GO pod by iFi audio

World-class. Wireless.

Wearable HD Bluetooth DAC and headphone amp

GO wireless. GO pod.

The GO pod ­is a pair of wearable Bluetooth DAC/headphone amps designed to make your premium in-ear monitors (IEMs) wireless.

It is the first device in the world to support Hi-Res 96kHz/24bits with LDACTM and Qualcomm Snapdragon Sound Bluetooth codecs on TWS.

Given the quality of the GO pod’s circuitry, when combined with a well-chosen pair of high-performance IEMs, the resulting sound is far in advance of any ‘true wireless’ earbuds or Bluetooth headphones.

Using a pair of GO pods is simple. First, detach the cable from your favourite IEMs and connect the earpieces to the left and right pods. Then, pair the pods with your source device (a smartphone, for example) and hook the ergonomically designed ear loops around your ears to ensure a comfortable fit… the result is unrivalled TWS (True Wireless Stereo) headphone sound.

*LDAC and LDAC logo are trademarks of Sony Corporation.

Hi-res Bluetooth

Qualcomm’s 24-bit aptX Adaptive format is also covered, offering sample rates of up to 96kHz, with the additional benefit of QHS (Qualcomm High Speed) providing an extra 300kbps of bandwidth. Other supported codecs include regular aptX, AAC and SBC.

This means that every possible source device is handled at the highest audio resolution its Bluetooth specification allows.

iFi GO pod loops — A2DC

Connectors abound

IEM manufacturers use a variety of connection types, but whichever is used by your favourite brand iFi has it covered. The GO pod’s detachable ear loop contains the IEM connector, and these are interchangeable.

The standard GO pod package contains the 0.78mm 2pin and MMCX connectors.

Pentaconn, T2 and A2DC connectors are available separately.

Distinctly different

True wireless earbuds rely on the SoC (System on a Chip) solution to integrate the requisite tech into a tiny space. Crucial stages like Bluetooth decoding, digital-to-analogue conversion and amplification are all-in-one to save space and cost. This compromises sound quality.

The GO pod is distinctly different. Each critical stage is designed separately and optimised individually to ensure excellent sound quality – Bluetooth, DAC and amplification. Discover more about the tech below.

Much like top-level hi-fi loudspeakers, high-quality corded IEMs are engineered for sonic excellence, combining multiple hi-tech drive units to transmit sound directly into your ear canal.

Given the high-level of audio engineering in both, connecting a pair of these IEMs to the GO pod results in sound that is so much better than regular true wireless earbuds.

GO pod by iFi audio

Charge!

The GO pod comes with a smartly designed charging case, with softly lined internal compartments and sufficient room to accommodate connected IEMs as well as the pods themselves.

A 1500mAH rechargeable battery is built into the charging case; a pair of GO pods will play for up to seven hours on a single charge, while the case provides multiple recharges to enable up to 35 hours of playing time. The case supports both Qi wireless charging and USB-C fast charging.

Contents

CONTENTS:

1 x ZEN Stream

1 x Ethernet cable

1 x Plastic screwdriver

1 x Power adapter

1 x Antenna

1 x User manual

1 x Instruction card

Qualcomm’s Snapdragon Sound

Bluetooth stage

We always go to great lengths to ensure our Bluetooth technology is state-of-the-art. The GO pod continues this uncompromising approach, including certification for Qualcomm’s Snapdragon Sound platform and Bluetooth 5.2 for optimum range, speed and reliability. Bluetooth processing is handled by Qualcomm’s top-tier QCC5144 module, with its 32-bit, quad-core architecture and low power draw delivering excellent wireless audio performance whilst minimising drain on the GO pod’s battery.

LDACTM and LHDC

Bluetooth stage

The GO pod is compatible with an impressive array of high-definition Bluetooth formats. LDACTM and LHDC (HWA) are both supported to their maximum
32-bit/96kHz specifications, with LDACTM’s highest 990kbps bitrate available to users of Android devices that support Snapdragon Sound (660kbps with other LDACTM-enabled devices).

*LDAC and LDAC logo are trademarks of Sony Corporation.

TrueWireless Mirroring

Bluetooth stage

Another Qualcomm technology enabled in the GO pod is TrueWireless Mirroring. Both the left and right pods can receive Bluetooth signals, but only the one with the strongest connection acts as the receiver while the other mirrors the connected pod. If the listener moves position and the connection to the mirroring pod becomes stronger, they swap over so the mirroring pod becomes the receiver without interrupting the audio signal. Similarly, if the receiving pod is removed from the listener’s ear, the other pod becomes the receiver, ensuring a seamless true wireless stereo experience.

GO pod by iFi audio

A built-in microphone utilises Qualcomm’s cVc noise suppression technology for excellent voice clarity, whether you’re making a hands-free phone call, chatting on a video call, speaking to the connected device’s voice assistant or even playing a game online.

The aluminium panel on the front of each pod works as a touch control; simply tap to play or pause audio, skip forward or back, answer or reject a phone call, or engage the connected device’s voice assistant.

Analogue Volume Control

DAC stage

The GO pod benefits from hardware-based analogue volume control. The GO pod doesn’t rely on the software-based volume controls in connected digital devices, which can have a deleterious effect on audio resolution. Instead, adjusting the volume on the connected device controls the volume level in the DAC, rather than in the phone, tablet or computer.

Cirrus Logic MasterHIFI

DAC stage

In addition to Bluetooth processing, Qualcomm’s QCC5144 chipset can be configured to perform digital-to-analogue conversion and headphone amplification too – but this is not the iFi way. The sonic benefits of separate, individually optimised DAC and amp stages are far more valuable to us than the savings made by one-chip-does-all solutions.

To that end, the GO pod incorporates two Cirrus Logic MasterHIFI chips – one in the left pod, the other in the right. This 32-bit hi-res DAC chip is dedicated to single-channel digital-to-analogue signal conversion in the GO pod’s circuit design, combining with a jitter-eradicating precision clock to deliver ultra-low distortion and high dynamic range – one of the key reasons why the GO pod unlocks better sound quality than true wireless earbuds.

Personal Sonic Tailoring

DAC stage

To minimize pre-echos and ringing artifacts, the DAC is designed with proprietary digital-interpolation filters that support five digital filter responses. These user-selectable settings offer a degree of personal sonic tailoring, another first for the true-wireless in-ear headphone scene, with options including low group delay with pseudo-linear phase and a fast or slow roll-off.

Balanced

Amplification stage

Delivering a balanced output signal to each connected earpiece, the GO pod’s amp stage has been carefully deigned to ensure ultra-low distortion and a silent background with high-sensitivity IEMs. With a maximum power output of 120mW into 32 ohms, and an output voltage of 4V into high-impedance 300-ohm loads, each GO pod supplies plenty of gas to drive any connected IEM with consummate ease, without rapidly draining the internal battery.

To ensure its output perfectly matches the connected IEM, each pod auto-detects the IEM’s impedance and adjusts power accordingly. There are four settings – 16 ohms, 32 ohms, 64 ohms and 300 ohms – with the setting most appropriate to the connected IEM selected automatically.

Quality Components

Amplification stage

We use discrete, high-grade components in all our circuit designs, and the same is true of the GO pod. Devices such as TDK C0G multilayer ceramic capacitors and inductors from Taiyo Yuden and Murata deliver qualities such as low ESR (Equivalent Series Resistance) and high linearity, paying great dividends in terms of sound quality.

IPX5-rated

The GO pod is designed to be robust and durable, yet comfortable and lightweight – each pod weighs just 12g. The ear loops are ergonomically shaped and mouldable to fit around your ears, while the pods are water- and sweat-resistant (IPX5-rated), so no problem wearing them down the gym or getting caught out in the rain.

Retailer

Apos Inc.

California
Distributor

iFi audio USA (West Coast)

California
Retailer

ListenUp

Colorado
Retailer

ListenUp

Colorado
Retailer

ListenUp

Colorado
Retailer

Music Direct

Illinois
Retailer

Gramophone

Maryland
Retailer

Gramophone

Maryland
Retailer

Gramophone

Maryland
Retailer

Gramophone

Maryland
Retailer

Gramophone

Maryland
Retailer

Audio Advisor

Michigan
Retailer

Bloom Audio

New Jersey
Retailer

High Definition Tape Transfers

New Jersey
Retailer

ListenUp

New Mexico
Retailer

Turntable Lab NY Storefront

New York
Retailer

Audio 46

New York
Retailer

Moon Audio

North Carolina
Retailer

AudioAdvice

North Carolina
Retailer

AudioAdvice

North Carolina
Retailer

Headphones.com

Oregon
Retailer

World Wide Stereo

Pennsylvania
Retailer

World Wide Stereo

Pennsylvania
Retailer

HIDEF Lifestyle

Pennsylvania
Distributor

iFi audio USA (East Coast)

Virginia
Retailer

USA-Audio Exchange

Virginia

This product is currently out of stock and unavailable.

Auto impedance detection16Ω / 32Ω / 64Ω / 300Ω
Total Harmonic Distortion+ Noise ≤0.002% (1KHz/32Ω) @ (20-20KHz)
Output power (RMS)120mW@32Ω; 4V@300Ω
16Ω: ≥0.98V/60mW
32Ω: ≥1.96V/120mW
64Ω: ≥2.77V/120mW
300Ω:≥4.0V/53mW
SNR32Ω ≥ 129dB (A) / 300Ω ≥ 132dB (A)
THD+N≤0.002% (1kHz/32Ω)
Bluetooth versionBluetooth 5.2™
Bluetooth codecsLDAC*, LHDC/HWA*,
aptX Adaptive, aptX,
AAC, SBC
Bluetooth chipsetQualcomm QCC 5100 Series
Frequency response10-20 kHz(-3dB) LDAC
Dimensions (GO pod)43.5 x 16.4 x 9.5 mm
1.7" x 0.6" x 0.4"
Dimensions (Charging case)116 x 76 x 38.5 mm
4.6" x 3" x 1.5"
Net weightGO pod 12g (0.42 oz)
Case 126g (4.44 oz)
Power System5V/1A or 5V/2A Qi certified charger
BatteryGO pod 180mAh
Charging case
1500mAh

iFi GO pod Review: Almost the Perfect Alternative to TWS

I liked the GO blu so it’s nice to see the same awesome performance but in a TWS adapter.

Corgifall, Audio Discourse

(Click name to read original review)

“..way better than I thought!”

“The Go Pod has a surprisingly good neutral/warm sound that is actually way better than I thought!”

Antdroid, Audio Discourse

(Click name to read original review)

“It is a very well designed device!” (Review in Spanish)

“The iFi GO pods are versatile, high-quality Bluetooth adapters. They offer a clean, clear and neutral sound signature; but with a touch of warmth in the bass that allows for more “friendly” listening. It is a very well designed device, comfortable, well thought out and offers very interesting features.”

Antonio Mira Piles, AVPasión

(Click name to read original review)

“In short, iFi nailed it!”

“In short, iFi nailed it. This is a wonderful product that allows you to turn any earphone into a pair of TWS earbuds.”

Christopher Coke

(Click name to read original review)

“This novel accessory adds a high-quality DAC and amp into a Bluetooth ear hook!”

“This novel accessory adds a high-quality DAC and amp into a Bluetooth ear hook, complementing it with a full assortment of high-resolution wireless codecs”

Tony Ware, Popsci

(Click name to read original review)

“Clean, detailed sound!”

“A good DAC/amp will get out of the way, and the GO Pod did just that while providing plenty of power, to go along with the clean, detailed sound.”

Lynn Miller

(Click name to read original review)

“‘I highly recommend!”

“I highly recommend it, achieving true wireless with flagship IEMs the right way.”

Koji Ghafoor, Convince me Audio

(Click name to read original review)

“One of the most interesting, most famous IEM DAC/Amps!”

“The Go pod is without a doubt one of the most interesting, most famous IEM DAC/Amps and is considered the standard for people who want to experience different types of IEMs with exuberant resolution and quality!”

Fernando Meza - Asociación de Audiófilos

(Click name to read original review)

“It is a product designed for high-end IEMs.”

“It is a product designed for high-end IEMs.
The sound quality you can get with this module is the best on the market! All components are of very good quality.
It offers a sound quality that no other Bluetooth module that I have heard on the market offers.”

Marco Antonio Gonzalez, Dibus y Deabus

(Click name to read original review)

“I’d STRONGLY recommend giving these a try!”

“All in all, for those of you looking for a wireless solution for your IEMs, I’d STRONGLY recommend giving these a try”, ‘This is the full evolution of the audiophile portable rig and I’m all for it.’, ‘The go pods offer excellent sound for IEMs’

John Exby, SBAF

(Click name to read original review)

“This is the solution to forget about cables!”

“I am in love with the audio quality, the comfort, the versatility! These Go Pods are the future of going cordless.
This is my preferred option in any bluetooth module I have tried.
This is the solution to forget about cables!”

Moisés Daniel Díaz - Audio Total

(Click name to read original review)

“Almost the Perfect Alternative to TWS!”

“It allows you to enjoy your favorite IEMs in a TWS setting with no degradation to the sound quality.”

Discover more by reading the full review.

Audio Discourse

(Click name to read original review)

“Convert Your IEMs to WIRELESS!”

“This is one of the only products, period, that can let you go completely wireless while sounding excellent!”
Discover more by watching the full review.

GadgetryTech

(Click name to read original review)

“Innovative Bluetooth DAC/Amp that works with all IEMs!”

“It is an easy to use bluetooth adapter that unleashes one’s IEM collection for wireless playback, and for the most part, with not much sacrifice in the listening experience.”

John Brent, Head-Fi

(Click name to read original review)

“Turn ANY Wired IEMs Into Wireless!”

“The sound is like having a desktop dac and amp on my ears in a portable format”

Zadius Tech

(Click name to read original review)

Go Pod on Pragmatic Audio Reviews

Discover more by watching the full review on YouTube.

Greg Sequeira

(Click name to read original review)

“The Go Pod really is the best portable Bluetooth source that I have heard of to date!”

“IFi is aiming for the high-end with this product. In terms of control, I’m very happy.

It has much less background noise than other devices.

The Go Pod really is the best portable Bluetooth source that I have heard of to date, and I have them clearly on my wish list!”

 

Discover more by watching the full review on YouTube.

James Clatworthy, Acho Reviews

(Click name to read original review)

“The GO Pod really came into my demanding audiophile life as a savior.”

“As a self called TWS IEMs hater, and owning at least 100 good IEMs, the GO Pod really came into my demanding audiophile life as a savior.”

No Borders Audiophile

(Click name to read original review)

“I think it’s really worth it!”

“You can make any wired IEM wireless which is really really cool! The difference between the GO pod connected to LDAC and wired mode is very very small! I think it’s really worth it!”

Ryan Ho

(Click name to read original review)

“The first bluetooth device that has made me go “wow!””

Headphones and Coffee

(Click name to read original review)

GO pod on audiofilblog.blogspot.com (review in Hungarian)

“The GO pod enables very correct, high-quality sound reproduction.”

Andras Rev

(Click name to read original review)

EISA Award for GO pod

“Thanks to iFi Audio’s GO pod, devotees of high-end, cabled in-ears finally get an alternative to mainstream ‘true wireless stereo’ designs. This novel system features two smart, touch-controlled adapters that fit snugly behind the ear and wire directly to IEMs of your choice – industry-standard 2-pin and MMCX connectors are supplied, with others available as optional extras. A capable DAC/headphone amplifier is built into each ‘pod’ to drive even the most demanding of in-ears, while broad support for Bluetooth codecs (including aptX Adaptive and LDAC) ensures wireless fidelity. Even the GO pod case, which recharges the adapters’ seven-hour batteries, is smart – in all senses of the word!”

EISA

(Click name to read original review)

GO pod review on Hobby Talk

“I would have a hard time A-B’ing and telling that this is bluetooth. It’s that stinkin’ good.”

Hobby Talk

(Click name to read original review)

GO pod review from Porta.Fi

“If you want absolutely the best sound, the Go Pod is currently the best in this segment.”

Porta.Fi

(Click name to read original review)

“It’s the best bluetooth adaptor I’ve tried so far”

“It’s the best bluetooth adaptor I’ve tried so far, it’s THAT close to being wired.”

vortex review

(Click name to read original review)

“iFi have outdone themselves once again…”

“iFi have outdone themselves once again, they managed to improve several characteristics of a niche market within audio giving a truly high-end product for anyone that wants to convert their wired IEM’s to wireless.”

Joao Queiroz

(Click name to read original review)

“I wanted this. I asked for this.”

“This is replacing a lot of stuff for just 400 dollars. I wanted this. I asked for this.”

 

Z reviews

(Click name to read original review)

“Color me impressed!”

“It cost more than competition, but also offers more, and in reality, can easily replace some of the popular dongles as well as mid-fi DAPs. Color me impressed!”

Twister6

(Click name to read original review)

“Nobody else has so far managed to execute the idea to such a high standard.”

John Grandberg

(Click name to read original review)

GO pod review on POC Network

“It’s nice to be able to take your IEM wireless with a multi-fit approach like this. There are other options out there in the market, but it’s still a growing sector and those usually only offer one connection type based on the brand behind the product.”

“iFi did a good job in its pairings. At least, based on what we were able to hear from the Craft Ears connected. From there, we had some trial and error finding good matches. In almost all situations, the results were good. What matters is how good that “good” is and is it a worth bouncing them between wire and Go Pod every time “good” that contributed to our scoring of it.”

“If you buy one of their pairings, you can likely be sure that it is going to sound pretty good. They want you to be impressed, afterall. And we can personally say that the Craft Ears was a good pairing.”

“Since not all pairings are created equal, when the time comes that the company sells its Go Pod product by itself, it is important to read reviews from other users to see how it performs with your specific IEM model. This will help you determine if the Go Pod is a good fit for yours. This also prevents you from having to be the guinea pig. But if it does wind up being a good fit, you’ll likely enjoy it a lot.”

POC Network

(Click name to read original review)