iFi GO pod MAX – True wireless in-ear headphones in full quality via Bluetooth

The company iFi Audio has been a recognised specialist in the field of personal audio devices for many years and is dedicated to solutions that combine convenience, flexibility and quality. This also applies to Bluetooth solutions that promise ‘wireless’ use of headphones, especially high-quality in-ear headphones, such as the iFi GO Pod and iFi GO Pod Air.

These are now being joined by another exciting solution in the form of the iFi GO pod MAX. As the name suggests, this product is the new flagship and is designed to allow even the most demanding users to use the highest quality in-ear headphones via Bluetooth alone.

Using high-quality in-ear headphones without cables

The concept that iFi Audio is pursuing with the iFi Audio GO Series solutions, specifically with the iFi GO Pod and iFi GO Pod Air solutions, is extremely exciting. They are aimed at users who already own very high-quality wired in-ear headphones but also want to use them with Bluetooth, not least for greater convenience. The solutions in question connect between the in-ear headphones and a smartphone as a source, for example, and are designed so that they can be worn directly on the ear, ultimately offering exactly the same freedom of movement as any conventional true wireless in-ear headphones.

For the aforementioned iFi GO pod and iFi GO pod Air products, iFi Audio already promised signal transmission with virtually no deterioration in quality, as they are equipped with the latest Bluetooth technology and high-quality D/A converters as well as powerful output stages.

With the latest solution, the iFi GO pod MAX, the company now promises to go a few decisive steps further.

Elegant, solid housing

Firstly, it is emphasised that the new iFi GO pod MAX has a particularly elegant and robust housing. A combination of aluminium and so-called textured polymer is used. This means that the iFi GO pod MAX weighs no more than 24,5 g per unit.

UV sterilisation for hygienic use

It should be emphasised that the iFi GO pod MAX is IPX5 certified, so it can be used in any weather without any problems. It can also be used for sports without any problems, especially as the developers have come up with a special feature. In the case of the new iFi GO pod MAX, the transport case included in the scope of delivery not only functions as a charging station in the proven manner, it also offers four high-intensity UV lights that ensure UV sterilisation for impeccable hygiene after use.

Flexible use with various in-ear headphone models

The new iFi GO pod MAX can be used with a wide variety of in-ear headphone models, with the standard version offering ear loops for MMCX as well as 0,78 mm 2-pin connectors. Optional ear loops for Estron T2, PentaconnEar and A2DP are also available.

HiFi Circuitry – Bluetooth, D/A converter and output stage each designed as independent components

The manufacturer refers to the new iFi GO pod MAX as having a special design – HiFi Circuitry – that ensures the highest quality. In fact, this means that the Bluetooth chipset, D/A converter and output stage are used separately as independent solutions and not as a highly integrated IC.

Bluetooth 5.4

The Bluetooth 5.4 module is a Qualcomm QCC5181 chipset that supports SBC and AAC as well as aptX, aptX HD, aptX Adaptive, aptX Lossless, LDAC and LHDC/HWA. According to the manufacturer’s promise, this guarantees lossless audio in CD quality as well as Hi-res audio, as data rates of up to 1.200 kbps are achieved.

32-bit Cirrus Logic MasterHiFi DAC and sound processing using JVCKENNWOOD K2HD Technology

Another special feature of the new iFi GO pod MAX is the signal processing using 32-bit Cirrus Logic MasterHiFi DAC and sound processing via JVCKENWOOD K2HD Technology. According to the manufacturer’s promise, this means that every detail of the audio signal can be reproduced to guarantee an audiophile performance.

The powerful output stage – True Balanced Amplification Stage – of the iFi GO pod MAX, which has auto-impedance detection (16 ohms, 32 ohms, 64 ohms and 300 ohms) and – as a guide – can provide an output of 120 mW at 32 ohms, naturally also contributes to this.

Integrated microphone

Finally, it should not go unmentioned that the iFi GO pod MAX have two integrated Qualcomm cVc noise suppression microphones, i.e. microphones for phone calls and voice control, so that there is no disadvantage in this respect compared to designated true wireless in-ear headphones in everyday use.

Up to seven hours…

The integrated 180 mAh batteries of the iFi GO pod MAX are sufficient for up to seven hours of playtime, while the aforementioned transport case has an additional 1,500 mAh battery. This provides up to 35 hours of playing time. Charging is via USB-C.

Prices and availability

The new iFi GO pod MAX should be available from specialist retailers these days, according to the manufacturer, at a recommended retail price of € 599,-.

Getting to the point

iFi Audio promises no compromises in sound quality with the new iFi GO pod MAX, the most sophisticated solution to date when it comes to adding Bluetooth to wired in-ear headphones. The new iFi GO pod MAX should therefore offer even better quality than the already remarkable iFi GO pod and iFi GO pod Air solutions.