iFi GO blu Air - Let's GO Again!

 4⭐️

+ Same warm and muscial sound signature as the orginal model

+ XBass and XSpace

+ Two digital filter options

+ Updated Bluetooth connectivity (5.2)

+ Slightly improved battery life

+ Compact with plenty of power

+ Very cool transparent design and aesthetic

+ Magnetic clip included

- Still a little light on features for the price (no IEMatch, companion app, EQ, gain setting)

- Bluetooth only; USB-C only for charging 

- Some input lag

- Build quality feels a bit cheap

- Resolution and detail 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/collections/all-products/products/go-blu-air

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'm no stranger to iFi products, at least when it comes to their portable lineup. Besides having owned the first two hip dac models, I've reviewed the hip dac 3, Gryphon, GO link Max, and the original GO blu within the last two years. The GO blu first debuted all the way back in 2021, and in the closing remarks of my review (which you can read here), I made it clear that I thought it was high time for it to receive an update. I was pretty excited and surprised when iFi revealed the new GO blu Air. This latest model features a few updates as well as a more wallet-friendly price tag of $129. There are, of course, a few trade-offs that come with a price reduction, which I will discuss below, so without further ado, let's break down this new GO blu and see what it's all about.

Unboxing and build quality:

The Air's packaging and unboxing experience is consistent with other iFi products I've tried—simple and straightforward, though this box in particular does feel a little cheaper and thinner. I'm very familiar with and fond of the original GO blu, and this new Air model looks to keep the same great design of the original intact, albeit with a slightly different aesthetic and a cheaper build quality to lower costs. This model is made of a semi-translucent smoke-colored polymer, which showcases some of the circuitry and inner workings of the device. It's basically the same size as the original, but a little lighter in weight without the magnetic clip attached. The brushed aluminum has been replaced with black plastic that still features the iFi logo on the front. For those familiar with the original GO blu, much of the new model will look the same, including the location of the 3.5mm and 4.4mm connections, USB-C charging port, indicator lights, built-in microphone, volume knob, and side buttons. Those last two are specifically worth noting since the buttons on the Air feel much cheaper and the aluminum volume wheel has been replaced by a polymer one that doesn't feel nearly as nice. The accessories are mostly the same, including a small protective carrying bag and a USB-C to USB-A cable, but there's also the aforementioned magnetic clip, which is super easy and convenient to use. There's a slightly protruding piece of metal on the back of the device which fits snugly into the indentation on the clip where the line of magnets creates a nice, secure connection. As for the overall design, the original has a more sleek and classy aesthetic, while the Air is somewhat understated, though the build quality does leave something to be desired. This should come as no surprise, though, as iFi had to cut costs somewhere in order to price the Air at $70 less than the original. Still, I'd be lying if I said I wasn't a little disappointed, especially when every other iFi product I've tried has immaculate build quality.

Technical specifications and features:

●Battery: Lithium-polymer 450mAh approx. ~10 hours (depending upon volume and headphones)

●Dimensions: 53.5 x 33.7 x 19.5mm

●Net Weight: 31g

●Chipset: Qualcomm QCC5144

●DNR: >110dBA (both outputs)

●Headphone Output: Balanced - 4.4mm

SE - 3.5mm

●Input: Wireless - Bluetooth 5.2 ( AAC, SBC, aptX HD, aptX Adaptive, aptX AAC, LDAC, LHDC/HWA)

●Output Impedance: <1Ω (both outputs)

●Power System: Charging via USB-C, BC V1.2 compliant up to

1000mA charging current and 6.3 volts

●RMS Output Power: 4.4mm Output: >262mW/2.9V @ 32Ω; >52mW/5.6V @ 600Ω

3.5mm Output: >165mW/2.3V @ 32Ω; >14mW/2.9V @ 600Ω

●SNRBalanced: >110dBA (both outputs)

●THD+N: Balanced - <0.009% @ (600Ω, 2v)

SE - <0.03% @ (16Ω, 1.27v)

One of the things I enjoy most about Bluetooth DAC amps is the versatility they offer over those that have to be directly wired in. That being said, I'm quite surprised to see the Air utilizes only Bluetooth connectivity and cannot be used when connected via the USB-C port. On one hand, I understand the thought process since this is marketed as a cheaper option, but I personally use the GO blu far more often wired than I do wireless. Some might think it defeats the purpose of the portability, but for me the wired connection offers better sound quality and a more stable connection. Now I realize that I'm probably in the minority, so this may be a moot point for others, but not even having the option to use the Air in the same way is a letdown and a bit of an oversight from iFi. When it comes to operating the Air, most of the following will be redundant for those familiar with the original model as the functions remain wholly the same. The knob is obviously used for volume control and is still tied to the level of the source like before. Although the build quality is a step down, the wheel works well enough and the volume steps are small which is great for minor adjustments. The button inside the knob's face has the same functions too: play/pause (a short click), skip forward (two short clicks), skip backward (three short clicks), and voice assistant (long press). The Air also comes equipped with iFi's XBass and XSpace, which can be toggled using the button located under the knob, and though the function may be the same as before, in practice it feels much worse. There is an input lag when operating XBass/XSpace that didn't exist before, and the button itself doesn't have the same satisfying click as the original. The indicator lights on the top of the device remain the same (yellow for XBass, cyan for XSpace, and white for both). The button on the side opposite the knob still functions to power the device on/off. As for the wireless performance, it pairs quickly and easily when turned on. There is still a little input lag when pausing or switching tracks, which is not unusual with most Bluetooth devices, but the connection is a little more stable this time thanks to Bluetooth 5.2. I also noticed that I could move a little further away from my source, up to about 30 yards compared to 25 before. The biggest functional difference between the two models is that the Air also comes with two digital filter options: "STD" Standard (modest filtering, modest pre- and post-ringing), and "MIN" Minimum Phase (slow roll-off, minimum pre- and post-ringing). To access these, simply click the button opposite the wheel three times which will activate the indicator light on top. Then the button under the wheel can be used to toggle between the two options, with green indicating the STD filter and magenta the MIN. I'll touch on the sound differences between these filters later on in the review. Even though the Air addresses one of my complaints about the lack of features in the original model, the loss of the wired connection option hurts. Also, I would really like to see even more features, such as iFi's IEMatch, additional digital filters, adjustable gain, EQ, or even a true companion app (the Air is technically compatible with the GAIA Client app, but it's only used for software updates and codec configuration).

Power consumption and battery life:

Since the Air cannot be connected wired to the source, there's no real need to perform my usual battery draw test, though to be fair, the device can still be charged while in use if needed. As for the battery life, the Air comes with the same size and capacity lithium battery as the original model, yet it must be better optimized this time around, as a full charge lasted me a little longer. Of course, the rate of battery drain will always depend on many factors including the volume level and the options enabled. Still, I was consistently able to reach the advertised 10 hours of use time, which I wasn't able to on the original. There is still a light on the bottom of the unit near the USB-C connection that indicates battery life, but it works a little differently here (red <20%, yellow 20-50%, green >50%). The light will also flash during charging and turn off when the battery is full. 

Comparisons: For this section, I utilized the Air with the STD filter.

● Questyle M18i ($350) - This comparison might seem a bit unfair based solely on the price. While the M18i costs nearly three times as much as the Air, there are some similarities here that make it a good matchup. Both devices are Bluetooth-enabled as well as having 3.5mm and 4.4mm output. The M18i also has PC and phone modes, whereas the Air is limited to Bluetooth only. The M18i also comes with a separate USB-C power port so it can be charged while still connected to a source. When it comes to features, the Air takes the edge thanks to the inclusion of XBass/XSpace and two digital filters, whereas the M18i only offers high/low gain. The battery life also goes in favor of the Air, as the M18i's is notoriously poor, only lasting around two hours. When it comes to sound quality, though, the M18i has a distinct advantage. It's audibly better in nearly every technical category, but their sound signatures are different. The Air is warmer and more bass-forward, while the M18i has a better-balanced sound with noticeably better extension on both ends of the frequency response. It also greatly improves bass resolution and texture, whereas the Air's low end is more about fun with added fullness and impact. In the midrange, the M18i is cleaner with more depth, vocal clarity, and a more natural timbre. The Air is warmer with a more intimate, smoother, and less emphasized vocal presentation. In the treble, the M18i is definitely a bit brighter and airier, but also much more revealing, bringing forth all the nuances, clarity, and brilliance in the upper frequencies. The Air isn't lacking in the treble, though, but it does tend to smooth over any rough patches and has a toned-down energy level compared to the M18i. I really think these two devices could easily exist in a collection, as they each fill a slightly different niche. If top-notch technical performance is the goal, the M18i simply outdoes what the Air is capable of. It also offers superior balance and clarity. On the other hand, some transducers warrant a warmer and more musical source pairing, which is right in the Air's wheelhouse. Its greater portability and battery life also make it an easy recommendation over the M18i for the price-conscious audiophile on the go.

● Muse Hifi M5 Ultra ($300) - Here are two devices that I consider to be warmer-sounding, but still quite different. Both have Bluetooth capabilities and offer 3.5mm and 4.4mm connections; however, the M5U can also be used wired to the source and includes more filter options, though the Air has iFi's renowned XBass and XSpace. The M5U has a much larger form factor than the Air, but also a much more premium design and build quality. The M5U unfortunately lacks a bass boost option, but it has both tube and transistor modes and three gain levels. For this comparison, I used the M5U in tube mode. Sound-wise, the M5U presents a smoother, more relaxed sound compared to the Air, which has a slightly more dynamic presentation. The bass is punchier on the Air, but the M5U has added fullness, better extension, and more of a subwoofer-like rumble. The bass texture is cleaner on the Air, 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 Air too, but not quite as colored, and the Air's wider and deeper soundstage adds a lot to the presentation of the entire midrange. The tube mode on the M5U also has a generally warmer and more musical profile while still managing to preserve detail. The Air does a better job at smoothing out any troublesome treble peaks, but along with that, it loses some of the sparkle, detail, and air. This can really come in handy for brighter tuned sets, but may not be ideal for darker tuning. The sound quality when utilizing the Bluetooth connection is about the same, but the battery life is definitely better on the Air. For me, the M5U offers more of an easy listening experience that does well to preserve detail. The Air 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 Air 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 believe both of these DAC amps have a lot to offer and can easily coexist in a collection without being redundant, especially since the Air's smaller form factor is easier to take on the go.

● iFi GO blu ($200) - Here we have the old guard versus the new. Basically, this entire review so far has been comparing the Air to the original, so I won't rehash the build quality and functional differences. Sonically, these two are essentially the same, though there are a couple of differences I want to highlight. The first and most obvious is that the Air is a Bluetooth-only device, whereas the original can also be used wired. The Air does have slightly better sound quality when comparing wireless to wireless though, which makes sense considering the updated 5.2 Bluetooth connection. The other difference is the Air's digital filter options. The STD filter sounds the exact same as the original, but the MIN does give the Air a slightly different flavor, which I'll go over in the sound impressions section below. Overall, I can see the merits of both models, but owning both might be too much redundancy. While the original offers better build quality, a more premium design, and the ability to use it wired, the Air has better Bluetooth performance and a much more palatable price. I can't really fault anyone for picking either model, and I think it ultimately comes down to use case and whether the added digital filter option is more important than more premium build quality and aesthetics. I'd honestly be happy with either one, but those looking for the best wireless option should consider the Air.

● 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 compared to the plastic build of the Air; however, the non-removable cable is a drag. The Air is still a small and easily pocketable device, but relying solely on Bluetooth connectivity brings its own limitations. Both devices include 3.5mm and 4.4mm outputs, but the Max lacks any kind of extra features—in fact, there are no buttons at all. The Air has iFi's staple XBass and XSpace options, as well as a volume wheel, play pause function, and a choice of two digital filters. When it comes to the sound, these two are not all that dissimilar, though 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 Air 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 in that it brings a general smoothness to the treble and helps lessen any bothersome peaks. The midrange also differs slightly between the two. The Air 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 Air 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 or darker tuning. Its simple, compact, and user-friendly form factor is also easier for on-the-go use, and it never needs charging. However, the Air is the more versatile option, with the inclusion of Bluetooth, XBass/XSpace, and digital filters. It also has an inherent smoothness and musicality that I find very appealing. Having both in one's collection actually makes sense, but for me, the Air is the standout option.

● Snowsky Retro Nano ($60) - The build quality of these two small devices is more similar this time around due to the Air's polymer body, but the overall designs are still much different. Both are mostly made of plastic, though the Nano feels a bit cheaper and offers a cool 90s aesthetic, while the Air has a slightly more premium feel to it as well as a sleeker design. The Nano is lighter weight, though, and it also has a replaceable battery, which is great for extending the life of the device. Both are Bluetooth enabled and have 3.5mm and 4.4mm outputs; however, their similarities kind of end there. The Air offers XBass, XSpace, and two digital filter options, while the Nano can be used wired, has built-in EQ, FiiO app support, and a screen displaying the battery life, volume level, and bitrate. The Air utilizes a volume knob, which I appreciate more than the simpler buttons on the Nano. When it comes to the sound, the Nano has a more energetic and in-your-face presentation, while the Air 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 Air'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 Air 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 Air definitely has a darker tilt, but it's also a much better pairing with overly bright tunings. As for technical performance, the Air has better dynamics, timbre, and staging, while the Nano is a bit more detailed. In the end, this matchup comes down to versatility, sound signature, and price. The Nano is a bit more energetic, with more customization options and a much more palatable price; however, the Bluetooth and technical performance leave something to be desired. What the Air lacks in features, it more than makes up for in Bluetooth performance, battery life, and a smoother, more musical, and, in my opinion, a generally better sound signature. But again, the price difference might be the biggest factor here, and while I really enjoy both, the Nano simply offers more bang for your buck.

● FiiO RR11 ($50) - This is another comparison of what I consider to be two warmer-sounding sources, though they are quite different in their size and how they function. The Air has a smaller form factor but also a slightly poorer build quality. It also relies on Bluetooth connectivity and includes a 4.4mm output. The RR11 is larger but feels more solidly built thanks to the aluminum body. As far as features go, 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 Air also has two digital filter options, play/pause functionality, and of course Bluetooth capabilities. The RR11 first and foremost functions as a portable radio, but it also doubles as an amp, which is the main way I use it. The RR11's Magic Bass includes two settings, and I feel they function quite similarly to those on the Air. The first setting is merely a boost to the lower frequencies, akin to XBass. The second setting, though, adds a bit of an atmospheric effect along with the added bass, similar to when both XBass and XSpace are enabled on the Air. 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 Air 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 Air also has better technical performance, most notably the detail retrieval, dynamics, and extension at both ends of the frequency response. The RR11, though, does have a comparable soundstage, but that is the only area of the technicalities that is close. Overall, the RR11 and Air share enough similarities that owning both may be redundant. The Air's added power, smaller form factor, better technical performance, and Bluetooth capabilities easily win this matchup for me. The only real argument in the RR11's favor is its radio function, but I don't personally have much use for it.

Sound impressions:

The GO blu Air, like its predecessor, 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 does help to smooth out some troublesome treble areas and has an innate musical quality that is very enjoyable. The bass has 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 Air is how it handles treble. With more energetic and brighter tunings, it tends to bring everything down to a more tolerable level. It can smooth over some of the innate peakiness in certain transducers, but it does sacrifice a little detail and air in doing so. Also, the Air could use a little more extension on both ends, which is more noticeable when A/B-ing against some of my other DACs. The real thing that sets this one apart from the original is the implementation of two digital filters. The standard (STD) filter carries over the same character of the original model, but there are some slight changes when implementing the minimum (MIN) phase filter. This one imparts a slightly more mellow and less dynamic flavored sound signature. To my ear, it takes a bit of energy out of the upper midrange and treble, which makes for a more relaxing and easier listening experience, especially when paired with brighter tunings, though it can also skew the overall frequency balance a bit, which might not always be desirable. Still, having filter options that make a discernible difference is great and just further adds to the customization options. Overall, the Air conveys the same smooth and musical presentation that I've come to expect from the original model. The more controlled treble response is a great match for brighter tunings, even more so with the new filter option. Since the Air utilizes Bluetooth 5.2, it manages to avoid the decline in wireless sound quality that plagues the original model, but again you're limited to only the Bluetooth connection with the Air.

In conclusion:

The following is a direct quote from my review of the original GO blu that I posted earlier this year: "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". Well, color me surprised when I found out that not only did iFi release a new model but it turned out to be basically the same as the original albeit with cheaper materials and even removing the option of using it directly wired to the source. I definitely thought iFi would make something more akin to a Max model, which might include better build quality than the original, more features, improved Bluetooth connection, and better battery life. Well, I guess I was right on a few counts since the Air does have slightly better battery life and utilizes Bluetooth 5.2 over 5.1, but overall I'm a little underwhelmed with the cheaper build quality and the marginal improvement in wireless performance. I do appreciate that the Air maintains the great sound quality of the original as well as keeping the XBass/XSpace and incorporating a filter option. Also, while the price drop is nice, the Air may still be a little overpriced in the current portable DAC amp market. There are a plethora of options out there, some of which offer more features at less than half the price. To be honest, I'm afraid iFi is resting a bit too firmly on their laurels when they should be trying harder to innovate. Let me be clear though, this new GO Air model is a great little device and one that I feel is a better alternative to the original for those that value Bluetooth stability and sound quality above all else. However, in my eyes, the price might be the biggest barrier for the Air to overcome, and I think it should be priced more aggressively, say in the $100 range. I really hope that iFi plans on revealing either a completely revamped and updated GO blu model or a Max version in the near future that incorporates more features, updated circuitry, and the exceptional build quality the company is known for.