The new iFi Go blu portable DAC is specifically intended for use with smartphones and other mobile sources. The iFi Go blu portable DAC doesn’t take up much room; the thing is about the size of a matchbox and the whole thing weighs only 26 grams. This makes it the smallest DAC of the manufacturer at the moment.
You can use the DAC wirelessly via Bluetooth, or wired via a USB-C connection. In terms of outputs, you can choose from a traditional 3.5mm headphone jack and a 4.4mm balanced Pentaconn output.
Auto-gain
If you opt for a Bluetooth connection with the iFi GO blu portable DAC, this is Bluetooth 5.1 with support for aptX Adaptive, aptX HD, aptX Low Latency and LDAC. Where as always, the source must also support one or more of these codecs, of course.
If you connect the iFi Go blu portable DAC via a USB-C cable, the maximum achievable quality is 24-bit / 96 kHz. The built-in battery is good for about 8 hours of playing time, depending on the average listening volume and the headphones used.
To support as many types of headphones as possible, auto-gain is provided which can adjust the output signal 6 dB up or down. For enthusiasts, there is a switchable XBass option and XSpace, for a wider soundstage.
Finally, iFi has thought of a built-in microphone that allows for hands-free calls. The DAC costs $199 and is now available for immediate delivery.