iFi GO Pod Review

While wireless earbuds are more popular than ever, the wired earphone market is thriving. There are more, better earphones than at any other point and both innovation and sound quality are at peak. But… there’s something to be said for being free from a wire. Until recently, you were forced to use dongle DAC/amps or bulky standalone units, but the iFi GO Pod aims to change that. 

The iFi GO Pod is a pair of Bluetooth ear hooks designed to deliver premiere sound quality and features. They have a high-quality integrated DAC and amplifier, intricately designed circuitry for the lowest noise floor, high-res Bluetooth codec support, plenty of power, and great battery life. While they’re hardly the only Bluetooth ear hooks on the market, they’re certainly the best we’ve encountered and make the perfect complement to any pair of earphones, bringing audiophile-grade True Wireless Stereo (TWS) to the wired headphone market.

Specifications

• Current Price: $399 (Amazon) 
• Auto impedance detection: 16Ω / 32Ω / 64Ω / 300Ω
• Total Harmonic Distortion: + Noise ≤0.002% (1KHz/32Ω) @ (20-20KHz)
• Output power (RMS): 
  • 120mW@32Ω; 4V@300Ω
  • 16Ω: ≥0.98V/60mW
  • 32Ω: ≥1.96V/120mW
  • 64Ω: ≥2.77V/120mW
  • 300Ω:≥4.0V/53mW
• SNR: 32? ≥ 129dB (A) / 300? ≥ 132dB (A)
• THD+N: ≤0.002% (1kHz/32?)
• Bluetooth version: Bluetooth 5.2™
• Bluetooth codecs: LDAC*, LHDC/HWA*, aptX Adaptive, aptX, AAC, SBC
• Bluetooth chipset: Qualcomm QCC 5100 Series
• Frequency response: 10-20 kHz(-3dB) LDAC
• Dimensions (GO pod): 1.7" x 0.6" x 0.4" (43.5 x 16.4 x 9.5 mm)
• Dimensions (Charging case): 4.6" x 3" x 1.5" (116 x 76 x 38.5 mm)
• 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: 1,500 mAh

iFi GO Pod — Design and Features

If you’ve been paying attention to the world of personal audio, iFi Audio is a brand you’re probably already familiar with. It’s been making highly regarded DACs and amps for years, including wireless products like xDSD Gryphon, GO