IFI GO BLU AIR IFI GO BLU AIR BLUETOOTH DAC/HEADPHONE AMP LAUNCHED
iFi audio has launched the iFi GO blu Air, a compact portable Bluetooth DAC/headphone amplifier designed as a lighter and more affordable sibling to the original GO blu.
Weighing just 31 grams and standing 5cm tall, the new model aims to deliver high-quality sound in a highly portable form factor.
IFI GO BLU AIR BLUETOOTH DAC/HEADPHONE AMP
The iFi GO blu Air continues iFi’s approach of blending convenience with HiFi performance. It comes with a detachable magnetic clip that attaches securely to a bag, jacket, or belt, making it straightforward to carry. Despite its small size, it offers up to ten hours of battery life and retains compatibility with the original GO blu protective case.
Unlike many Bluetooth devices that rely on a single chipset for processing, the iFi GO blu Air separates Bluetooth reception, digital-to-analogue conversion, and amplification. A Qualcomm QCC5144 chipset handles Bluetooth 5.2 reception, while a Cirrus Logic MasterHIFI DAC manages conversion. Twin-mono amplification provides up to 256mW output, with both 4.4mm balanced and 3.5mm S-Balanced connections available.
iFi GO BLU AIR CONNECTIVITY AND CODEC SUPPORT
Bluetooth 5.2 is at the core of the iFi GO blu Air, ensuring stable signal transmission and efficient power use. Codec support includes LDAC, LHDC/HWA, aptX Adaptive, aptX HD, aptX, AAC, and SBC, allowing compatibility with a wide range of devices and sources.
The iFi GO blu Air incorporates iFi’s XBass and XSpace analogue processing modes. XBass reinforces low frequencies, while XSpace expands the soundstage to mimic the feel of a live performance. These can be used independently or combined, giving listeners options to tailor the sound to their headphones and preferences.
The iFi GO blu Air is equipped with iFi’s ChronoDial control, a tactile rotary dial that manages both volume and playback navigation. A built-in MEMS microphone with noise suppression and voice assistant support allows for hands-free calls and voice control on the move.
SPECIFICATIONS OF THE iFi GO BLU AIR
Key specifications include a 450mAh lithium-polymer battery providing around ten hours of playback, 110dB signal-to-noise ratio, and output power of up to 262mW from the balanced 4.4mm output. The 3.5mm S-Balanced output is designed to reduce crosstalk with sensitive in-ear monitors. The unit measures 53.5 x 33.7 x 19.5mm.
iFi GO BLU AIR PRICE AND AVAILABILITY
The iFi GO blu Air is available now. Pricing is set at £129 / $129 / €149 / $229 AUD.
HiFi PiG Says: A lightweight and ultra-portable device from iFi.
