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A British Hi-Fi Maker’s New Tiny Amplifier Is Refreshingly Affordable

It’s designed to breathe new life into your wired headphones.

A close-up of a hand holding a small electronic device labeled "Goblin Air" with a transparent casing showing internal circuitry, and a detachable component being removed or attached. The device appears to be a compact vaping or pod system.iFi Audio
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By Tucker Bowe

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iFi Audio is a British-based hi-fi manufacturer known for its relatively affordable hi-fi gadgets, including portable audio players and desktop amplifiers.

Of course, that hasn’t stopped it from dipping its toes in the true audiophile deep end — for example, its flagship portable headphone DAC/amplifier player, the iDSD Valkyrie, costs $1,699.

That said, the brand’s latest device, the Go blu Air, definitely stays true to its “more entry-level” ethos. It’s designed for hi-fi curious individuals who want a quick and easy way to upgrade their current wired headphones.

iFi Go blu Air

A hand holding a small black audio device labeled "GobuyAir" with a "Hi-Res Audio Wireless" sticker, connected to a black cable. The other hand is holding a smartphone above the device. The person is wearing gold rings and a white wristband.
The iFi Go blu Air is a portable Bluetooth DAC and headphone amplifier.
iFi Audio

Bluetooth, DAC and headphone amp

The Go blu Air is a portable Bluetooth DAC and headphone amplifier just like the brand’s current Go blu ($199). It essentially lets you use your wired headphones as wireless ones, and gives them an audio boost, too.

However, the “Air” is even smaller, lighter and more affordable than iFi’s original Go blu. Naturally, it also sacrifices a few things — mostly, it has a less premium build.

A person wearing blue jeans and a white tank top is holding a small black electronic device with the brand name "ifi" on it. The device is connected to a silver braided cable, which appears to be an audio cable. The person has rings on their fingers and is seated on a green chair.
The Go blur Air is two inches long and weighs 30 grams. It’s tiny.
iFi Audio

The main thing with iFi’s Go blu Air is its size — it’s absolutely tiny. Less than two inches long and weighing only 30 grams, it’s basically the same size as a thumb drive.

It also comes with a detachable magnetic clip, which sticks to the back of the Go blu Air and allows you to easily attach it to a pocket, belt loop or bag strap.

A hand with neatly manicured nails is holding a small, rectangular black electronic device with a transparent side and a circular button or knob on top. The device is being clipped onto the pocket of blue denim jeans.
The ChronoDial lets you control volume, as well as playback controls, for your music.
iFi Audio

Drives most headphones

Once you plug in your wired headphones — it has 3.5mm and 4.4mm (balanced) headphone jacks — the Go blu Air connects to your smartphone over Bluetooth. You then stream audio to just like you would to a pair of wireless earbuds.

Once streaming, the Go blu Air’s built-in DAC (Cirrus Logic MasterHIFI) converts into a high-resolution analog signal. Its twin-mono amplifier then takes that signal and powers your wired headphones or in-ear monitors.

The amp is able to push 256mW of power, making it capable of driving a wide variety of headphones.

A person holding a small, rectangular portable audio device with a volume knob and a braided cable connected to it. The device has a metallic finish with the "iFi" logo on the side. The background includes a blurred green outdoor scene, a cup of coffee on a saucer, and part of a laptop on a white surface.
The iFi Go blu Air supports 3.5mm and 44mm (balanced) headphone jacks.
iFi Audio

The Go blu Air supports a wide range of Bluetooth codecs, including LDAC, aptX Adaptive, aptX HD, aptX, AAC, and SBC. This means it can supports some of the highest resolution audio that can be streamed over Bluetooth.

That said, it’s limited to what your smartphone supports. So if you have an iPhone — which notoriously don’t support the highest-resolution Bluetooth codecs, such as LDAC, aptX Adaptive, or aptX HD — the Go blu Air isn’t going to magically give it new streaming capabilities.

Black camera hot shoe adapter with a textured surface, featuring a metal spring-loaded clip on top, a 3.5mm jack port, a 1/4-inch threaded hole, and a ridged adjustment knob on the side.
The magnet clip is easily detachable.
iFi Audio

As for other specs, the Go blu Air has a small knob — called the “ChronoDial” — for controlling volume (scrolling) and playback (pressing). It also has a built-in microphone, in case your wired headphones lack one.

There are two different listening modes to choose from for tweaking its sound. The XSpace mode gives your music a more expansive sound, while the xBass mode makes the music punchier on the low end.

As for battery life, iFi says it should provide roughly tens of hours of playback time, depending on your particular headphones and volume level.

A close-up of a person wearing a white tank top and a beige strap across their chest, with a small black audio device clipped to the strap. The device has two braided cables connected to it. The background is blurred.
The iFi Go blu Air is a relatively simple way to breath new life into your wired headphones.
iFi Audio

Price and availability

The iFi Go blu Air is available now from the company’s website. It costs $129, making it $70 cheaper than its larger, more premium sibling.

About the Author: Tucker Bowe has been on Gear Patrol’s editorial team since 2014. With a passion for consumer tech and hi-fi, he tracks everything from headphones and turntables to smartphones and wearables. If it lights up or makes noise, he probably covers it.

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