iFi Audio GO blu Review

 

Introduction:

iFi audio is an award-winning audio tech company with headquarters in Southport, UK, specializing in digital audio products designed to improve the listening experience. Since launching in 2012, they’ve carved a niche for themselves with a focus on innovative technologies, high-fidelity sound reproduction, and a wide range of products catering to different budgets and needs.

The iFi Audio GO Blu is an ultra-compact, portable Hi-Res Bluetooth and USB DAC/Amplifier that can be used as both a Bluetooth and USB DAC/AMP, allowing you to connect it to various devices. The device is featuring Cirrus Logic’s CS43131 32-bit DAC chip and Qualcomm’s QCC5100 Bluetooth chipset with Bluetooth 5.1 connectivity. The GO Blu supports a wide range of high-resolution audio formats, including aptX, aptX HD, aptX Low Latency, LDAC as well as LHDC/HWA, SBC, and AAC.

The GO Blu’s Direct Drive technology ensures a pure audio signal by eliminating unnecessary components. It offers both 3.5mm single-ended and 4.4mm balanced outputs, providing flexibility for different headphones or earphones. The balanced output delivers up to 245mW at 32 ohms.

To further enhance sound, the GO Blu features a customized digital filter to minimize artifacts and a precision clock system for ultralow jitter. Users can also select features like XBass and XSpace for personalized listening. The GO Blu’s amp circuitry benefits from symmetrical twin-mono signal paths and iFi’s Direct Drive design in order to archive a cleaner and distortion-free audio experience.

 

Disclaimer:

I would like to thank iFi Audio for providing me the GO blu for review purposes. I am not affiliated with iFi Audio beyond this review and these words reflect my true, unaltered opinions about the product.

 

Price & Availability:

The actual price of the iFi Audio GO blu is about 199,00 US$. More information’s can be found under the link below;

• iFi Audio GO blu Portable BT & USB DAC/Amplifier

  

Package & Accessories:

The iFi Audio GO blu arrives in a pretty small box featuring an illustration of the device and some product-related branding on its surface.

The box of the GO blu is including the following items:

• 1 x iFi Audio GO blu Portable BT & USB DAC/Amplifier
• 1 x USB Type-C to USB A cable
• 1 x Carry Bag
• Print Materials

 

Design & Build Quality:

The iFi Audio GO blu has a very sleek and compact design that makes it easy to carry and use on the go. Measuring just 54 x 34 x 13 mm and weighing only 26 grams, the GO Blu is incredibly lightweight and small enough to fit comfortably in your pocket. The front panel is dominated by a brushed aluminum panel, while the plastic material used for the housing features a silky-smooth coating, providing a comfortable and tactile experience.

On the front of the device is the iFi brand logo located right at the center of the sleek looking brushed aluminum front panel adds a touch of sophistication to the device’s overall aesthetic.

On top of the device, you’ll find two headphone outputs, a 3.5mm Single Ended and a 4.4mm Balanced out. Here is also an LED indicator that provide visual feedback on the current sound effects, Bluetooth status, and digital filter settings.

One of the standout features of the GO blu is the multifunctional “ChronoDial” a precision-engineered analogue volume control that also enables track navigation, play/pause and voice assistant activation.

The ChronoDial’s construction is sophisticated, featuring a brass supporting column and locking nut, a precision stainless steel bearing, a 304 stainless steel main dial with a beryllium cobalt copper coating, a high-purity nickel push-button spring, and a precision CNC machined AL6063 aluminum push button.

This meticulous assembly ensures a smooth and tactile user experience, adding to the overall appeal of the GO blu.

Directly below the ChronoDial is a multifunctional button that allows you to adjust sound effects settings, such as XBass, XSpace, or XBass + XSpace simultaneously. This button also enables Bluetooth pairing. To enter pairing mode, press and hold the button for at least 3 seconds while the indicator flashes red and blue.

The left surface is equipped with another button for power ON/OFF the device, Bluetooth pairing mode, activate or deactivate voice alerts, select the digital filter mode, and restore factory settings

On the bottom of the iFi Audio GO Blu, you’ll find the USB-C charging port, which also functions as a digital input for high-resolution audio up to 24-bit/96kHz. A small LED indicator located next to the USB-C port provides visual feedback on the battery status, indicating whether the device is charging, fully charged, or low on power. Additionally, the bottom houses a built-in microphone for hands-free calls when paired with your smartphone.

The rear surface of the GO Blu has a smooth black finish with a small brushed aluminum accent. Prominently displayed is the “GO blu” logo, along with a series of certifications, button marking and labels (Hi-Res Audio Wireless label and QR code).

Overall, I’m impressed with the build quality of the iFi Audio GO Blu. The device feels solid and well-constructed. The sleek and compact design makes it easy to carry and use on the go, and the user-friendly interface allows for easy navigation and customization.

 

Technical Specifications:

• Model                         : GO blu
• Chipset                       : Qualcomm QCC 5100 Series
• Input                           : USB-C and Bluetooth
• Bluetooth Version      : 5.1
• Bluetooth Codecs      : AAC, SBC, aptX, aptX HD, aptX Adaptive, aptX LL, LDAC, LHDC/HWA
• Power System            : Charging via USB-C
• Battery Capacity        : 450 mAh
• Battery Duration         : approx. 10 hours
• Headphone Outputs  : 3.5mm Single-Ended & 4.4mm Balanced
• Output: Balanced       : 4.4mm BAL: up to 245mW @ 32Ω/ 3.5m SE: up to 165mW @ 32Ω
• Output Impedance     : <1Ω (both 3.5mm SE & 4.4mm BAL)
• SNR 3.5mm SE         : 106.5 dBA
• SNR 4.4mm BAL       : 111 dBA
• Dynamic Range         : 120dB (both 3.5mm SE & 4.4mm BAL)
• THD+N 3.5mm SE     : <0.009% (6.5mW/2.0V @ 600Ω)
• THD+N 4.4mm BAL   : <0.03% (100mW/1.27V @ 16Ω)
• Frequency Response : 20Hz – 45kHz (-3dB)
• Dimensions                : 54 x 34 x 13mm / 2.1″ x 1.3″ x 0.5”
• Net weight                  : approx. 26 g (0.95 oz)

 

Hardware Features:

The iFi Audio GO blu stands out as a remarkably compact USB & Bluetooth DAC/Headphone Amplifier. Its discrete component design, a departure from the all-in-one system-on-chip approach often seen in this category, allows for meticulous optimization of each stage. This design choice results in a device capable of delivering exceptional audio quality, even in such a small form factor.

At the heart of the GO blu is a Cirrus Logic CS43131 32-bit DAC chip paired with a custom digital filter and precision clock system. This combination ensures minimal distortion and jitter, contributing to the device’s exceptional clarity and detail. The DAC’s dynamic range of 130dB and THD+n of -115dB are testament to its high performance.

Bluetooth connectivity is handled by Qualcomm’s QCC5100 Bluetooth chip, ensuring compatibility with a wide range of high-definition codecs. This includes LDAC, LHDC/HWA, aptX Adaptive, aptX HD, aptX Low Latency, AAC, and SBC.

The amp stage employs iFi’s Direct Drive design, which eliminates the need for output coupling capacitors, resulting in a cleaner and more direct signal path. The GO blu also boasts a powerful output of up to 5.6V. With a balanced output of up to 245mW at 32 ohms and a single-ended output of up to 165mW at 32 ohms, the GO blu can easily handle full-sized headphones like the iBasso SR3 and the FiiO FT1. Its low output impedance of less than 1 ohm ensures optimal power transfer and minimizes signal degradation.

However, while the GO blu is generally a very quiet device, it’s worth noting that there may be some audible noise, especially when using it in Bluetooth mode with sensitive IEMs like the HiBy Project ACE and the Campfire Audio Supermoon.

Moreover, despite having two digital filters, the GO Blu’s XSpace circuitry creates a more spacious soundstage, while the XBass analog bass correction system addresses potential shortcomings in headphone or speaker bass response. The use of high-quality capacitors from TDK and Murata further contributes to the device’s audio performance.

Battery Life:

I’ve been using the iFi Audio GO blu for a few weeks now, and I’m quite impressed with its battery life, especially for its size. The 450mAh battery consistently delivers around 8 – 9.5 hours of playtime on a single charge. Of course, this varies depending on how loud I listen, which gain mode I’m using, and the type of IEM’s and headphones I’m driving. The device battery lasts a bit longer when I use the 3.5mm Single Ended output (about 9 – 9.5 hours) compared to the 4.4mm Balanced output approx. 8 hours).

 

Equipment’s used for this review:

• DAC’s             : iFi Audio GO blu, iKKO Heimdallr
• IEM’s              : Campfire Audio Supermoon, HiBy Project ACE, Oriveti bleqk Lowmaster
• Headphones : HiFiMAN Arya Organic, FiiO FT1
• Source           : Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra, MSI Vector GP68 HX

 

Albums & tracks used for this review:

• Norah Jones – Come Away With Me (Apple Music Lossless)
• Adele – My Little Love (Apple Music Lossless)
• Sarah McLachlan – Angel (Flac 24bit/48kHz)
• Sertap Erener – Aşk (Flac 16bit/44.1kHz)
• Edith Piaf – Non Je Ne Regrette Rien (Flac 16bit/44.1kHz)
• Diana Krall – So Wonderful (DSF)
• Aretha Franklin – I Say A Little Payer (Flac 24bit/96kHz)
• Michael Jackson – Billie Jean (Flac 24bit/96kHz)
• George Michael – Don’t Let the Sun Go Down on Me (Flac 24bit/192kHz)
• David Bowie – Heroes (Flac 24bit/192kHz)
• Elton John – Rocket Man ((Flac 24bit/96kHz)
• Barry White – Just The Way You Are (Flac 24bit/48kHz)
• Isaac Hayes – Walk On By (Flac 16bit/44.1kHz)
• Sting – Englishman in New York – (Flac 24bit/48kHz)
• Eric Clapton – Wonderful Tonight (Flac 24bit/96kHz)
• Dave Gahan – Kingdom (Tidal Hi-Fi)
• Radiohead – Live in Berlin “Album” (Apple Music Lossless)
• Radiohead – Pyramid Song (Apple Music Lossless)
• U2 – Sunday Bloody Sunday (Flac 16bit/44.1kHz)
• Muse – Hysteria (Flac 24bit/96kHz)
• Red Hot Chili Peppers – Nobody Weird Like Me (Flac 24bit/48kHz)
• Michael Jackson – Billie Jean (Flac 24bit/96kHz)
• Bear McCreary’s – Valkyries (Deezer HiFi)
• Bro Safari, UFO! – Drama (Deezer HiFi)
• Armin Van Buuren – Vini Vici (Flac 16bit/44.1kHz)
• Daft Punk – Instant Crush (Flac 24bit/96kHz)
• Daft Punk – Doin’ it Right (Flac 24bit/96kHz)
• Lorde – Royals (Flac 24bit/48kHz)
• Massive Attack – Angel (Flac 24bit/48kHz)
• Toutant – Rebirth (Deezer HiFi)
• Gogo Penguin – Raven (Flac 24bit/192kHz)
• Gogo Penguin – Murmuration (Flac 24bit/192kHz)
• Portishead – It Could Be Sweet (Apple Music Lossless)
• Hans Zimmer – The Dark Knight OST (Flac 24bit/96kHz)
• Max Richter – On the Nature of Daylight (Flac 24bit/96kHz)
• Charly Antolini – Duwadjuwandadu (Flac 24bit/192kHz)
• Tchaikovsky – Symphony No. 5 (Flac 16bit/44.1kHz)
• Ferit Odman – Look, Stop & Listen (Flac 24bit/192kHz)
• Chopin – Nocturn No. 20 In C-Sharp Minor (Flac 16bit/44.1kHz)
• Clair de Lune – Claude Debussy (Spotify)
• Fazıl Say – Nazım Oratoryosu (Live) (Flac 16bit/44.1kHz)
• Vivaldi – Le QuarttroStagioni “The Four Season” (Apple Music Lossless)
• Pink Floyd – Shine On You Crazy Diamond (Apple Music Lossless)
• Miles Davis – So What (Deezer HiFi)
• Otto Liebert& Luna Negra – The River (Flac 24bit/192kHz)
• Lunatic Soul – The Passage (Flac 16bit/44.1kHz)
• Deftones – My Own Summer (Shove it) (Flac 16bit/44.1kHz)
• Metallica – Dyers Eve (Flac 24bit/96kHz)
• Metallica – Sad but True (Flac 24bit/96kHz)
• Opeth – Windowpane (Flac 16bit/44.1kHz)
• Megadeth – Sweating Bullets (Tidal Hi-Fi)
• Rush’s – Tom Sawyer (Flac 16bit/44.1kHz)
• Slayer – Angel of Death (Spotify)
• Liquid Tension Experiment 2 – Acid Rain (Spotify)
• Yosi Horikawa – Bubbles (Spotify)

 

Sound Analysis:

 The iFi Audio Go Blu, a compact and affordable audio device, delivers a surprisingly capable overall sound performance. Priced at approximately $200, it offers a commendable level of detail and depth across all frequency ranges. This review will delve into the Go Blu’s sound analysis, examining its bass, midrange, and treble performance.

The iFi Audio GO blu review has been written after a burn-in period of about 50 hours. My sound experiences below are mainly based on my auditions with IEM’s like HiBy Project ACE Campfire Audio Supermoon, Oriveti bleqk Lowmaster and headphone like the iBasso SR3 and the FiiO FT5 over the 4.4mm 4.4mm Balanced output.

Bass:

The iFi Audio Go Blu, priced at approximately $200, is an ultra-compact audio device that offers notable overall sound performance for its size and price range. It provides a commendable level of capability

The iFi Audio GO Blu’s bass performance is characterized by its decent sense of depth and extension. The device excels in delivering bass with significant texture and detail, allowing to distinguish between different bass instruments and notes. This nuanced bass presentation transforms the listening experience, making intricate tracks more enjoyable and engaging.

In addition to its depth and detail, the GO blu demonstrates exceptional control and precision in its bass response. The bass remains tight and well-controlled, avoiding any muddiness or bleed into the midrange frequencies that was audible with headphones like the iBasso SR3 and IME’s like the Campfire Audio Supermoon. This precision is crucial for maintaining a fairly clean and clear overall sound signature, which is particularly important for genres that require fast and accurate bass, such as rock and metal.

The inclusion of the XBass feature further enhances the versatility of the Go Blu. This feature allows users to enhance the quantity of bass according to their personal preferences, which makes it quite enjoyable when listen to bass heavy tracks. However, the pairing is a key point, while it works perfect whit IEM’s like the Hiby Project ACE that does have a relative balanced bass response, the Oriveti bleqk Lowmaster with its more emphasized sized lows dis sound a bit overpowered in this area.

 

Midrange:

The iFi Audio Go blu’s midrange performance is commendable, offering a balanced and detailed presentation. Vocals and instruments are reproduced with clarity and precision, ensuring they are not overshadowed by the bass or treble. The midrange is characterized by its natural and smooth quality, making it particularly well-suited for genres like jazz, classical, and acoustic music.

One of the standout features of the Go Blu’s midrange is its integration with other frequency ranges. The midrange is neither recessed nor overly forward, striking a perfect balance that complements the overall sound signature. This integration ensures a cohesive and immersive soundstage.

The Go Blu’s midrange also exhibits a commendable dynamic range. It handles dynamic shifts with ease, providing a sense of realism and expression in the music. This dynamic capability is particularly beneficial for genres that require a wide range of expression, such as rock and orchestral music.

I’ve really enjoyed the Go blu with both the HiBy Project ACE and iBasso SR3, and both combinations have provided excellent results. The Go Blu’s midrange complements the strengths of each headphone and IEM, resulting in a satisfying listening experience.

 

Treble:

The iFi Audio Go blu offers a respectable treble response that contributes to its overall sound performance. Its treble tuning is characterized by its fairly articulate and detailed nature, providing a pretty clear and crisp high-frequency response. This clarity allows for precise rendition of high-pitched instruments and vocals, enabling listeners to appreciate the finer details in their music.

While the treble is generally well-balanced, some listeners might find it slightly on the energetic side, particularly when listening to certain genres or at higher volumes. However, this character is not excessive and does not lead to harshness or fatigue. The Go blu’s treble performance is capable of handling complex and dynamic tracks without losing composure, demonstrating its ability to deliver a sense of space and airiness in music. This is particularly beneficial for genres that rely heavily on treble clarity and detail, such as classical, jazz, and acoustic music, especially when paired with the iBasso SR3 and Campfire Audio Supermoon.

The Go blu’s treble performance is further influenced by its overall sound signature, which is balanced and neutral with a slight warmth. This tuning ensures that the treble integrates seamlessly with the midrange and bass, creating a cohesive and enjoyable listening experience. The Go Blu’s ability to handle complex and dynamic tracks, combined with its balanced sound signature, ensures a satisfying listening experience for those seeking quality sound on a budget.

 

Soundstage & Imaging:

The GO blu’s soundstage is notably expansive for a device of its size. Instruments are precisely positioned, creating a sense of depth and layering. While it may not surpass the soundstage of its larger counterpart, the xDSD Gryphone, it is more than sufficient for most listening environments. The XSpace function further enhances the soundstage, making it feel even more spacious and open.

The GO blu’s imaging is also commendable for a device of its size. Instruments are positioned with precision, and there is a clear sense of separation between them. Overall, the GO blu’s performance in terms of imaging is particularly impressive for its size and its price.

 

Comparison:

iFi Audio GO blu versus IKKO Heimdallr:

The iFi Audio GO blu offers a more textured and detailed bass response compared to the IKKO Heimdallr. The bass produced by the GO blu is rich and full-bodied, providing a satisfying depth that enhances the overall listening experience. In contrast, while the Heimdallr’s bass is commendable and delivers a solid performance, it lacks the same level of texture and extension that the GO blu achieves. This difference becomes particularly noticeable in genres that rely heavily on bass, such as electronic or hip-hop music. Additionally, the GO blu’s XBass feature allows for further customization, enabling users to enhance the bass to their preference, making it a versatile choice for bass enthusiasts who enjoy tweaking their sound profile.

The IKKO Heimdallr’s midrange demonstrates a decent level of transparency and detail retrieval, making it a solid performer in this frequency range. Vocals and instruments are rendered with clarity, allowing for an enjoyable listening experience. However, the GO blu’s midrange takes it a step further by exhibiting greater detail and resolution. This enhanced detail allows listeners to discern subtle nuances and textures in instruments and vocals that might be missed with the Heimdallr. For instance, the intricate plucking of guitar strings or the delicate inflections in a vocals voice are more pronounced with the GO blu, providing a richer and more immersive auditory experience.

The iFi Audio GO blu provides a well-balanced treble response with ample detail and clarity, ensuring that high frequencies are crisp and clear without becoming harsh or sibilant, even at higher volumes. This makes it suitable for long listening sessions without causing listener fatigue. On the other hand, the Heimdallr’s treble is also well-controlled and leans slightly more forward, offering a brighter and more relaxed presentation. This forward treble can add a sense of airiness and openness to the sound, which some listeners might prefer. However, it may also result in a less detailed treble response compared to the GO blu, depending on the listener’s preference and sensitivity to high frequencies.

The iFi Audio GO blu offers a slightly wider soundstage with precise instrument placement, creating a sense of space and depth that enhances the overall listening experience. Its XSpace feature further enhances the soundstage, making it feel even more spacious and open, which is particularly beneficial for live recordings or orchestral music where a wide soundstage can significantly enhance the realism and immersion. In comparison, the IKKO Heimdallr also provides a good soundstage, but it feels a bit more intimate, bringing the listener closer to the music.

 

Conclusion:

The iFi Audio GO Blu is a remarkable ultra-compact Bluetooth and USB DAC/Amplifier that delivers exceptional audio quality and versatility. Its discrete component design and high-quality components contribute to its exceptional performance, ensuring minimal distortion and jitter. The GO Blu’s powerful output and wide range of supported high-resolution codecs make it compatible with various headphones and earphones. Beyond its audio capabilities, the GO Blu’s sleek and compact design, coupled with its intuitive controls and user-friendly interface, make it a convenient and enjoyable device to use on the go. Its long battery life, customizable sound effects, and versatile features further enhance its appeal as a portable audio solution.

 

Pros & Cons:

• + Excellent Sonic Performance for its Price and Size
• + Versatile Connectivity (Bluetooth and USB Mode)
• + Wide Range of Supported Bluetooth Codecs (LDAC, LHDC/HWA, aptX Adaptive, aptX HD, aptX Low Latency)
• + Good Battery Life
• +Advanced Features (XBass & XSpace)
• + Ultra-Compact Size
• + Built Quality and Aesthetics
• + Multifunctional ChronoDial Works and Looks Great

 

• – Slightly Hissing Over the 4.4mm Balanced Output in BT Mode
• – No USB Type-C to Type-C or Lightning Cable Included in the Package