iFi Audio, has announced the iFi GO Pod Air, a more compact and affordable version of its predecessor, yet in a lighter, more travel-friendly form. Engineered to liberate wired in-ear-monitors (IEMs) from their cables, it combines audiophile-grade architecture with a range of features for work and play ensuring you’ll never have to leave your IEMs behind again.
While Bluetooth TWS (True Wireless Stereo) earbuds have become a lifestyle staple, many audiophiles are now faced with paying a premium for an inferior listening experience compared to their wired IEMs. iFi has crafted the perfect solution to this dilemma; simply connect your favourite IEMs to one of the many ear loop options, and transform them with Hi-Res Bluetooth compatibility, intuitive touch controls, and noise-free calls.
Despite their diminutive size, each pod features Hi-Fi inspired circuitry, balanced amplification, and intelligent impedance matching, ensuring that no matter what IEMs you’re using, the GO pod Air will make sure you’re hearing them at their best.
Key Features of the iFi GO Pod Air include:
- Turns IEMs into a Hi-Res Bluetooth System
- Supports 24/96kHz Hi-Res Wireless Audio
- Balanced Amplification with Auto Impedance Matching
- Hi-Fi Circuitry with Cirrus Logic DAC Chips
- Lightweight Case for Ultimate Portability
- Dual Mics with Noise Suppression Technology
Traditionally, Bluetooth audio has meant sacrificing sound quality for the sake of convenience. The GO Pod Air breaks the mold, featuring iFi’s Bluetooth architecture to close the gap and
unlike typical wireless earphones, which rely on a single chip for connection, conversion, and amplification, the GO Pod series sets itself apart with true Hi-Fi architecture.
Each pod features a premium-tier Qualcomm QCC514x Series chip dedicated solely to Bluetooth reception, which then sends data to a Cirrus Logic MasterHIFI DAC, hand-selected by iFi for its dynamic, engaging sound with minimal battery drain. The signal is then sent to a balanced amplification stage, with a dedicated clock ensuring perfect harmony between all components.
The GO Pod Air delivers this exact same audio ‘magic’ but in a lighter chassis with each pod weighing just 10 grams, and with a case that is now over 40% lighter and nearly 20% more compact than the original.
iFi offers a selection of interchangeable ear loops to suit almost every IEM imaginable. 2-pin and MMCX ear loops are provided as standard, with T2, A2DP, and Pentaconn ear loop options also available.
The GO Pod Air’s intelligent impedance matching is also tailored to three different levels;16, 32 and 64 ohms. Simply connect your IEMs, place the pods in their charging case for a moment, and the system will automatically detect the IEMs’ impedance and adjust to the best match with no manual setup required.
The Bluetooth ecosystem is highly competitive, and for consumers it can often mean that not all Bluetooth options are available on one product. This is certainly the case with Bluetooth earbuds and headphones, where manufacturers are often forced to choose between competing Bluetooth codec families. Depending on the codecs available on your source device, this can severely limit the options available. iFi audio bucks this trend with the GO Pod Air incorporating a comprehensive suite of codecs – SBC, AAC, aptX (Classic, HD, Adaptive), LDAC and LHDC/HWA. No matter what phone, tablet or transmitter you choose, iFi guarantees there’ll be an option for you.
The GO Pod Air is IPX5 rated, and offers 7 hours of playback on a single charge, with the lightweight travel case extending this to a total of 15 hoursThe iFi GO Pod Air is available for £249/€249/$249US. iFi’s exclusive Canadian distributor, Erikson Consumer, says the GO Pod Air will be available at the end of June and pricing is still to be determined.