Are you sick of loose cables of in-ear monitors (IEMs) preventing you? Check out this iFi Go Pod Max neat Bluetooth DAC/headphone amplifier that can liberate your preferred IEMs into high-end wireless earbuds. You can imagine it as adding the Bluetooth superpower to your wired IEMs. So is this wireless wizardry all it is cracked up to be? Let’s explore!
What is the Go Pod Max?
The iFi Go Pod Max is the highest level and most premium of Bluetooth DAC and headphone amplifier iFi offers. Via this pocket-sized super-power, rather than purchasing true wireless earbuds you activate the one you have letting you stream CD-quality, lossless audio right to them.
aptX Lossless, CD Quality Sound
In true nature, the Go Pod Max is aptX Lossless enabled and this allows it to stream full 16-bit/44.1 kHz uncompressed audio, which is same as the CDs, losslessly over Bluetooth. Having bitrates of up to ~1,200 kbps, it is approximately 4 times richer compared to common Bluetooth codecs.
K2HD Technology: music reborn
And yet–there is more magic. Based on the top-of-the-range DACs produced by iFi, K2HD will upsample high frequencies that are compromised when streaming. Just think of what it would be to put color and life back into your music canvas and bring the flat sounds back to rich and emotional performance.
The chipset is a top-tier Qualcomm QCC5181.
These sleek pods come with Qualcomm QCC5181, and there is Bluetooth 5.4 inside. It has the same premium tech that enables aptX Lossless support, so you get great range, stability, and support of other hi-res codecs including LDAC and aptX Adaptive.
Auto Impedance Matching and Flexible Connectors
Concerned that your IEM brand will not fit? Don’t be. It comes with 2 pin and MMCX loops and optional T2, Pentaconn, and A2DC adapters. In addition, the smart auto impedance detection amp output matches your IEM impedance- be it 16 ohm or 300 ohm.
Design, Build & Comfort
Designed out of machined aluminum and textured polymer, the case and pods are high end, more of an accessory than a device. Giant Smart Relaxation weighs approximately 24.5 g per pod sitting comfortably behind your ears-understated and yet fashionable.
Touch controls, microphones and app support
To play/ pause, tap one touch, to change the volume, slide, and to skip tracks, double-tap, and you do not even have to touch your phone. Put in twin mics with echo and noise cancellation as well as app-based EQ, filters, and codec frequency choices – it is an innovative combination of both software and hardware convenience.
Battery life/charging case
You can expect about 7 hours per charge, and between 7 and 35 hours when my go with the UV- sterilization case. In need of wireless topping up? It has the Qi wireless charging, and your earbuds can travel in comfort and cleanliness.
Good sound: bass, mids and treble
General reviews point to firm, kicky bass; open, effortless mids; and light but crisp treble. Even IEMs, as they have dynamic ones tactily preserve clarity and soundstage wirelessly.
Go Pod Max Vs. Go Pod Air & independent Go Pod
Want comparisons? It is lighter, easier, BlueTooth 5.2, fewer codecs, batteries shorter, but it is half the price (~249$). The original Go Pod fills the gap, but it does not provide aptX Lossless and power. The Max has major improvements in case you are an audiophile.
Pros and Cons to know
Pros:
- Cd-quality wireless audio with aptX Lossless
- K2HD contributes sonic dimension and harmonic quantities.
- Strong, high quality construction and UV sterilization
- A rich codec capability and an adaptive impedance
- Long battery capacity, wireless case
Cons:
- High-end price ($599 / 599)
- a bit thicker than true wireless earbuds
- Only via app EQ on-device
To whom is it addressed?
And in case you are wearing a quality high IEM and are in need of wireless and at the same time do not accept losing sound due to lack of wire then the Go Pod Max is your made in heaven match. But, go after something easy to transport, or you have medium-level equipment, the Go Pod Air offers better access at a more affordable price.
Conclusion
The iFi Go Pod Max is a miracle in the history of Bluetooth audio: super-high sound quality, rich sound staging, audiophile sounds, all in wireless. Think of it as wiring up your in-ear monitors and making them wireless with the best of brilliance. Pricey? Yes. Worth it? And surely–provided you do not mind being satisfied with less.
Get yours today! 🎉📦
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