iFi GO pod

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.

Qualcomm’s cVc noise suppression technology

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.

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.

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.