I am fairly new to the world of IEMs, but I am not at all new to the struggles of cabled earphones. As a 90s kid who hit their stride in music consumption during the 00s, my life was ruled by a pair of cheap Skull Candy earbuds and the cable that constantly became tangled every time it wasn’t in use. The jump into IEMs has been dog-eared as transformative, but the return to cables over Bluetooth connectivity has been a struggle. This is where the iFi GO Pod Max lossless DAC comes in, but the freedom it offers comes with a mixed bag.
The iFi GO Pod Max is a stunning piece of audio equipment. The presentation of this DAC will astound audiophiles. The sculpted charging container with the inlaid lid, the LED lights that spring to life when the lid is opened, and then the two beautiful, lightweight DACs will dazzle you the second you open the box. However, this DAC has a dark side that is truly frustrating, though with the right steps, there are a few workarounds.
Key Details
- Developer: iFi
- Connectivity: Bluetooth
- IEM Compatibility: MMCX and 2-Pin
- Extras: UV Sterilization Light in case, water resistant
- Touch Controls: Yes
- Price: $599.00
- Sample Provided for Review: Yes
Premium Components at a Premium Pricetag
The iFi GO Pod Max isn’t a small investment. This is a Bluetooth DAC for audiophiles who have top-dollar IEMs. While it works well with mid-range options, it has technology designed to boost the best of the best. iFi hasn’t held back in the design of the GO Pad Max. The charging case for the DAC units is large and sturdy, holding plenty of charge for dozens of hours of use. The lid is inlaid with a metal mosaic, and the sides are textured. Inside the case, the storage is designed to gently hold the DACs and the IEMs that may be attached. To charge, the Dac can be set into its respective divit, where it doesn’t move or wiggle while being stored and carried.
The DACs themselves are beautiful, with interchangeable ear loops in both the MMCX and 2-Pin styles. Each Unit has some weight to it, which, when worn, helps keep it in place behind the ear. The touch control buttons on the front of each unit are a slightly different color of etched metal, making it easy to find and tap them when they are in use.
The box is equipped with a UV light designed to help keep IEMs and the DAC units clean and ready for use, though IEMs do need to be properly cleaned on a regular basis for the best sound quality and longevity.
The iFi GO Pod Max presents as the premium-class product that it should be for the price tag. However, looks aren’t everything, and that is where the testing of this Lossless DAC comes into play.
Mind-Boggling Sound When Connected
We tested the GO Pod Max with the Fosi Audio IM4 open-back IEMs and the Campfire Iris Hybrid IEMs. Neither of these IEMs is in the most expensive bracket, but gives an idea of how the GO Pod Max operates at two different price ranges.
The Fosi IM4s use the 2-Pin connection, and sitting at $100 dollars, they are an intro-level IEM that packs robust sound from well-designed drivers. When paired with the GO Pod Max, they sound excellent. About what they typically manage with a cabled connection. The audio is crystal clear, and the bass is warm and effective. However, some of the more complex sounds are still lost due to the limitations of the IEMs themselves.
However, when we switched to the Campfire Iris Hybrid IEMs, everything changed. These use the MMCX connection, and the second they were attached to the GO Pod Max, the sound quality shot me into the sun. The balanced sound was rich and velvety, punctuated by clarity on every instrument and note. I can only imagine what this lossless DAC could do with an even more powerful IEM option.
I took these with me to the gym, on a plane, through a family trip, and no matter where I went, I had cabled-in audio quality on the go with no tangles. However, I did consistently run into one unfortunate issue.
With both the Iris and the Fosi IM4s, I had connection issues. Even after reconnecting the ear loops and IEMs, if the DAC units were bumped, they would cut and clip. This was particularly bad at the gym, where the right side would stutter and cut as I tried to do any sort of walking or biking.
Even after updating the firmware for the DAC and cleaning the IEMs meticulously, the dropping and cutting have continued. This is a frustrating problem to have with an accessory at this price tag, and I have yet to discover what could be the cause. Despite this, the sound is so good I don’t care, and I typically try to use them when I am doing less intensive activities.
Final Score – 7/10
If you have the money to spend on a premium set of IEMs and you want a top-quality DAC to match, the iFi GO Pod Max is your fit. This beautiful piece of audio equipment is an audiophile’s dream and is perfect for those who are investing in their IEM experience.
However, if you have IEMs in the cheaper bracket and are simply looking for a way to be wire-free, less expensive options are the way to go. IEMs in the intro-range don’t have the driver power to really make use of the power inside the GO Pod Max, and the audio quality won’t change as dramatically.
While the cutting and dropping issues are definitely not the best, I would still recommend the iFi GO Pod Max as an IEM accessory. They are stunning, portable, well-made, and genuinely amplify your audio experience on high-quality IEMs. If you want the best of the best for wire-free listening, this is the DAC for you.
**Bonus Action was provided with a sample of the iFi GO Pod Max for the purpose of this review**
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