IFi's new portable headphone amplifier uses Qualcomm's QCC5100 chip in conjunction with the Cirruc Logic 43131 DAC to create an audibly superior "Bluetooth engine".
All current Bluetooth HD audio formats are supported: Qualcomm's aptX Adaptive and aptX HD, Sony 's LDAC and HWA's LHDC, apt-X normal and apt-X HD low latency, AAC (Apple iOS devices) and SBC.
Of the 24-bit capable codecs, aptX Adaptive and aptX HD support up to 48 kHz, while LDAC and LHDC go up to 96 kHz.
The iFi Go Blu can also be upgraded wirelessly, so future codecs can be added.
The latest Cirrus Logic CS43131 is an advanced 'miniature' DAC at the heart of iFi's latest range of mobile devices.
It is a superior method to the traditional single-ended circuit approach. Balanced circuitry reduces noise and crosstalk. Less crosstalk and clearer sound.
Typically this configuration is found in products at the higher end of the price spectrum, such as the Pro iCAN, but iFi is using this across its range to produce the best audio quality for all our customers.
As with many other iFi audio products, we have incorporated a custom OV series operational amplifier. This world-class component contributes to the very low noise, low distortion (0.0001%) and wide bandwidth.
An important aspect of the circuit design is its direct-coupled nature (no coupling capacitor), which is achieved without a conventionally applied DC servo.
DirectDrive is equivalent to a direct signal path, which means less signal degradation. This direct signal path is unmatched in audio and is the reason why the sound is so good.
XSpace is iFi's analogue signal enhancement circuit to get the "music" back out of your head for even more headphone enjoyment.
XBass is an analogue spatialiser for headphones. It opens up the music to give the feeling of spaciousness experienced at a live concert.
The Go Blu uses high Q and low ESR muRata-type multi-layer capacitors. The "ESR control" aspect of the Murata is something special. Their noise suppression capability is impressive.
Features:
- Qualcomm QCC 5100 Series chipset.
- Bluetooth wireless link type 5.1.
- Supports AAC, SBC, aptX, aptX HD, aptX Adaptive, aptX LL, LDAC, LHDC/HWA codecs.
- USB-C up to 24/96kHz.
- Balanced headphone outputs from 4.4mm and unbalanced 3.5mm.
- Balanced power output.
- UnBAL 245mW @ 32O; 5.6V @ 600O.
- 165mW @ 32O; 2.8V @ 600O.
- Output Impedance Balanced.
- Balanced SNR.
- Frequency response 20Hz - 45kHz (-3dB).
- Lithium polymer battery 450mAh approx. ~10 hours.
- External power supply with USB-C charging.
- Dimensions: 55 x 34 x 13 mm.
- Weight: 26 grams.
