iFi Audio Go Blu - A Bluetooth DAC/AMP that sounds good!? Honest Audiophile Impressions
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- čas přidán 7. 09. 2024
- A BIG thank you to iFi Audio for providing the Go Blu for review, greatly appreciated.
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Leslie Odom Jr. “Under Pressure” - male vocal tone
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Michael Buble “When I Fall in Love” - orchestral dynamics
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Christian Scott “New New Orleans” - shouty upper mids
Tool “Chocolate Chip Trip” - imaging
Hans Zimmer “Why So Serious” - sub bass extension
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Dave Holland Quartet “Conference Of The Birds”- bass check
Ilhan Eshkeri “47 Ronin”- orchestra and bass dynamics
Hans Zimmer: “2049” - sub bass extension
Cher: “Believe” - sibilance
Stanley Clarke - “Passenger 57 main title” - percussion, bass, separation and placement
Slovak Radio Symphony Orchestra - “The Pine of the Appian Way” - soundstage, imaging and separation
Houston Person - “You are my Sunshine” - tone and timbre
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Thank you for mentioning the bluetooth signal strength other channels fail to do so and it's really annoying
My pleasure, you're welcome 👍
The GoBlue has a very warm signature, very lively/fun sounding, boomier with the bass boost, but I’ll likely be returning it in favor of the Qudelix which I had compared it with side by side. The dual sabre dac implementation on the Qudelix was very refined, neutral, more detailed and incisive sounding, and I found that preferable ultimately. It is obviously the better value at half the price, but I was willing to keep the iFi at double price if it had won me over on sound. It might have been a nice alternative sound signature to have in my dap collection but another reason Im returning it was because it couldn't be used wired with my iPhone (this device draws too much power). So for me, it wasn't worth keeping when I had the Qudelix. But don't let my experience dissuade from trying it out yourself as the device is really well made and it does have a fun sound.
Understandable. Thanks for the impressions.
Everything draws too much power for iphones except apple made stuff, because apple hates you ;)
I just sold my FiiO M11 Plus ESS. I am not Dual Saber type and never buy it anymore so Qudelix 5K is not my choice.
This iFi DAC is sound like the PC source (ie . Sound Blaster / Realtek) which is my type. Lovely DAC for me.
AKM / ESS chip are not sounds like PC for both. If you love to listen music from your PC/NB before, choose iFi.
Hey, Dave! Feels great to be one year wiser, doesn’t it? Best wishes on your Bday!
Thanks ❤️
Looks really neat! Thanks for reviewing 😊
My pleasure! Thanks for watching! 💓
Great review as always!
I’m sold!
Just ordered one !
🍻
Awesomeness 😎 Glad you enjoy the review. Look forward to hearing your impressions.
@@TheHonestAudiophile FIST IMPRESSIONS..TIS A SMOL BEAST!
My IEM’s are bigger than this 😳
Charging up ..
Later 🍻
Very true 😂
@@TheHonestAudiophile WOW!
A little tricky to figure out how you’d like to configure the sound ..but A DEFINITE YES!
Not as fancy as other devices..but a great performer.
An awesome piece of kit ..just remember where you left it 🤣
Absolutely
I have the ifi xDSD which I believe accomplishes the same thing as the Go Blu only the latter is a smaller footprint. And why didn't they add a clip of some sort like you said? BIG mistake, IMO. Excellent review, as always.
iFi is the king of great sounding affordable dacs!
100% agree
this is almost double the price of competitors...
@@ulamss5 what are the competitors with the new Qualcomm codec ?
Been using it for a week now, I was getting fatigue after a couple hours of music listening on my Katos straight from my phone.This amp/dac really toned down the sharpness but didn't take away the sparkliness out of the treble and symbol hits. Glad I got the go blu and that knob is great. Bluetooth is disappointing but it's fine. Used XSpace more than XBass on the Katos. I didn't find wanting for more bass.
Glad you enjoy the GoBlu and found a pleasant pairing for your Kato. Thanks for the impressions.
@@TheHonestAudiophile Your reviews are always a great reference, thank you for all the content.😁
@@deparoo My pleasure, you're welcome.
Fatigue. Digital chronic noise, digititis 😅😊
Got me one of these go blu and I think it is amazing. They managed to get the.ifI house sound without using any Burr Brown chips in the Go Blu…. a brilliant design…,Epic ..!!
Glad you enjoy the Go Blu. Thanks for the impressions.
useful review, thank you
My pleasure, you're welcome.
Update..latest firmware installed and BT range is excellent. 25 ft or 8m through walls np.
Cool. Glad those issues have been addressed. Thanks for the information.
@@TheHonestAudiophile you are welcome
sorry if you covered this in the video already but i would like to ask what you think of the go blu vs the btr5, i'm planning to get a bluetooth dac/amp and i would like to know your personal thoughts on it and what you think is better. have a great day dave i just found your channel and i love the work you do here.
Sorry haven't heard the BTR5.
@@TheHonestAudiophile this is so sad, thanks anyways! Continue making great content like this
i got ifi go blue and compared to a A@K SP1000... its really close or at least u get a nice overall impression which for me is enough but my only complain is that it has very bad blutooth connection. I carry ifi in my front pocket and my phone in back pocket and connection always interrupts.
Awesomeness. Thanks for the impressions.
Super interesting little bluetooth dac/amp. I've never seen one of those little ones with a volume knob. I'm currently using a FiiO BTR5 in my Bluetooth iem setup, but I would love to try the Go Blu someday.
Very recently, Tripowin released their first ever headphones, the H1. I'm super interested in it because it looks really comfortable with it's amazing looking pads, while also being open back and under 200 bucks. I'm currently using the Anandas, but I would love a really comfortable set to use for gaming. Do you think that you'll get a chance to do a first impressions on it (the Tripowin H1)?
If the Tripowin H1 is sent in for review, I'll give it a listen and review.
Ive found one of these on sale for 80 bucks. I have little interest in using it for bluetooth. I currently am using a moondrop dawn pro, which seems great for $50. Would this be a meaningful upgrade from the moondrop dawn pro?
I've not heard the Go Blu since I reviewed it. I haven't heard the Dawn Pro just the Dawn 4.4. Sorry.
Seems like if peaple want wired sound quality yet if you want better then get a full USB connected dac but for average listening and being able to listen to CD quality at a decent volume is probably the better idea for these turn a pair of Sony xm5 into better sounding hi res CD quality is enough for me and no distortion aswel is a plus might get a iPhone now and go and get one of these sounds like a great idea if you want better quality than bluetooth even tho it still is bluetooth in a different dac amp sort of way these are just great for average sound if you looking at better than bluetooth buy this if you want pure audiophile sound just play music at home I just want a stereo sound that is CD quality at best and being able to drive the volume to a level that is comfortable and distortion free
Thanks for the thoughts
It would be nice if the methods of connectivity were identified and explained with pros & cons.
There is a general lack of info on a simple user level in the manual and I guess I am the only idiot in the world not familiar enough with this type of gear to use it. My iPhone is an older (6S+) model thst has a headphone jack, but no USB-C.
I have a pair of Sony WH10005 phones to hook up in order to complete my rig. So what is the best connection for me?
Is a wired input higher fidelity vs BT? It seems that BT is optional for input - but output must be wired? Yeah - sorry folks. I guess I am on the audiophile short bus.
Sorry I don't have any experience with Apple phones. I am an Android and PC user.
If a phone or PC has a USB C output then dongles are very much plug n play.
Sorry for the lack of information. I understand the frustration.
As far as wired vs BT, yes in most cases wired is always capable of higher fidelity.
I bought etymotic Er2xr based on your video and I love it.. Now I'm looking for a dac amp to power them from my iPhone 13.. Ifi go blue or qudelix 5k or anything else like questyle m15? Please recommend.. Looking for a clean uncolored sound.. Thank you
Glad you enjoy the ER2XR. I wasn't a huge fan of the Quedelix 5k, haven't heard the M15. The Go Blue is a bit warm sounding. The Hiby FC3, Hidizs XO, AudioEngine DAC3 are all solid options, the FC3 the most clear, uncolored of those 3.
thank you for your reply.. I would definitely take your word when it comes to sound quality.. May I ask why you didn't like the 5k? Is it got to do with it's sound quality? Any other dacs would you recommend that compliments the sound of Er2xr? Doesn't matter even if it colors.. Thank you very much.
The Quedelix 5k sounds cold, brittle and overly analytical to me. The EQ settings were a nice addition. The user interface was a bit clunky. As for other DAC are you looking for a portable option or a desktop option?
@@TheHonestAudiophileoh I get it.. I'm looking for a portable option.. Within $200 preferably
Hidizs DH80s is a small but powerful amplifier that I enjoy for portable.
Please keep in mind I don't have a lot of experience with portable DAC/Amps as I use a DAP for portable listening. I also use dongles often mostly for review purposes. Most of my listening is done at a desk with my desktop DAC and amps.
Hi, what desktop speakers do you use? Can you indicate model? Thanks.
I use the Monoprice MM5R and I also have a pair of Sony SSCS5 that I use when I have a speaker amp in for review. The Monoprice MM5r are my daily speaker as they are powered and don't require a speaker amp.
www.monoprice.com/product?p_id=38620
Thank you!
I just bought the Hifiman He-x4 and i really needed to know if the go blu could power it. But something is not clear.
Did you try the Sundara with the balanced connection or the 3.5?
I tried the GoBlu with both outputs with the Sundara.
How do you think the sound compares with the zen dac? Does it have the same noise floor?
Hello :), I would have one question, does the ifi go blu work on its internal battery when plugged via usb to the phone? I mean does it work like shanling UA5 that works on its internal battery first and when the battery is dead than it is only usb powerd dac? Thanks Dave
Honestly, I do not know the answer to how that all works. Sorry.
Hi, can I use it with my nuratrue?? Thanks
GoBlu is for wired gear only not gear that is wireless to begin with.
When you use it with your phone does the volume knob wakes up the screen display on the phone? And also does manufacturer say how many cycles battery will last for? Thanks.
I use a OnePlus 9 Pro and the GoBlu doesn't wake up my screen when the volume knob is turned. I don't know about the battery cycle life, sorry. That would be a good question to ask iFi directly.
I have ifi go blu and I like it so much via usb…but no way to connect via lightning camera connection kit (iPhone/iPad) without power bank…because needs to much power…so only via Bluetooth in mobility for 200 euro(?!)…🤬…or ifi hip dac 2 less expensive very good but to much “clinical” that works via lightning c.c.k. perfectly!
Thanks for the information.
Can it drive DT1990pro well enough?
I honestly don't recall if I tried the DT990 pro with the Go Blu. If I mentioned in the video then I did. Been a long time since I did the review and I don't have DT990 Pro in house to test
@@TheHonestAudiophile ok.. thanks for the reply
My pleasure, you're welcome
How does it compare to Qudelix 5k in term of power and sound?
I've only heard the Q5 for a brief few days and didn't find that it warranted a review. . Honestly I wasn't impressed but most BT DAC/Amp don't impress me. The Q5k was too much about the features and not the sound. It sounds good I'd you're willing to EQ which I'd prefer not to use.
if youre used to listen to 2 systems, portable and desktop, youll immediately notice how good it is/theyre
it mixes those 2, highends
I need your help actually. Mine was nice while it lasted. Returned it today. Either mine was faulty, or they're all garbage. Terrible Bluetooth. Does yours crackle on Bluetooth every minute or so? I couldn't stand it. That's what mine did, and we're talking 3 to 4 feet distance. Not disconnecting, just a pop sound every minute. I liked everything else about it. If you could let me know it would inform me whether it's worth having it replaced, or money back with a 13% restocking fee. Thanks
I mentioned that it didn't stay connected the best. I didn't have any crackle or distortion though. Sorry you have had issues. I am sure iFi will make it right. Sorry for your frustrations.
@@TheHonestAudiophile so by "not connected" I assume you were using it slightly long range. Have you really relaxed with it and let it play? I was so happy with it until I kept noticing the skipping. I assume you gave it a long relaxing listen, but maybe not?
@@acroyear23 I don't just listen to one song and then review a device. Yes, I did lengthy listening sessions. I used the Go Blu on many an occasion for 4 plus hours at a time. One was for near 8 hours. I never heard clicks or distortion, if I had, it would've been mentioned in the review.
I suggest you reach out to iFi Audio and let me resolve the issue for you
@@TheHonestAudiophile of course, of course. Thank you. I know you're thorough I felt silly asking. I may give another unit a try. I does have great amplification and sound.
I have read one comment on another review of this devise where they said if you are using it with headsets as opposed to headphones you get the crackling that you seem to be hearing. Are you using headsets with the iFi?
Does It sound anything like the hip dac?(which I own)..
Honestly, I don't recall the sound of the Hip DAC;has been forever since I reviewed it and it didn't work well with my Samsung phone when I had it in for review. Sorry.
@@TheHonestAudiophile It's ok, yes now I remember we had a conversation about connecting It to Samsung phone, luckily I have Realme and no connection problems. And I like the sound, paired with xduoo xd 05 plus as amp(for more power), I'm double amping but there's nothing wrong with It, I like the sound result..
Awesomeness 😎
Does it sound better than btr7?
Sorry haven't heard the BTR7.
@TheHonestAudiophile btr7 is transparent like water and spacious after burn in. Its special with high resolving headphones. Nothing gets in the way
Can it power the HD6xx?
I don't have a 6xx but I do have a 600 and it is not the best for the 600. Yes it will power them with the 4.4mm but not optimal.
@@TheHonestAudiophilei, I’m using the go blu’s se output into the HD650’s and wondering if ifs worth getting a balanced cable., I don’t need more volume, but compared to my Zen DAC air with ipower, things get a little forward and fatiguing with the go blu. Can balanced help with something like that (new to headphones here 😆) or worth returning and getting a different Bluetooth amp instead? Cheers 😊
@thepickyaudiophile Using a balanced cable may help the sonics a little bit because of a little more power. But the best sonic performance will be obtained with a desktop setup.
@@TheHonestAudiophile Thanks! Trying to get over the investment to get a nice 4.4 cable, that I will then only be able to use with the go blu..😅
@thepickyaudiophile A lot of newer desktop amp have 4.4 balanced output.
I can't get past the door knob size wheel on a tiny device. Yeah it's an iFi statement but nah.
Door knob LOL the entire device is the size of my thumb.
Hi Dave, what do you recommend as a good DAC for around $500? My collection of headphones are mainly dynamic headphones like Sennheisers, Beyerdynamics, AKGs, and the good old Grado, and a few planars like Sundara, Audeze LCD-2, Monolith m1070, and Dan Clark Aeon flow...most given to me by my Dad whose moved on to other hobbies and doesn't have the kind of time to jam out with these headphones. Looking to get a DAC that is more a "swiss army knife" DAC to get good sound for these headphones. Your recommendation would be greatly valued and appreciated. Thanks!
Amazing collection, a kind, loving father for gifting those to you. Awesomeness ❤️
I don't have the largest knowledge of DAC in that price range but here are a few suggestions. Some may be over budget but may be found in the used market.
Grace Design SDAC-B
Geshelli Labs J2
Schiit Audio BiFrost 2
iFi Audio iDSD Neo
iFi Audio iDSD Signature
If you can find some extra funds, I highly recommend the Mytek Liberty DAC.
Happy Hunting. Enjoy the Music!
Look forward to hearing your impressions of whatever you purchase.
@@TheHonestAudiophile Thank you Dave! Appreciate the kind words. You're amazing! This is a very helpful list of DACs for me to do further research on. I heard alot about the Mytek Liberty, so it's definitely going to be a DAC that I'll be eagerly looking to test and possibly purchase, if I can save up enough money. This hobby isn't cheap :-)
By the way, in terms of a "sound path" meaning the components that affect sound the most, is it right to say that the headphones are the top component which determines the overall sound the most, then the Amp, and finally the DAC? In other words, the DAC is the least sound altering component in the signal chain?
Will definitely keep you updated on my experiments :-) Thanks again Dave!
All 3 are important to be honest and they can alter sonics. If you start with a neutral, natural DAC like the Mytek Liberty for example. Then different amps can impact the sound whether or not they are warm or cold. But you need revealing headphones to determine all of that. With a revealing headphone and amp you can hear differences in DAC. So in one way it is the least of the 3 but it is also one of the most important. So yeah all 3 are important.
My pleasure, you're welcome for the suggestions.
@@TheHonestAudiophile Great explanation! Really puts things into perspective. I was little confused as to the relationship of how each component works in conjunction with other elements in the chain. Fascinating stuff really. I like what said about needing high-end revealing headphones and amp to be able to hear the differences in the DACs. I think that's a really good point, and something people struggle with because the gear they have are mostly within a specific grade/price range. I'm a whiskey drinker so I can liken this analogy to saying most people who drink the average Johnny Walkers, Jamesons and Dewars will not notice much difference in cast flavor drinking another blended scotch, that is until they try a single malt Lagavulin and it's like a depth charger going off in their mouth! So yes, I get what you're saying.
How long can it play before battery is depleted?
I get anywhere between 6-8 hours each charge.
Is it enough power on balanced output for being good with 7Hz Timeless?
I enjoy the Timeless on the GoBlu on the SE output, no need for balanced.
Ordered Timeless in 4.4 mm (still in transit) and I am wondering if I should go for GoBlu or Hip Dac 2.
I haven't heard Hip DAC V2, Sorry
Bluetooth really sucks. Audio quality is quite good. I dont recommend to buy this item. Not worth for money. Before you buy just see some reviews first. Again for me i dont recommend to buy ifi go blu.