In this article, I review the iFi GO blu Air, a pint-sized portable Bluetooth DAC and headphone amplifier. The GO blu Air supports high-resolution codecs like LDAC and aptX HD, and has a built-in microphone for making calls. It’s priced at $129 USD.
Disclaimer: This sample was provided by iFi Audio for an honest review. All observations and opinions here are my own, based on my experience with the product.
iFi GO blu Air
Functionality
iFi crammed in the kind of serious architecture you’d usually see in bigger devices, including separate, optimised stages for Bluetooth, DAC, and a twin-mono amplifier. They use their ultra-low jitter ‘GMT’ clocking system to keep the signal rock-solid.
The 4.4mm balanced output can push up to 256mW, which is honestly enough power to drive many full-size, over-ear headphones. If you’re running high-sensitivity IEMs, the 3.5mm S-Balanced output is perfect. That S-Balanced technology reduces crosstalk and distortion, ensuring your earphones sound their absolute best.
The iFi GO blu AIR uses Bluetooth 5.2, which is great because it helps with stability and better power efficiency. And the codecs? Everything is here: LDAC, LHDC, aptX (Classic, HD, and Adaptive), AAC, and SBC. Essentially, you’re covered for reliable, high-quality wireless audio.
For communication, the GO blu Air features a built-in MEMS microphone that utilises Qualcomm’s noise and echo suppression for clear voice transmission, alongside instant access to your connected device’s voice assistant.
Last but not least are the signature analogue sound modes. Hit XSpace to get a wider, more spacious soundstage, or use XBass when you need a real analogue punch to the low-end. You can even use both at once.
Design
The iFi GO blu Air has tiny dimensions, weighing a mere 30 grams. That’s a major asset for daily use, allowing it to be carried easily in a shirt pocket. It also comes with a detachable magnetic clip, which allows the unit to be securely fastened to clothing or bag straps.
On the right side, there is the ChronoDial volume wheel/button. Twist it to adjust volume, and quick press handles all the usual playback stuff—play, pause, skip—and a long press brings up your voice assistant.
The left side houses a single power button. Up top, you get both 3.5mm and 4.4mm headphone outputs. The USB-C port, built-in microphone and reset button sit on the bottom.
Sound
You’ve got great end-to-end extension, really nice full-bodied bass, which obviously depends on your earphones or headphones, but you’re not missing out on it. There’s no bass roll off. You get this really resolving yet somehow relaxed mid-range. It’s nice and upfront, though. Great resolution overall. And then you’ve got this treble, which is light and airy yet somehow slightly softened. And that is the trademark, at least to my ears, of those Cirrus Logic DAC chips.
It’s got a really black background, which means there’s no subtle hiss or background noise that you can hear even with sensitive IEMs. And that power output is pretty respectable for a little device like this. It is more than enough to drive any in-ear monitors or earphones. And it is even powerful enough to drive many full-size headphones. But of course, nothing that is too demanding in terms of power. But overall, it sounds really nice. It’s got a I would say, a neutral sound signature, with perhaps just a touch of warmth – keeping in mind you can always add more low-end presence with Xbass.
Verdict
Overall, I’d say the iFi GO blu Air is an outstanding Bluetooth DAC and headphone amplifier that delivers great audio quality for the price. Furthermore, you’re getting solid Hi-Res wireless codecs like aptxHD, LHDC and LDAC and solid power output all in a tiny package. But perhaps what I like most about the GO blu Air is how simple and reliable it is to use on the go. If you’re looking for a wireless audio solution to pair with your IEMs, give this one serious consideration.