iFi's new portable headphone amplifier uses Qualcomm's QCC5100 chip along with the Cirruc Logic 43131 as a DAC to create an audibly superior "Bluetooth engine."
All current Bluetooth high-definition audio formats are supported: aptX Adaptive and aptX HD from Qualcomm, LDAC from Sony and LHDC from HWA, apt-X regular 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 reach 96 kHz.
The iFi Go Blu can also be updated wirelessly, so future codecs can be added.
The latest Cirrus Logic CS43131 is an advanced "miniature" DAC that sits at the heart of the latest range of iFi mobile devices.
This is a superior method to the traditional single-ended circuit approach. Balanced circuitry reduces noise and crosstalk. Less interference and clearer sound.
You'd typically find this setup on products at the higher end of the price spectrum, such as the Pro iCAN, but iFi are using this across their 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 op amp. This top-notch component contributes to ultra-low noise, low distortion (0.0001%) and wide bandwidth.
An important aspect of the circuit design is its direct-coupled nature (there is 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 the sound is so good.
XSpace is iFi's analog signal enhancement circuit to get the "music" back out of your head for even more headphone enjoyment.
XBass is an analogue spatializer for headphones. It opens up the music to give the feeling of spaciousness experienced in a live concert.
The Go Blu uses muRata type high Q, low ESR multilayer capacitors. The "ESR control" aspect of the Muratas is something special. Its noise suppression capabilities are impressive.
Characteristics:
- Qualcomm QCC 5100 Series Chipset.
- Wireless link via Bluetooth type 5.1.
- Supports AAC, SBC, aptX, aptX HD, aptX Adaptive, aptX LL, LDAC, LHDC/HWA codecs.
- USB-C up to 24/96kHz.
- Balanced 4.4mm and unbalanced 3.5mm headphone outputs.
- Balanced power output.
- UnBAL 245mW @ 32O; 5.6V @ 600O.
- 165mW @ 32O; 2.8V @ 600O.
- Balanced output impedance.
- Balanced SNR.
- Frequency response 20Hz - 45kHz (-3dB).
- Lithium polymer battery 450mAh approx. ~10 hours.
- External power supply with charging via USB-C.
- Dimensions: 55 x 34 x 13 mm.
- Weight: 26 grams.
