iFi’s New GO Pod Max Is Made For IEM Users Who Refuse To Compromise
The new iFi GO pod Max uses lossless Bluetooth and K2HD Technology and pairs it with built-in UV … More
Bluetooth audio has had a poor reputation with audiophiles due to the aggressive data compression used to squeeze music signals into the narrow bandwidth of Bluetooth wireless technology. British brand iFi Audio has taken up the challenge to make a product that can turn a high-end pair of wired In-Ear Monitors into wireless earbuds that can push the boundaries of what’s possible without wires.
IEMs are beloved by audiophiles who love wringing every bit of sound detail from a musical recording. It’s exhilarating chasing the perfection of recorded sound and the quality recordings played on the best equipment can raise hairs on the back of your neck.
Until now, going wireless meant choosing between convenience and sound quality. While high-end IEMs provide the very best sound quality, they are limited by the tether of their cable and need an external DAC to decode the hi-res music source. iFi now wants to shatter that compromise with the launch of the GO pod Max.
The iFi GO pod Max has left and right pods which plug into the user’s IEMs. Each pod has touch … More
New Flagship Model
iFi has built on its award-winning GO pod model with the launch of its new iFi GO pod Max. This is the brand’s flagship IME DAC that can turn a pair of wired IEMs into the ultimate wireless earphones, setting new standards for wireless audio listening, enabling audiophiles to use their favorite IEMs without the wires.
Encased in housing that are precision-machined from aluminum, the iFi GO pod Max harness lossless Bluetooth and K2HD Technology and pairs them with a built-in UV sterilization technology to keep everything clean and hygienic.
Each GO pod Max contains Qualcomm’s ultimate QCC5181 Bluetooth chipset that can receive CD-quality audio without cables and with zero data loss when using the aptX Lossless codec. For the listener, this means there’s no longer a sonic trade-off when going wireless.
When not in use, the iFi GO pod Max go back in their charging case which can be topped up using Qi … More
Four Times The Bandwidth
With a maximum bitrate of up to 1,200kbps, Qualcomm’s aptX Lossless codec offers up to four times the bandwidth of a conventional Bluetooth codec. The result is greater detail, clarity and realism. And for devices that don’t support aptX Lossless, the GO pod Max lets listeners choose from a wide range of other high-resolution codecs, including LDAC and aptX Adaptive.
While CD-quality audio is often regarded as the benchmark standard for digital audio, many original studio recordings are often captured at far higher resolutions. When these recordings are compressed for CD-quality, the resolution can be reduced by up to 256 times. Frequencies above 22kHz are lost, frequencies that contain harmonics essential to the overall listening experience. The result can flat-sounding music that’s devoid of emotion.
To bring back the magic of hi-res audio, iFi has partnered with JVCKENWOOD to integrate K2HD Technology into its GO pod Max. Using new parameters that JVCKENWOOD has reconfigured specially for iFi, the K2HD experience is tailored to the capabilities of each device using this innovative technology. The result for the GO pod Max is a restored digital throughput of 96kHz (when enabled) reclaiming the nuance once lost.
The iFi GO pod Max comes with fittings for two-pin and MMXC connectors but there are optional … More
K2HD works by interpolating the lost data from the original recording, gently restoring the natural-sounding harmonics and weaving back depth, warmth and soul of the original performance. iFi says that, for the listener, the result is a more authentic listening experience than the standard CD-quality.
Built For Audio Quality
Wireless audio quality isn’t just defined by Bluetooth alone. It’s also dependent on the caliber of components used. To address this issue, iFi has separated the device’s critical stages and used best-in-class components.
The Bluetooth reception of Go pod Max is managed exclusively by a Qualcomm QCC5181 chipset. From there, audio details passed to a Cirrus Logic MasterHIFI DAC. iFi chose this DAC for its dynamic performance and low power consumption. Finally, the signal is delivered to a fully balanced amplification stage, supported by a dedicated clock system for perfect timing and synergy across the entire audio chain.
iFi says that, when it comes to compatibility, the GO pod Max has two key features that make it one of the most universally compatible wearable DACs available. The first is its interchangeable ear loops, now redesigned for improved softness and comfort.
Both standard 2-pin and MMCX connectors are included, enabling the GO pod Max to be used with most IEMs on the market. However, there are also options available, for T2, Pentaconn Ear and A2DC ear loops used on some more specialized IEMs.
The charging case for the iFi GO pod Mac hold a charge for up to 35 hours of listing time.
The second feature is Auto Impedance Matching. The GO pod Max’s internal circuitry automatically detects the impedance of the connected IEMs and then adjusts accordingly. Four impedance levels are supported: 16Ω, 32Ω, 64Ω, and even 300Ω. This ensures optimal performance for a wide range of IEMs, including the highest-impedance models on the market.
Made For Multitasking
The GO pod Max retains the same productivity-enhancing features that made the original so popular. There are intuitive touch controls on each pod so listeners can manage their music, take phone calls, adjust volume or activate voice assistants such as Siri or Gemini with one tap.
When business calls, the dual microphones built into the Go pod Max combine with Qualcomm’s cVc echo cancellation and noise suppression feature to ensure voices get heard and are as clear as possible, even in noisy surroundings. The addition of IPX5 water resistance makes the GO pod Max resistant to sudden downpours or the most strenuous of gym sessions.
The GO pod Max can play for up to 7 hours of uninterrupted playback on a single charge. When it’s time to recharge, the included case can extend the total playtime to 35 hours. With support for both Qi wireless and USB-C charging, the GO pod Max case can be easily topped up.
Pricing and Availability:
The iFi GO pod Max is available from today at ifi-audio.com and is priced at $599 / £599 / €599.
Tech Specs:
- Pod chassis and case: Aluminum and textured polymer
- Bluetooth: Version 5.4
- Bluetooth codecs: aptX Lossless, LDAC, LHDC/HWA, aptX Adaptive, aptX
- HD, aptX, AAC, SBC.
- Bluetooth chipset: QCC5181.
- Connection types: MMCX, 2-Pin (Included); A2DC, T2, Pentaconn (Optional).
- Sound processing: K2HD Technology.
- Waterproof rating: IPX5.
- Auto-impedance detection: 16/32/64/300Ω.
- Output power: ≥120mW/1.96V @ 32Ω.
- DNR: ≥129dB(A) @ 32Ω, 20-20kHz.
- SNR: ≥132dB(A) @ 300Ω, 20-20kHz.
- Battery life: 7 hours; 35 hours including case.
- Charging: USB-C; 5V/1A or 5V/2A with Qi-certified charger.
- Charging time: < 1.5 hours (pods); < 2 hours (case).
- Dimensions 47.5 x 16.1 x 9.5mm (pods) / 116 x 76 x 47.8mm (case)
- Net weight: 24.5g (pods) / 185g (case).