[iFi audio]

Given GO Blu, and in fact most BT headphones adapter, have neither (1) nor (2), it is only natural that they can't output digital signal over Type-C or whatever USB port they have. Therefore it really isn't much of any missed opportunity but rather you are asking the wrong device to do an impossible task. If a manufacturer want to design a BT headphones adapter with USB output with all the required hardware, they might as well just make a small DAP instead since it is only a screen and an internal memory storage away from one. Then again, DAP and BT headphone adapter are two different market all together and not every company want to be in both at the same time.

Words of wisdom

 

[animalsrush]

I was looking between this and Shanling UP5. It just boiled down to 3 factors. 1) sound signature (like warm lush sound) 2) weight 26 gm will not put strain on my source usb connection 3) future proof partially with option to add more codec . This will replace my current portable rig .. Sony WM1z + Noble K10 CIEM with balanced effect audio lionheart cable 4.4mm pentacon. All my files are 16/44 Flac files burnt from my CDs using EAC/XLD. This rig was heavy and expensive and I was always got extra checks at airports security with wm1z.. I plan to use my one plus 8T with poweramp or iPad Pro with Flacbox as source connect K10 balanced and use wired or wireless ..

As John Darko from darko audio says don’t worry of DAC chips worry only about analog section. The Analog section of Sony WM1Z is simply amazing. Based on what I read about ifi go blu sound it may be something similar best suited when traveling .Also effects are no DSP and on analog side which I like..this also nicely complements my UE fits Bluetooth iems


I got shipping notice can’t wait to test it with my k10s..

 

[ayang02]

Just received my Go Blu, nicely built. I think I can safely put this in my pocket and not worry about accidentally turning the volume all the way up. It does take a few full turns on the knob to accomplish that and the knob is the clicky type with some resistance.

Next to my EarStudio ES100 MK1, pretty much the same size but with 4.4mm, awesome!

 

[xanlamin]

I really hope that MQA can be supported in a future firmware upgrade for Tidal users.

 

[ClieOS]

I really hope that MQA can be supported in a future firmware upgrade for Tidal users.

Not gonna happen, as MQA is not something a firmware can add.

Reasons:
1. MQA doesn't work over Bluetooth.

2, The DAC chip inside (Cirrus Logic CS43131) doesn't support MQA natively, even if you use USB connection.

3. In order for a non-MQA DAC chip to decode MQA, you will need an extra processing chip, usually an XMOS chip by acting both as an USB receiver as well as MQA renderer via a special digital filter (and then send the unfolded PCM signal to the DAC chip to decode). GO Blu has no such chip inside.

 

[Dvl Kubo]

Hi I'm curious if I plug this in my pc via the usb-c charging port to use as a dac/amp as it says i can. will I be able to use the built-in mic on my pc kinda like how the sound blaster omni works where the mic was built into the external sound card? if so then i would probably buy this for myself as well as a friend of mine for Christmas

 

[Hanesu]

Just my 2 cents if I may.
I completely stopped using DAPs roughly 1.5 years ago. The last one was Cayin n6 II.
I have a desktop system at home, I use iDSD Diablo in the office and when I travel.
I use BT5R on the go (it can be GO Blu in the end, we will see ).
You don't need an ultimate sound quality on the go anyway but these pocket size Bluetooth devices are more convenient than any DAP

So there is no place for a DAP left in my life

Veeery similar experiences and opinion here

 

[Hanesu]

Just received my Go Blu, nicely built. I think I can safely put this in my pocket and not worry about accidentally turning the volume all the way up. It does take a few full turns on the knob to accomplish that and the knob is the clicky type with some resistance.

Next to my EarStudio ES100 MK1, pretty much the same size but with 4.4mm, awesome!

Sound impressions against ES100?

 

[ayang02]

Sound impressions against ES100?

So I tested both with my iPhone 11 Pro, so yeah both using AAC connection. Using my Dunu EST112 as a reference, comparing the 4.4mm out of the Go Blu vs the 2.5 mm out of the ES100.

I think the Go Blu has a more engaging mid range and vocal presentation compared to the ES100, sounded closer and warmer to me. There is perhaps some coloration going here with the Go Blu as well. Tube amp-like? To me, the ES100 has a more neutral and balanced sound profile, but also slightly boring if you know what I mean. I haven’t used the ES100 in years to be honest and that’s mainly due to me moving to 4.4mm cables instead of 2.5mm.

I do notice a slight hiss when using the Go Blu with the EST112, audible when I pause my music. Doesn’t bother me that much when music is playing. I don’t get that hiss when using the ES100, sound is perhaps cleaner here. I’ll give the Go Blu some time for firmware updates(I hope) since the ES100 has been through a few major FW revisions before reaching this level of performance.

 

[cr3ativ3]

So I tested both with my iPhone 11 Pro, so yeah both using AAC connection. Using my Dunu EST112 as a reference, comparing the 4.4mm out of the Go Blu vs the 2.5 mm out of the ES100.

I think the Go Blu has a more engaging mid range and vocal presentation compared to the ES100, sounded closer and warmer to me. There is perhaps some coloration going here with the Go Blu as well. Tube amp-like? To me, the ES100 has a more neutral and balanced sound profile, but also slightly boring if you know what I mean. I haven’t used the ES100 in years to be honest and that’s mainly due to me moving to 4.4mm cables instead of 2.5mm.

I do notice a slight hiss when using the Go Blu with the EST112, audible when I pause my music. Doesn’t bother me that much when music is playing. I don’t get that hiss when using the ES100, sound is perhaps cleaner here. I’ll give the Go Blu some time for firmware updates(I hope) since the ES100 has been through a few major FW revisions before reaching this level of performance.

I see you also have the Paw S1 , can you do an comparison with Blu for me? ( sound wise )

 

[iFi audio]

As John Darko from darko audio says don’t worry of DAC chips worry only about analog section.

There's something there for sure

Not gonna happen, as MQA is not something a firmware can add.

Reasons:
1. MQA doesn't work over Bluetooth.

2, The DAC chip inside (Cirrus Logic CS43131) doesn't support MQA natively, even if you use USB connection.

3. In order for a non-MQA DAC chip to decode MQA, you will need an extra processing chip, usually an XMOS chip by acting both as an USB receiver as well as MQA renderer via a special digital filter (and then send the unfolded PCM signal to the DAC chip to decode). GO Blu has no such chip inside.

Your first point is a spot on. GO blu's primary input is BT, so MQA doesn't fit. Those who'd like to have MQA on a budget in our DAC/amp product should consider hip-dac.

 

[cr3ativ3]

There's something there for sure



Your first point is a spot on. GO blu's primary input is BT, so MQA doesn't fit. Those who'd like to have MQA on a budget in our DAC/amp product should consider hip-dac.

Are there any plans for something like xcan/xdsd with 4.4 ? not sure if should buy the Blu or wait for that if there is something coming

 

[Sebastien Chiu]

Are there any plans for something like xcan/xdsd with 4.4 ? not sure if should buy the Blu or wait for that if there is something coming

You can never say never! Sorry, we can't talk about anything until after it is announced.

 

[rlw6534]

You can never say never! Sorry, we can't talk about anything until after it is announced.

And that's the correct way to answer that question.

 

[Stevko]

Are there any plans for something like xcan/xdsd with 4.4 ? not sure if should buy the Blu or wait for that if there is something coming

Maybe. Bought my xCAN last month. 20% off. Outlet sale?