DAC is designed with proprietary digital-interpolation filters that support five digital filter responses. These user-selectable settings offer a degree of personal sonic tailoring, another first for the true-wireless in-ear headphone scene, with options including low group delay with pseudo-linear phase and a fast or slow roll-off.

Balanced Output SignalDelivering a balanced output signal to each connected earpiece, the GO pod’s amp stage has been carefully deigned to ensure ultra-low distortion and a silent background with high-sensitivity IEMs. With a maximum power output of 120mW into 32 ohms, and an output voltage of 4V into high-impedance 300-ohm loads, each GO pod supplies plenty of power to drive any connected IEM with consummate ease, without rapidly draining the internal battery. To ensure its output perfectly matches the connected IEM, each pod auto-detects the IEM’s impedance and adjusts power accordingly. There are four settings – 16 ohms, 32 ohms, 64 ohms and 300 ohms – with the setting most appropriate to the connected IEM selected automatically.

Quality ComponentsiFi use discrete, high-grade components in all our circuit designs, and the same is true of the GO pod. Devices such as TDK C0G multilayer ceramic capacitors and inductors from Taiyo Yuden and Murata deliver qualities such as low ESR (Equivalent Series Resistance) and high linearity, greatly contributing to the sound quality.

IPX5-ratedThe GO pod is designed to be robust and durable, yet comfortable and lightweight – each pod weighs just 12g. The ear loops are ergonomically shaped and mouldable to fit around your ears, while the pods are water- and sweat-resistant (IPX5-rated), so wearing them down the gym or getting caught out in the rain isn't an issue.