iFi GO blu - GO Anywhere!

4⭐️

+ Warm and muscial sound signature

+ Pairs well with brighter tunings

+ XBass and XSpace

+ Bluetooth and wired connectivity 

+ Great build quality and battery life

+ Very compact but with plenty of power

- A little light on features (no app, EQ, gain setting, or filter options)

- Resolution and detail could be improved

- Going on 4 years old and starting to show it's age

- Accessories could be better 

- Price could be more competitive, especially in today's market

thaslaya's star rating system:

☆☆☆☆☆ - Fantastic!

☆☆☆☆ - Recommended

☆☆☆ - There are buyers but not for me

☆☆ - Can't see the appeal

☆ - Product is a failure

Disclaimer: 

This product was provided to me by iFi Audio in exchange for my impartial and honest review. I recieve no compensation, and all thoughts and opinions are my own. A special thanks to Karina at iFi for coordinating this unit for review!

Non-affiliate link for those interested:

https://ifi-audio.com/products/go-blu/?srsltid=AfmBOoqgHohqq0g2nWwtQl98L-sBx-Td7ecVyNOpT4FojCR-Hc2iRNUo

Gear used: 

● Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra

● HiBy R3 II

● Various IEMs

Source:

● Listening was done using Amazon Music HD/Ultra HD and local FLAC files. 

Introduction:

I have been a huge fan of iFi since I first tried the original hip-dac a couple of years ago. Since then, I've had the pleasure of reviewing many products from their portable lineup. The iFi GO blu is a very compact and portable Bluetooth DAC/amp. It debuted back in 2021, which might as well be an eternity considering how quickly the portable scene has progressed over the last few years. I actually owned one in the past but ultimately sold it to raise funds for more IEMs (we've all been there). I am very happy to get a chance to revisit it and give it a proper review. The GO blu has a price tag of $199 and can be purchased through iFi's site or from retailers worldwide. Let's break down this little device and see how it compares to some of the newer products on the market today.

Unboxing and build quality:

The GO blu's packaging and unboxing experience is consistent with other iFi products I've tried—simple and straightforward. I know I owned one of these in the past, but I forgot just how small it is! The metal on the front, featuring the iFi logo, has a brushed aluminum look, and the black body is soft and smooth to the touch. It has an overall sleek and classy aesthetic, and the build quality is fantastic, with a near-perfect weight balance. There are both 3.5mm and 4.4mm outputs located on the top of the unit, and a USB-C port for charging/source connection on the bottom. There's also a built-in microphone near the USB-C port. The volume knob is a located towards the top, and there is also a button inside the dial. There are two additional buttons as well, one on each side, whose functions I will touch on later. The other accessories include a small protective carrying bag and a USB-C to USB-A cable. Unfortunately, there is no USB-C to USB-C cable included for easy wired connection to a phone or DAP. For me, this is an oversight and a bit of a letdown. A clip case can be purchased separately, but I would really like to see it included for free at this price point.

Technical specifications and features:

●Battery: Lithium-polymer 450mAh approx. ~8 hours (depending upon volume and headphones)

●Dimensions: 54 x 34 x 13 mm, 2.1' x 1.3' x 0.5'

●Net Weight: 27g (0.95 oz)

●Chipset: Qualcomm QCC5100

●DNR: Balanced/SE - >120dB(A)

●Frequency Response: 20Hz - 45kHz (-3dB)

●Headphone Output: Balanced - 4.4mm, SE - 3.5mm

●Input: Wireless - Bluetooth 5.1 ( AAC, SBC, aptX, aptX HD, aptX Adaptive, aptX LL, LDAC, LHDC/HWA Codec), Wired: USB-C (24/96)

●Output Impedance: Balanced: <1Ω, SE: <1Ω

●Power System: Charging via USB-C, BC V1.2 compliant up to 1000mA charging current and 6.3 volts

●RMS Output Power: Balanced: 245mW @ 32Ω; 5.6v @ 600Ω. SE: 165mW @ 32Ω; 2.8v @ 600Ω

●SNR: Balanced: 111dB(A) @ 0dBFS, SE: 106.5dB(A) @ 0dBFS

●THD+N: Balanced - <0.009% @ (6.5mW/2.0v@600Ω), SE - <0.03% @ (100mW/1.27v@16Ω)

Operating the GO blu is fairly easy and straightforward. The knob is obviously used for volume control, and it feels good to use and works well. The button inside the knob's face has various functions: play/pause (a short click), skip forward (two short clicks), skip backward (three short clicks), and voice assistant (a long press). The volume control is tethered to the source when paired via Bluetooth, but works independently of the source when using a wired connection. The GO blu comes equipped with iFi's XBass and XSpace, which can be toggled using the button under the knob. There is a light on the top of the device that indicates which option is in use (yellow for XBass, cyan for XSpace, and white for both). I really enjoy having these features and the option of customizing the sound. The button on the side opposite the knob functions to power the device on/off and for Bluetooth pairing. As for wireless performance, it pairs quickly and easily when turned on. There is a little input lag, which is not unusual, but the connection is very stable, and I did not start to lose signal until about 25 yards from the source. I would like to see more features, such as digital filter options, adjustable gain, EQ, or a companion app for further customization. Technically, the GO blu is compatible with the GAIA Client app, but it is used mainly for software updates and codec configuration.

Power consumption and battery life:

With my devices in airplane mode, I let my library play at a medium-high volume with high gain enabled, while limiting unnecessary screen interaction. Here are the battery drain results after one hour:

~5% on HiBy R3 II through 4.4 and ~4% through 3.5. 

~4% on Galaxy S25 Ultra through 4.4 and ~3% through 3.5.

For such a small device, the battery life is great, and it doesn't drain much power from the source in wired mode. Of course, the rate of battery drain also depends on the volume level and enabled options, but I consistently reached 8+ hours of use time. Keep in mind that I typically listen at a somewhat higher volume, mainly through the 4.4mm output; so, for me, the battery life is impressive. The device can be charged from either the connected source or a wall outlet. When charging while in use, the battery replenishes to only 80%, but it charges to the full 100% when powered off. There is also a light on the bottom near the USB-C connection that indicates battery life (red <10%, yellow >10%, green >60%).

Comparisons: 

● Muse Hifi M5 Ultra ($300) - Here are two products I consider warmer-sounding, but still quite different. Both have Bluetooth capabilities, can be used wirelessly or wired to a source, and offer 3.5mm and 4.4mm connections. The M5U has a much larger form factor than the Blu, but it also has a more premium design and build quality. The blu offers iFi's renowned XBass and XSpace functions, which are always fun to use. The M5U unfortunately lacks a bass boost option, but it has both tube and transistor modes, three gain levels, and seven digital filters. For this comparison, I used the M5U in tube mode. Sound-wise, the M5U presents a smoother, more relaxed sound compared to the blu, which has a slightly more dynamic presentation. The bass is punchier on the blu, but the M5U has added fullness, better extension, and more of a subwoofer-like rumble. The bass texture is cleaner on the blu, and bass notes are more staccato and well-behaved; however, the M5U has a slightly slower, more natural decay to my ear. Vocals are more forward and have a sweetness and emotive quality on the M5U, thanks to the tubes. They still sound great on the blu, but not as colored, and the blu's wider and deeper soundstage adds a lot to the presentation of the entire midrange. The tube mode on the M5U also adds a general warmth and musicality while still managing to preserve the detail. The blue does tend to smooth out any troublesome treble peaks, but along with that, it loses some of the sparkle, detail, and air. This can be great for brighter tunings, but it's not always warranted with every IEM. The sound quality when utilizing the Bluetooth connection is a little better on the M5U, but the battery life is better on the blu. For me, the M5U is geared towards an easy listening experience that does well to preserve detail. The blu has a nice warmth as well, but also a more dynamic and punchy flavor, and the expansive soundstage adds a lot of fun. Honestly, both are really great devices, but they do synergize best with different styles of tunings. The M5U helps add warmth, a little extra bass rumble, and a more emotive vocal presentation while preserving detail. The blu takes the dynamics, soundstage, and bass punch to the next level, but in the process, vocals are slightly recessed and the treble loses a little sparkle. I definitely believe both have a lot to offer and can coexist in a collection without being redundant.

● Snowsky Retro Nano ($60) - The build quality of these two small devices differs significantly. The Nano is mostly plastic and feels somewhat cheap, while the Blu has a more premium feel. The Nano is lighter, however, and has a replaceable battery. Both are Bluetooth-enabled devices, usable wirelessly or wired directly to a source, and have 3.5mm and 4.4mm outputs; however, their similarities end there. The blu offers XBass and XSpace, while the Nano has built-in EQ and FiiO app support for more customization options. The Nano also has a screen displaying battery and volume levels, EQ, and bitrate, as well as several aesthetic options. The blu lacks a screen but has a volume knob, which I appreciate. When it comes to the sound, the Nano has a more energetic and in-your-face presentation, while the blu is smoother and more mature sounding, with a certain depth and lushness. In the bass, the Nano has good rumble and a little more punch but worse texture and a quicker decay. The blu's bass has more weight and depth, and a greater sense of fullness. In the midrange, the Nano presents a bit more forward but also comes across a little flat. The blu exhibits a smoother and more emotive midrange, if not just a little recessed in comparison. In the treble, both can help smooth out troublesome peaks, but the Nano isn't the best at preserving detail when doing so. It can also still be a little incisive and thin, depending on the transducer's tuning. The blu definitely has a darker tilt, but it's also a much better pairing with overly bright tunings. As for technical performance, the Blu has better dynamics, timbre, and staging, while the Nano is a bit more detailed. In the end, this comes down to versatility, sound signature, and build quality. The Nano is a bit more energetic, with more customization options and a more affordable price; however, the Bluetooth performance, technicalities, and build quality leave something to be desired. What the Blu lacks in customization, it more than makes up for in Bluetooth performance, battery life, build quality, and a smoother, more musical, and, in my opinion, generally better sound signature. The cost difference, though, might be the biggest factor here, and while I really enjoy both, the Nano simply has a better price-to-performance ratio and an easier-to-swallow cost. Since these two sound quite different and have different features, keeping both would not be redundant.

● iFi GO link Max ($80) - These are both iFi products but with much different form factors and use cases. The Max is smaller, and the aluminum body feels very solid; however, the non-removable cable can be quite limiting. The blu is also small but has good build quality, a nice compact design, and is marketed as a Bluetooth device first and foremost, although it can still be used directly wired to the source via a USB-C cable. Both devices include 3.5mm and 4.4mm connections, but the Max lacks any extra features—in fact, it lacks buttons of any kind, and what you see is what you get. The blu includes iFi's staple XBass and XSpace options, as well as a volume wheel. When it comes to the sound signature, these two are not all that dissimilar, but they do have their differences. The Max has more of a V-shaped sound signature that enhances both the bass extension and texture, as well as the treble energy and air. For me, it is not a great match for already bright-leaning transducers, as it can push the treble a bit too far, but it does pair very well with neutral or warmer tunings that need a little extra kick. The blu also affects the bass, but instead of extension and texture, it adds fullness, impact, and warmth. It also affects the upper frequencies inversely to the Max; it brings general smoothness to the treble and helps lessen any bothersome peaks. The midrange also differs slightly between the two. The blu presents a smoother and more forward vocal presentation, while the Max is a bit more recessed. To my ear, the Max is geared more toward enhancing detail, separation, and soundstage, while the blu offers a sweeter timbre, thicker note weight, and a more musical experience without sacrificing resolution. The Max would be my recommendation for those looking to bring life and energy to a duller-sounding tuning. Its simple, compact, and user-friendly form factor is also easier for on-the-go use, and it never needs charging. However, the blu is the more versatile option, with the inclusion of Bluetooth and XBass/XSpace. It also has an inherent smoothness and musicality that I find very appealing. Having both in one's collection makes sense, but for me, the blu is the standout option.

● FiiO RR11 ($50) - This is another comparison of what I consider to be two warmer-sounding sources. The blu is actually the first device I thought of when I first tried the RR11. It's partly due to their somewhat similar sound signatures, but mostly because the RR11's bass boost effect reminds me of iFi's XBass/XSpace. These two are quite different, though, in size and features. The blu has a smaller form factor, a slightly nicer build quality, and a better weight balance. It also has Bluetooth capabilities and a 4.4mm output. The RR11 is larger but still feels solidly built. Both units offer a bass boost effect, which is really nice. XBass and XSpace have been staples of iFi products for years, and they are something I love about their devices. The RR11's Magic Bass has two settings, and I feel they function very similarly to iFi's. The first setting is merely a boost to the lower frequencies, akin to XBass. The second setting, though, adds a bit of an atmospheric boost along with the added bass, similar to when both XBass and XSpace are enabled on the blu. It's important to note, though, that the effects of FiiO's Magic Bass are more subtle, but sometimes a smaller dose is just what the doctor ordered. When it comes to the overall sound signature, these two actually do sound pretty similar, but of course, there are always caveats. As stated before, both offer a warmer-tilted sound signature, but the blu has better bass texture and resolution, a cleaner midrange with better vocal and instrument timbre, and a slightly more sparkly treble. To the surprise of probably no one, the blu also has the better technical performance. Most notable are the detail retrieval, separation and layering, extension at both ends, and the dynamics. The RR11, though, does have a comparable soundstage, but that is the only area of the technicalities that is close. Overall, the RR11 and blu share enough similarities that owning both may be redundant. The blu's power, smaller form factor, technical performance, and Bluetooth capabilities easily win out for me. The only argument for keeping both is the RR11's radio function, but I think that's a very weak argument to make. 

Sound impressions:

The GO blu has a warm, bass-forward sound signature that pairs well with brighter-tuned IEMs. It's not the best performer in terms of detail or resolution, but it helps smooth out some troublesome treble areas and has an innate musical quality that is very enjoyable. The bass has an added fullness and warmth that I quite like. The texture could be better, though, as it can sound a little muddy with certain pairings. The midrange presents clearly, though not too forward, and is well-balanced. It also has added width and depth, bringing a little more heart to the vocals. One of the things I like most about the blu is how it handles treble. With more energetic and brighter tunings, it tends to bring everything down a bit and closer to a tolerable level. It can smooth over some peakiness, but it does sacrifice a little detail and air. Also, the blu could use more extension on both ends, which is more noticeable when A/Bing against some of my other DACs. Overall, the blu conveys a smooth and musical presentation, and the more controlled treble response is a great match for brighter transducers. I did notice a slight decline in overall sound quality when using Bluetooth over the wired connection. In Bluetooth mode, the resolution and detail suffer a bit, as do the dynamics, but in general, the sound signature is the same. At times, I don't mind sacrificing a little technical prowess for the convenience of a wireless connection, but I still prefer wired mode.

In conclusion:

The GO blu debuted in 2021, and while I wasn't active in the hobby then, I can say with near certainty that it was likely a market disruptor when released. It may not hold the same acclaim nearly four years later, but it's still a fantastic value and a very competitive product. While the GO blu may not be the best or most affordable portable Bluetooth DAC/amp on the market today, its quality has absolutely stood the test of time. Sure, the price could be more competitive in 2025, and it utilizes an older version of Bluetooth, but it's hard to argue with the build quality, sound quality, and power of this little device. There is no shortage of Bluetooth-enabled portable DAC/amp offerings nowadays, and while the Go blu can certainly still compete, I think its price-to-performance ratio is catching up to it. With the FiiO BTR17, Qudelix T71, and the much cheaper Snowsky Retro Nano all releasing within the last year, the GO blu's competition is growing every day. Within the past five years, iFi has released four different hip-dac models, and I believe it's high time the GO blu received an update to bring it more in line with the current market. I'd really like to see a new model with better technical performance, a newer version of Bluetooth (5.4 or above), and iFi's IEMatch feature, even if it means a slightly larger form factor. The fact that the GO blu is still being talked about four years after its release is a testament to how great it is. In my opinion, iFi has a track record of making some fantastic products, and while the GO blu is getting a little long in the tooth, I personally really enjoy it and can still recommend it to consumers today.