iFi Audio GO blu Review

UI and Usage

Connection

As I said before, the iFi Audio GO blu can work both as a DAC received but also as a classic DAC/AMP when linked through its USB-C port. 

Pairing is ultra-simple, all you got to do is turn on the device, wait for the light to blink red/blue, and link your phone. If the device was previously connected to your phone, the connection is automatic.

Last but not least, you can go rogue and connect the GO blu in USB, to your computer or your smartphone. I tried it on my MacBook Air and the iBasso DX160, without any problem. Just be sure to get a USB-C cable that supports data and not just charge, as it often happens.

I paired the iFi GO blu with my AudioSense DT200 and the Meze 99 Classics in 4.4mm thanks to ddHiFi’s DJ44A adapter. Everything worked flawlessly, and I was even more surprised by how nice the mic port sounded during my phone call.

Everyday Use

As a Bluetooth DAC, the iFi GO Blu works exactly as expected, in a go.

With iOS devices such as the iPhone or iPad, you’ll be stuck with AAC, but on Android phones or DAP, you can get aptX or LDAC for Hi-Res Bluetooth transmission. With compatible phones/DAP, you even get a battery indicator, in the upper taskbar, as the GO blu won’t give you that info.

The volume knob has a few steps, but personally, I prefer a classic potentiometer with a single course. And, if I was afraid to inadvertently hit the knob during my tests, it only occurred a few times, but that could be an issue if you stick the iFi at the bottom of your pocket.

I thought the volume controller would be clickable, but the button was hidden INSIDE the volume knob, a clever design trick. The volume steps are well-thought-out and unlike my old iFi iDSD, there was no volume imbalance at low volume, finally! 

Power and drive

Surprise, surprise, the iFi GO blu was able to output enough power to drive a sedentary headphone. I tried my Sennheiser HD800S, in 4.4mm Pentaconn and if not deafening, the end result was more than enough to me, even on hard tracks like The tide from Hans Zimmer.

I also paired the DAC with various headphones and IEMs, ranging from my faithful Audeze LCD-X, or the delightful AudioSense DT600, and none really gave the small GO any issue. Of course, it cannot match the classic iFi Zen Amp, but for an amp this small, it’s surprising to see how powerful it gets.

If you really need more power, maybe should you check the xDSD from the same brand, or the FiiO Q5S-TC, bigger but beefier.

Bundle

The iFi’s GO blu bundle is pretty dire, but that was to be expected. 

Inside the box you have :

• 1x iFi GO blu
• 1x USB-C to USB-A cable
• 1x clothes to cover the DAC

And… that’s it. I thought the brand would add a shirt clip or something to hang the iFi’s, but that’s not the case. That said, I prefer to get a nice product in a simple box than the opposite. 

On that good word, let’s check the specs.

The review continues on Page four, after the click HERE or by using the jump below.

Page 1: iFi, iFi Products, GO blu

Page 2: Design & Build Quality

Page 3: UI & Usage

Page 4: Specifications

Page 5: Sound performances