- iFi Audio promotes the new iFi GO blu Air as a HiFi solution that fits effortlessly in your trouser pocket and can therefore always be taken with you.
The English specialist for personal audio devices and desktop audio solutions iFi Audio sees the new iFi GO blu Air, which the company is now presenting, as a HiFi device for everyday use, a solution that you can always carry with you as it fits effortlessly in your trouser pocket and is very easy to use. According to the company, this is designed as a lighter, more suitable brother of the iFi Audio GO blu HD Bluetooth DAC for everyday use and should therefore fit seamlessly into the lifestyle of active people.
No larger than 53,5 x 33,7 x 19,5 mm and weighing just 31 g, the new iFi GO blu Air combines state-of-the-art technology in an elegant, robust housing as a Bluetooth dongle with an integrated headphone amplifier for the finest sound on the go.
Small form factor, state-of-the-art technology
The special feature of the new iFi GO blu Air is that it relies on Bluetooth for maximum convenience, but still provides the user with a solution that does not compromise on quality.
While most Bluetooth products rely on a single chipset for the critical tasks of reception, digital-to-analogue conversion and amplification, the iFi GO blu Air separates these tasks, inspired by the staged design of full-size HiFi systems. The company therefore likes to talk about a three-stage Bluetooth architecture, which is based on the Bluetooth 5.2 standard.
Bluetooth 5.2
At the heart of the signal processing is a Qualcomm QCC5144 chipset for Bluetooth reception, whereby the codecs SBC, AAC, aptX, aptX HD, aptX Adaptive, LDAC and LHDC/HWA are supported. Signal transmission is therefore possible up to Hi-res audio, provided the source device also supports this.
32-bit Cirrus Logic MasterHiFi DAC
The signal is converted by a separate D/A converter using a Hi-res Cirrus Logic MasterHiFi DAC, as described by the manufacturer itself, which is characterised by low power consumption on the one hand, but above all by a natural sound colour.
The new iFi GO blu Air is equipped with an output stage that is designed as a twin-mono amplifier stage, i.e. a dual-mono circuit for the finest sound free from distortion and a high output of up to 262 mW, to ensure sufficient power to operate a wide range of headphones.
The new iFi GO blu Air not only has an unbalanced 3.5 mm stereo mini jack for connecting headphones, but also a balanced 4.4 mm Pentaconn. Specifically, the balanced output provides the aforementioned 265 mW into 32 ohms or 52 mW into 600 ohms. At the unbalanced output, this solution offers 165 mW into 32 ohms or 14 mW into 600 ohms, as the data sheet reveals.
It should also be mentioned that the new iFi GO blu Air features iFi Audio’s S-Balanced Technology at the 3.5 mm stereo mini-jack output to reduce crosstalk with in-ear monitors. The XBass and XSpace Analogue Sound Enhancement Modes of the iFi GO blu Air must also be mentioned, as well as the fact that it has an integrated MEMS microphone and thus active noise suppression for telephone calls and voice control systems.
Easy handling and long battery life
According to iFi Audio, the new iFi GO blu Air is characterised by extremely easy handling, thanks to a ChronoDial Control for simple volume control and playback control, as well as a removable magnetic clip that allows flexible use, for example attached to bags or items of clothing.
Equipped with a 450 mAh lithium-polymer battery, the new iFi GO blu Air should offer a playing time of up to ten hours, as the data sheet reveals. It is charged via USB-C with 5V and 1 A.
Prices and availability
The new iFi GO blu Air should be available from specialist retailers in the next few days. The recommended retail price is listed at € 149,-.
Getting to the point
HiFi on the go, that’s what iFi Audio promises with the new iFi GO blu Air, the little brother of the iFi GO blu, now presented by the English specialist for personal audio devices and desktop audio solutions. The aim is to provide a solution that offers the best sound in the simplest way, directly from a smartphone, anytime and anywhere.
| Product | iFi GO blu Air |
|---|---|
| Price | € 149,- |
| Brand | iFi Audio |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | Abbingdon Music Research |
| Distribution | WOD Audio |
| More about this manufacturer at HiFi BLOG |
