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ifi Audio GO blu
Bluetooth, but better.
With Hi-Fi inspired architecture featuring dedicated Bluetooth, DAC, and Amp stages, the ultra-portable GO blu offers the best of both worlds – wireless freedom, paired with the clarity of wired sound.
Superior sound. Unbound.
Pair your favorite corded headphones with the GO blu portable DAC/amp for superior audio that outclasses any wireless option. Compact and stylish, the GO blu easily connects to your device and fits in your pocket, whether you’re on a run or at a coffee shop.
GO blu. Go beyond.
The GO blu features a lightweight, Bluetooth-friendly polymer body with copper-colored trim and a ChronoDial-style control, blending style and functionality. A built-in CMOS-MEMS microphone enables hands-free calls, gaming chat, and voice assistant access. Its USB-C port adds flexibility, serving as both a charging and audio input, supporting hi-res PCM up to 24-bit/96kHz for non-Bluetooth devices.
HD Bluetooth 5.1
The GO blu redefines Bluetooth audio with Qualcomm's QCC5100 chip, supporting all major high-definition codecs: aptX Adaptive, aptX HD, LDAC, HWA/LHDC,AAC, and SBC. It ensures the highest audio resolution for any source device, setting a new standard for pocket-sized DAC/amps.
The GO blu is Bluetooth v5.1-compliant, ensuring the best possible range, stability and performance, and its ‘Bluetooth engine’ can be updated over the air. ensuring peak performance.
Swiss Chronograph design & implementation
GO blu‘s ChronoDial is a masterpiece of precision engineering and, just like a Chronograph, it gives you precise, analogue volume control. You can use it to play, pause, and skip tracks forward and backwards and even activate the voice assistant on your Bluetooth-connected smart device.
Its premium construction includes anti-corrosion brass components, a stainless steel bearing and main dial with beryllium cobalt copper coating, a high-purity nickel spring, and a CNC-machined aluminium button for durability and elegance.
GO Balanced
The GO blu delivers exceptional audio clarity, whether using balanced or non-balanced headphones. Its 4.4mm balanced output fully utilizes its balanced amp design, while the 3.5mm output features iFi’s S-Balanced circuitry to minimize crosstalk and distortion, ideal for high-sensitivity IEMs.
Both outputs are gold-plated, ensuring long-lasting, high-quality connections.
10 hours battery
Three. Unique. Stages.
The GO blu uniquely integrates separate Bluetooth, DAC, and amp stages, each expertly engineered for cutting-edge performance and exceptional sound quality. Its Bluetooth stage features Qualcomm's advanced QCC5100 chip, while the DAC stage employs a Cirrus Logic 32-bit chip with precision filtering and clocking for ultra-low distortion.The amp stage, with symmetrical twin-mono signal paths and up to 5.6V output, delivers powerful, clean audio, automatically adjusting gain to suit connected headphones or earphones.
X-factor. Inside and out.
The GO blu packs a punch with XBass for enhanced low-end and XSpace for an expansive soundstage, delivering immersive audio in a compact, 26g design.
Enjoy crystal-clear calls with Qualcomm's ANC technology and intuitive watch crown-style control, making it your ultimate, lightweight music companion.
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iFi Audio GO blu — matchbox-sized power and codec-packed versatility
The GO blu packs a surprisingly powerful DAC/amp and full Bluetooth HD codec support into a matchbox-sized package. Reviewers from What Hi‑Fi?, Jay Garrett and Malcolm J. Gomes praise its clear, slightly warm sound, wide soundstage and strong transient dynamics that lift phone playback well above stock outputs. It offers both 3.5mm and a balanced 4.4mm output, a USB‑C audio input and Qualcomm QCC5100 Bluetooth for LDAC/aptX HD/aptX Adaptive. The tactile rotary dial, twin amp stages and robust power let it drive IEMs and many full-size headphones with ease. Ideal for commuters and listeners who want a compact yet feature-rich upgrade, the GO blu delivers exceptional portability, musicality and value at its price point.
Pros
- True ultraportable design — pocketable matchbox footprint and very light weight with well‑executed controls.
- Broad connectivity and modern codec support — Bluetooth 5.1 with LDAC/aptX HD/aptX Adaptive plus USB‑C input and both 3.5mm and 4.4mm outputs.
- Musical, clear sound with punchy dynamics and a roomy soundstage — neutral‑leaning presentation with a touch of warmth and strong transient response.
- Performance and features punch above its price — balanced output, twin‑mono amp design and useful analog XBass/XSpace options make it a high-value ultraportable.
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Cons
- Can sound a touch peaky in the upper treble with some IEMs—some listeners may prefer a milder top end.
- Rubberised plastic casework feels slightly flimsy to some reviewers and its lightness makes it easy to tug off a desk.
- No on‑device indicator for incoming bitrate/bit‑depth when using wired USB input or upscaling, which some reviewers wished to see.
Sound Quality
91/100
Several reviews highlight excellent transient response, punch and PRaT, with leading edges and decay rendered accurately (Positive Feedback, What Hi‑Fi?, StereoNET). Reviewers also note the amp stage’s power allows it to maintain lively dynamics even with more resolving tracks and with a range of headphones.
Noise Floor
88/100
No reviewers report audible hiss; spec DNR/SNR figures and commentary point to a very quiet performance (specs, ecoustics, The Ear). Given the strong SNR and repeated 'ultra-low distortion' claims, the unit is suitable for most IEMs and sensitive cans, though reviewers stop short of 'reference-level silence'.
Headphone Compatibility
90/100
Balanced (4.4mm) and SE outputs, output impedance <1 Ω, and healthy power (245mW @32Ω balanced, 5.6V capability) let it drive a wide range from sensitive IEMs to relatively demanding full-size cans (StereoNET, ecoustics). Reviews explicitly note it drove Noble Savanna IEMs and closed-back over‑ears without strain and describe it as able to handle 'pretty much any' ear-pleasers.
Build Quality
91/100
Multiple reviewers praise the immaculate, thoughtful build for its tiny footprint, solid-feeling rotary control and attractive rubberised/aluminium finish (Positive Feedback, StereoNET, The Ear). The physical controls and fit-and-finish are repeatedly described as high quality for the price and size.
Features Connectivity
92/100
Starts from the 80 baseline and gains points for balanced 4.4mm output (+3), built-in Cirrus Logic DAC (+3), USB-C audio input (+2), broad Bluetooth codec support (aptX/LDAC etc., +2), low output impedance (+1) and dual outputs (+1). That combination of balanced output, wired USB input and comprehensive Bluetooth codecs places it firmly in the well‑featured ultraportable class.
Value for Money
90/100
Review language across outlets frames the GO blu as strong value at US$199 / £199 — described as a 'good value', 'ultraportable winner' and 'must have' for portable listening (Positive Feedback, StereoNET, The Ear). Given the features, power and build relative to price, reviewers consistently endorse its cost-effectiveness.
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