Ifi Audio is a brand under parent company Abbingdon Music Research (AMR). AMR was founded in 2000 and is a UK based manufacturer of high end systems. Ifi audio was launched by AMR in 2012 to bring high-end audio to portable and small desktop devices.
Ifi Audio aims to deliver audiophile-grade devices in a compact and accessible format, bringing high-resolution audio to a wider audience without sacrificing quality.
The product range of Ifi audio is quite extensive. It includes DACs, power supplies, headphone amplifiers, phono stages, products like the LAN iPurifier Pro and of course various accessories.
Ifi Audio has become a well known name for many, providing good sound in a very affordable price range.
It is also commendable that the company’s philosophy centers on environmental responsibility. They prioritize using recyclable materials in their packaging and actively work to minimize plastic usage.
Ifi Audio asked me to test-drive the new GO pod Air.
The GO pod Air is a modular wireless adapter designed to transform your favorite wired IEMs into high-performance wireless IEM’s. They offer support for multiple connector types.
Specs:
- Codecs: LDAC, LHDC/HWA, aptX Adaptive, aptX HD, aptX, AAC, SBC
- Bluetooth 5.2 / Qualcomm QCC5144
- Dual mics with noise suppression
- Impedance auto detect (16 / 32 / 64 Ohm)
- Output power ≥ 57 mW / 0.96 V @ 16 Ohms
- DNR (dynamic range) ≥ 121 dB(A) @ 32 Ohms
- SNR (signal-to-noise ratio) ≥ 124 dB(A) @ 64 Ohms
- Battery life 7 hours + 8 hours from charging case (15 hrs total)
- Net weight 10 g (pods), 106 g (charging case)
What is in the box:
The packaging reflects Ifi’s minimalistic aesthetic. The outer sleeve is clean and well-labeled and inside you’ll find the GO pod in its charging case.
Accessories included are:
-
USB-C cable
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2 sets of ear hooks, MMCX, 2-pin (optional: A2DC, T2, Pentaconn)
- Lightweight case
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Quick start guide
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Ifi sticker
Test equipment:
Test tracks:
- Melody Gardot – Our love is easy
- Michael Buble – Fever
- Willie Nelson – Come rain and shine
- Sara Gazarek – Fly away birdie
- Dirk Maassen – Here and Now
Design and Ergonomics
The Go pods air feel and look very well designed. The matte textured finish resists smudges and serve as responsive touch surfaces. The flexible ear hooks provide a secure fit and the modular connectors offer a solid, confidence-inspiring connection. With IPX5 water resistance, they are well-suited for workouts, rainy commutes or for enjoying a nice evening sunset.
The case is made of a nice fabric and is very lightweight. It’s not totally pocket-friendly but you can’t call it huge either.
Compared to the original GO pod’s, the GO pod Air delivers the same sound quality as its predecessor in a smaller and more portable form. Each pod weighs just 10 grams, making the system over 40% lighter and 20% more compact than the existing GO pod.
Inside each pod is a dedicated Qualcomm QCC514x Bluetooth chipset for transmission, paired with a DAC based on Cirrus Logic that handles conversion with ultra-low power consumption. A separate balanced amplifier stage with its own clock ensures clean, consistent audio output.
Auto impedance detection
The GO pod Air supports 16 / 32 / 64 Ohm in-ear monitors. After pairing, it automatically detects the impedance.
Codec support
It supports all major modern Bluetooth audio codecs: SBC, AAC, aptX (Classic, HD, Adaptive), LDAC and LHDC/HWA with full 24-bit/96kHz playback and up to 990 kbps bitrates via LDAC.
Calls and control
The dual microphones with Qualcomm cVc noise cancellation enable clear phone calls. The touch controls make it easy to manage playback, volume and voice assistants like Siri or Google Assistant.
Microphone performance while making phone calls is impressive in quiet settings, delivering clear and natural voice pickup. In noisier environments like public travel, quality drops to an average level. While cVc does a respectable job, they fall a little short. Still, for everyday use at home or in the office, call quality remains more than adequate.
Touch functions
Single tap: Play, pause or answer a call
Double tap: Skip to the next track
Triple tap: Skip to the previous track
Hold right: Increase volume
Hold left: Decrease volume
Single tap, then hold: Activate voice assistant
Hold left and right together for ≥ 2 seconds: Enter Bluetooth pairing mode
Hold for ≥ 12 seconds: Power reset the device
Sound Quality
The GO pod Air delivers a sound experience that is impressive. Its tuning leans towards neutral with a subtle warmth in the low end, adding a touch of musicality without overshadowing the character of your IEMs. It is a balanced and refined approach that feels purposeful rather than colored.
Bass
The low end has satisfying presence with a tight punch while staying clear of the midrange. Sub-bass reaches deep and mid-bass remains controlled and agile with no signs of bloat or bleed. The GO pod Air handles bass with maturity and restraint.
Midrange
Clean, transparent and full of nuance. Vocals sounds natural, lifelike and have a organic timbre. Instruments are placed precisely and remain distinct even in dense or layered arrangements. Paired with resolving IEMs like the Campfire’s Alien Brain the GO pod Air stays out of way and lets your gear shine while delivering every detail with clarity.
Treble
Airy and refined, the treble offers sparkle. It extends, gives cymbals and strings a crisp shimmer that feels lively but never harsh. Even when paired with brighter IEMs like the Letshouer DX1. The top end remains smooth and fatigue-free with just enough energy to keep everything engaging.
Stage
Spatial presentation is excellent for a bluetooth solution. The GO pod Air create a very nice soundstage with impressive depth and layering. Imaging is very precise. It really holds its own against wired IEM’s.
