iFi audio GO pod + IEMs Impressions and reviews

Hope to see someone with an (IE200 / 300 / 600 / 900) connect with the GO pod. I've happy with the Qudelix options still and don't have to worry about the weird MMCX connector on the Senny's

 

I have the ie 200, and enjoy them, especially at the price. While I purchased the go pods (a la cart, here today?) and did see mentioned somewhere in my research that ifi had or would make available earhooks for the senns, I won't be paying $30 for hooks that only fit one pair of earphones. If the senns were the best of my choices, or close to it, maybe, but oh well. Not that I quibble about the price of the hooks, which seems fair if the quality is up to par. I wish which two earhooks were included was the consumer's choice, but that's probably unrealistic.

 

I’ll add more, but …

Striking difference between GoPod & UTWS5 headstages right out of the box:

- GoPod much more wrap-around/enveloping, but completely 2-d
- UTWS5 more ‘out-in-front’ but with much more depth of image

The difference is quite stark — nearly Empryean vs HifiMan HEK (well, not really, but in that neighborhood).

Holds for all three IEMs (Vega, Volt, IT07) but most apparent from the iBassos.

Also, GoPod really emphasizes the authority of Vega’s bass — GoPods seem warm-tilted vs UTWS5.

Combining the two differences, UTWS5 seem more referency, but maybe ‘thinner’, while the GoPods seem ‘richer/fuller’.

I can imagine owning a set just to drive my Vegas.

 

Not much to add regarding sound quality. I love them with my Vegas -- tremendous authority. Usage note:

- Definitely convenient to have the LEDs inside the case
- As others have mentioned, the case is a bit large to be 'pocketable'
- A little bulkier on the head (vs UTWS5) -- not a big deal, but noticeable
- I had a bit of trouble getting the buttons to put me back into pairing mode when switching sources
- I also had a bit of trouble using the Volume and Play/Pause, Prev/Next controls -- but that's probably because I was so used to the FIIOs

But really nothing about the usability was disqualifying, and I'd probably get completely comfortable with them over a couple weeks' usage.

 

Small correction -- UTWS5 are available with EITHER mmcx OR 2-pin, but not both like the GoPods. I failed to mention how much I appreciated that as it allowed me to audition them with all my IEMs. Such a simple solution, well done!

 

Well, I guess you'd call my Volts, IT07s and Vegas 'mid-tier', but I would agree with that assessment.

 

So my final verdict.

Holy mother of bass! Fun at first but the bass bleeds into the minds too much for extended listening. I found it lost subtle nuance and detail with direct comparison but this was not obvious after a day of listening without direct comparison.

Not ideal for anyone who wears glasses, the earhook is quite stiff and the module is larger than the other 2 Bluetooth modules that I use.

The major pro is the sheer drive capability, really grips the drivers and has real presence.

Comparisons to KZ AZ20 and TRN BT30

The limitations of the KZ are their Cpin connector which needs a small adapter to accommodate any popular iems. They are the most comfortable with their longer hook and slim body. The TRN have similar interchangeable ear hooks to the gopods and are roughly the same dimensions (a touch smaller) but the major difference is the flexibility of the hook itself.

The KZ has good call quality and both have some form of active noise cancelling.

Verdict. The go pods offer excellent sound for iems (the bass boost is a good thing on the move and for low level listening). They are comfortable without glasses. Would they replace the BT earhooks I already have, no, I did not feel that I was missing much but if I was starting out looking for this type of device to match up with totl iems, this is a great option.

dB

 

Anyone tried andromeda with these?
I assume it’s probably not worthwhile given the lowest possible output impedance is 16

 

they work well :

 

and a size comparison :

 

Bulletpoint time of my thoughts:

• The carrying/charging case is a clever idea, you can have your IEMs connected the Go Pods and they are protected while the Go Pods are being charged at the same time.
  • I understand the velvet type texture inside the case, protects your stuff, but it is a dust/dirt magnet.
  • Also yuge in size! Not portable at all for your pocket.
• Replacing the IEM connector to the IEM is a genius idea.
  • But I feel it was a little too tight at times on my ears, dunno if good idea to use them if you wear glasses.
• Touch area of the Go Pods is a good idea.
  • They are too sensitive at times, doing something when I didn't even press it even hard. IMO of course.
• They work well with most IEMs, and good enough with DD IEMs.
  • But with DD IEMs they will power them good enough, but not enough to get your DD IEMs like the Moondrop Kato to 11.
  • I would use the Go Pods for BA IEMs, which per the marketing of the device I see mostly BA IEms being used for them.
• Works with almost all wireless bluetooth codecs on the market.
  • But I think your Go Pods will not sing its best if you are using it with Apple products with AAC only.
  • Go Pods will be preferred with Android devices with LDAC support.
  • I was using my older Shanling M3X to output LDAC to the Go Pods, a good improvement than my iPhone 13.
• Even with AAC, Go Pods sounded great with my Moondrop Katos even if the DD Drivers didn't get them up to 11.
• Phone calls using the Go Pods is acceptable but maybe not business call quality.

Have BA IEMs you are using often and have an Android phone? Heavily consider the Go Pods if you want a wireless solution. LDAC with BA IEMs should be close enough to a real DAP or desktop setup.

Have DD IEMs and/or using iPhone/Apple products? I would heavily consider the Airpods Pros 2. You will not get full value of the Go Pods thanks to Apple being Apple.

 

I remember someone having an MW200 a while back - I think it was zerodeefex? Or maybe Marv? Mine crapped out, and was looking to get a replacement but stumbled on this. Since it's been a while, and assuming the MW200 still works, how does it compare? I will be using the Ara / Andros / OG Solaris / Kato, for Zoom / Teams calls primarily, music comes second (I know, blasphemy)