According to iFi, the GO pod's circuitry quality produces a sound superior to any true wireless earbuds or Bluetooth headphones thanks to its dual-mono DAC approach and the fact that the IEMs are fed a balanced output signal.
The GO pod weighs just 12g and is hugely straightforward to use - 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, and away you go - wirelessly.
__large_full.jpg)
The GO pod has been certified for Qualcomm's Snapdragon Sound platform and Bluetooth 5.2, ensuring maximum range, speed, and reliability. Bluetooth is powered by Qualcomm's QCC5144 module, which has a 32-bit, quad-core architecture coupled with low power consumption, so we can expect excellent wireless audio performance while enjoying decent battery stamina.
The GO pod supports LDAC and LHDC (HWA) at their maximum 32-bit/96kHz specifications. In addition, Android users with devices supporting Snapdragon Sound get to enjoy LDAC's highest 990kbps bitrate, while other LDAC-enabled devices are supplied with 660kbps. Further supported codecs include aptX Low Latency, regular aptX, AAC, and SBC.
To improve sound quality, a Cirrus Logic MasterHIFI 32-bit hi-res DAC chip sits in each GO pod earbud. Each dedicated to a single channel, we're told that it includes a jitter-eradicating precision clock to deliver ultra-low distortion and high dynamic range.
The GO pod eschews digital volume control in favour of an analogue solution, avoiding the negative impact on audio resolution that can be introduced through digital control. Instead, volume adjustments are made within the DAC rather than through software-based controls on a connected device.
The amp stage of the GO pod has been meticulously designed to ensure minimal distortion and a noiseless background with high-sensitivity IEMs. Moreover, with its claimed output of 120mW at 32 ohms and an output voltage of 4V at 300-ohm loads, the GO pod should be sufficient to drive any connected IEM without draining the internal battery too quickly. A single charge translates to up to seven hours of play time.
__large_full.jpg)
Cleverly, the GO pod auto-detects the IEM's impedance and adjusts power accordingly to match the connected IEM from four settings - 16 ohms, 32 ohms, 64 ohms, and 300 ohms.
iFi's GO pod detachable ear loop accepts MMCX, 2pin, Pentaconn, T2, and A2DC connectors. In addition, the GO pods are water and sweat-resistant (IPX5 certified), making them ideal gym partners and safe during a Spring shower.
The charging case features a soft compartment to store the connected IEMs and pods alongside a 1500mAH battery allowing up to 35 hours of playing time. Finally, the case is compatible with Qi wireless and USB-C fast charging.
To mark the GO pod's launch, iFi has partnered with several renowned IEM manufacturers to curate speacial GO Pod + IEM packages.
- GO pod + Craft Ears Aurum - £1,399
- GO pod + 64 Audio U4s - £1,299
- GO pod + Meze Audio Ria Penta - £1,199
- GO pod + Meze Audio Advar - £999
- GO pod + Westone MACH 60 - £999
- GO pod + Symphonium Meteor - £799
As a standalone product, the GO pod will have an RRP of £399. Each pair will come with two ear loops catering for MMCX and 2pin IEM connections; additional ear loops for Pentaconn, T2 and A2DC connections will be available at £29 each.
Visit iFi Audio for more information
Posted in: Headphones
Join the Discussion
What do you think? Head to the forums and share your thoughts with 100,000+ other community members.
Go to Forums