An Audiophile in Seattle "Crown A New Champ? Ifi Go Bar, Ifi Go Blu, AQ Dragonfly Cobalt"

Рет қаралды 5,756

Жыл бұрын

4 year commercial free Anniversary video! Unboxing and listening impressions of DAC Dongles.
Ifi review notes
ifi-audio.com/products/go-bar/
ifi-audio.com/products/go-blu/
There was no hiss or hum whatsoever coming through the 3.5mm jack. I did not try balanced.
I did notice you have to turn the main ringer volume down on the iPhone with the Go Blu because all the secondary iPhone sounds like texting and phone Hangups come though that ringer volume and can blow your ears out. Or you can also disable the secondary sounds by switching the side button to silent.
Blue tooth range was very good with my iPhone, over 40 feet with no cut outs or drops.
XBass and Xspace should be turned on during burn in. XBass will sound very boomy for first 48 hours, but really tightens up after that. Xspace will sound shrill but will smooth out as well. Ifi recommends 7 days of 24/7 burn in time.
I found something new researching forums!
There are now 2 digital filters! Tap the power button 3 times fast, this will pull up red light at the top, tap the Xspace/XBass button to toggle next the green light at top. The lights are indicators for each filter. Click the power button 3 times fast again once you choose which filter, and that will lock in the filter setting. The light will go out but it's still locked in. The led will now be freed up to show XBass/Xspace once selected. This is a HUGE audio upgrade!
(This wasn't in my instruction manual)...
Now the piano keys sound as good as the dragonfly Cobalt 👌💯✨
You can download from the App Store the Gaia app for doing software updates on your phone through Bluetooth!

Пікірлер: 93

@francisani5789 8 күн бұрын

Like button smashed immediately when I heard the Skee-Lo lyrics :)

@jimsregaturntableshifijukebox Жыл бұрын

Watch this all the way through in one hit. Very informative and entertaining, well done. I have given you a thumbs up. Nice to see the Saltire in the clouds 😉 Jim 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿🙂

@vpconcepts9838 Жыл бұрын

Thank you Jim & a Happy Thanksgiving to you! 🙏🏻🎼💯✨

@budgetaudiophilelife-long5461 Жыл бұрын

We appreciate the traditional view , 😊 LOVE THE CLOUDS 💚💚💚

@tjmbv8680 Жыл бұрын

Not going to lie this is one of my favorite audiophile channels

@vpconcepts9838 Жыл бұрын

Wow, thank you brother. I'm humbled! 🙏🏻🎼✨

@Audiofreak71 Жыл бұрын

Good stuff man , I’ve always liked the way the IFI gear looked but never tried it, Thanks for the video and taking the time to go over this gear. Also I hope your having a great Turkey day!

@vpconcepts9838 Жыл бұрын

Lance! Happy Thanksgiving! Keep showing off that amazing setup on your channel. I look forward to meeting up some day soon! 👊🎼💯✨

@Audiofreak71 Жыл бұрын

@@vpconcepts9838 Thanks man ! I surely will and I look forward to meeting you as well.

@stevedavey9250 Жыл бұрын

Love my ifi Go Blu paired with Meze Advar IEM’s. In Bluetooth mode sounds as good as wired, which is quite a feat. Thanks for the knowledgeable review too.

@vpconcepts9838 Жыл бұрын

Thanks Steve! Ive been enjoying the heck out of mine too! 👍💯🎼✨

@tannoyoxford8 Жыл бұрын

Thanks for your happy sharing 😊 😀

@vpconcepts9838 Жыл бұрын

😉👊🎼💯✨

@Ricky-cl5bu Жыл бұрын

Great review

@vpconcepts9838 Жыл бұрын

🙏🏻🎼✨ Thanks for watching Ricky!

@DeadSeaGenesis Жыл бұрын

Thank you VPC for an absolutely amazing in-depth, objective, passionate unboxing and review! I am using (and loving) my Apogee Groove as my wired DAC for my iPhone and iMac, so I'll pass on the Go Bar. BUT...I have been looking for an audiophile bluetooth DAC and based on your great review, I'm going to give the Go Blu a try! 👌🤘👍

@vpconcepts9838 Жыл бұрын

Thank you for the compliment my friend! The go blu is worth double it's asking price with my chosen headphones & cable combo. Thank you for watching always! 👊💯🎼✨

@jabensergei Жыл бұрын

The guys who behind that iFi project are fanatics, of course in the good way. The fact they provide you their product to compare says a lot, as they care what consumer thinks of it and they listen and try to fix things to better and thats the way to go. Not even start about your review, as you did a fantastic job without been "technical nerd" who shows all those schematics and frequency errors, haha, have no idea what I just wrote, but your way is the best way. Thx a lot, cheers!

@vpconcepts9838 Жыл бұрын

Thank you for the translation my friend! 🙏🏻🎼💯✨

@bhob666 Жыл бұрын

I picked up a iFi Go Blu, because I never liked the way my Dragonfly hung off the phone. Thanks for the review.

@vpconcepts9838 Жыл бұрын

Awesome! Make sure you activate that Green filter & you will never look back! Thanks for watching Bob! 👌🎼✨

@budgetaudiophilelife-long5461 Жыл бұрын

GREAT NEWS 🤗👍💚💚💚

@audiobean Жыл бұрын

So happy with this video ! Toke me ages to find this comparison I looked for. AQ must be super strong in their marketing and influencing influencers regarding the Cobalt. After my thorough researches(and a gut feeling that Dragonflies are no longer the winning products) I ended up with the Go Blu which I ordered today. You are THE ONLY ONE to confirm I've done the right purchase. Thanks for your transparency, great video !

@vpconcepts9838 Жыл бұрын

Awesome Peter! Remember to implement the new green filter option! If you don't see it in your instruction booklet, I have it in the video description. It takes this thing next level! Thanks for watching 😉👌💯🎼✨

@audiobean Жыл бұрын

@@vpconcepts9838 Thanks ! Curious, where did you find the news about the two additional filters ? Can you give me the link ? Keep up the good work; you have a new follower!

@vpconcepts9838 Жыл бұрын

It was in a forum somewhere. On some units the filter directions were not added because it's a newer software update, so I put it in the video description. If you have an issue, hit me up on here 😉👌🎼✨

@audiobean Жыл бұрын

@@vpconcepts9838 Thanx ! The digital filters are integrated in their manual now. Case closed.

@vpconcepts9838 Жыл бұрын

That means you got newer stock. Mine didn't have it. Please keep me posted on how you like it, it gets a lot better after 24-48 hours of burn in. Enjoy! 👊💯🎼✨

@alonzoperez1969 7 ай бұрын

Hi awesome review..

@vpconcepts9838 7 ай бұрын

Thank you 👊🎼💯✨

@alonzoperez1969 7 ай бұрын

Fiio btr7 vs ifi go blu both have great reviews but I'm not sure which is a better sound all around only . I was favoring the btr7 now that I seen your video ifi go blu and the update software I thinking purchasing the ifi go. Using my shure se846 iem. Which do you think is better for the shure se846? Thank you 🎉again.

@vpconcepts9838 7 ай бұрын

@@alonzoperez1969 now that I can use USB from my iPhone 15 to the go blu, I can't listen in Bluetooth anymore. The direct connection at full resolution is that unbelievably good. 👍🎼✨

@Benvos Жыл бұрын

You don’t need to worry about your light, for some reasons your videos are so bright on my iPhone, even with the brightness all the way down.

@vpconcepts9838 Жыл бұрын

Thank you. I shoot in HDR. Thanks for watching Benvos! 👌🎼✨

@AlainSTO 5 ай бұрын

Dragonfly's a no-go for me as an iPhone/macbook user...or probably anybody mostly nowadays who only have usb-c. Bluetooth would be good, but I think I'll like the fact that the bar doesn't even need a battery, because that's the one thing that'll degrade and cause me to replace it in a few years.

@vpconcepts9838 5 ай бұрын

When the Go blu is hooked up USB-C, it uses the iPhone battery too. Now that I have the iPhone 15, hard wired smokes the blue tooth. The go bar is just to big for me & I still like blu tooth for certain situations & answering calls. . They both sound amazing though. Thanks for watching! 👍🎼✨

@Coneman3 3 ай бұрын

Ifi make great products imo

@shawnpwatsons1 3 ай бұрын

Wait till you hear the iFi Audio Kensei GoBar that just came out. $449, but boy does the tech sould amazing. I had the Cobalt and thought it was amazaing.

@stofferrussell Жыл бұрын

Thanks for such an honest and great review. Can I ask you for the group who made the album you recommended please? I’ve seen several called “Fingerpainting” on Tidal but none are Master Quality. Greetings from Málaga ;)

@vpconcepts9838 Жыл бұрын

The album is "fingerpainting" the music of Herbie Hancock. Christian McBride, Nicholas Payton, Mark Whitfield. Thanks for watching Christopher! 👌🎼✨

@stofferrussell Жыл бұрын

@@vpconcepts9838 great stuff! Many thanks. I think I’m going to try the iFi Go Bar in the end as it’s just for my home use.

@vpconcepts9838 Жыл бұрын

You're very welcome! 👍🎼💯✨

@RGM.13 6 ай бұрын

Hey man 👋 This video is excellent, 10/10. I have decided to buy the iFi Go Blu, largely due to this video - I was previously set on the cobalt, and am closing in on the Timeless 7hz to match. These would be my first IEMs and after reading some reviews online I notice that some dont like the cord they come with. Do you use the standard timeless 7hz cord? Thanks for the insight in advance. By the way, dont knock the old school method of recording a video and talking over it. A large community is here for knowledge and not the fancy transitions and eye candy. Listen to a lot of Metal, Rock, Dubstep, Reggaeton, Hip-Hop, Rap, Jazz, the list goes on. 👊🏼

@vpconcepts9838 6 ай бұрын

Thanks brother. Stay away from the timeless at this point. It's been surpassed at this price by others. Check out my BASN review, I put the eartips & cable to buy for them in the notes. They cost the same as the timeless & blow them away. 👍💯🎼✨

@RGM.13 6 ай бұрын

@@vpconcepts9838 Incredible, I just saw the video and am now caught up to speed. Ordering the Crystals & Petrichor MMCX for the build. Thank you for the insight and honesty in everything you review; even when the product is shipped to you free of charge. Maybe one day when I have the means, I can watch some of your home-audio speaker set up videos. For now I will enjoy and get every dollars worth out of these little guys! 🤖🎶

@vpconcepts9838 6 ай бұрын

@@RGM.13 Sweet. They get much much better after 200hrs of break in time. The medium ear tips size sounded best out of the set I bought, though your ears may differ. 👍🎼✨

@RGM.13 5 ай бұрын

@@vpconcepts9838 Hey again! The Petrichor cable has no L/R indication on the 2 ends that insert to drivers. Where do I match the red and yellow ends? I cannot find this info on AmaZon. Ty in advance! Ive been listening with the default buds and cord for the past while and am looking forward to hearing the difference. So far IEMs are changing my life man. 🗣💯

@vpconcepts9838 5 ай бұрын

@@RGM.13 Sorry brother, I don't have that cable anymore. There must me a little dot or writing, or color on her somewhere? Yup, it's a great cable & the earbuds take it next level again, I use the medium size. Keep us posted! 👊🎼✨

@sapitts Жыл бұрын

What is the name of the song or album you were referring to, would love to listen to what you referenced.

@vpconcepts9838 Жыл бұрын

Joe McQueen and friends, 10 at 9. It's an SACD kimber kable made years ago but is not an item for sale. It's used in most every video I make because it doesn't get me demonetized, LOL. Not sure if they have any left 🤔. Thanks for watching Scott!

@ayewhite333 Жыл бұрын

Any updates from iFi re: the iPhone current draw issue? I just ordered a Go Bar!

@vpconcepts9838 Жыл бұрын

Not on the Go Bar, but it looks they have come out with a smaller version! 😉👊🎼 ifi-audio.com/products/go-link/

@ayewhite333 Жыл бұрын

@@vpconcepts9838 I received my Go Bar the other day and so far no issues on my iPhone - I did update the firmware, as was suggested by another commenter. Maybe worth revisiting if you get a chance - the sound is quite good to my ears!

@vpconcepts9838 Жыл бұрын

That's awesome! Since the go blu added the green filter software update, it's so close to the go bar, I decided to keep it, to go untethered & hands free. That go bar is a power house though! Enjoy! 👌🎼✨

@sheerkhanful 8 ай бұрын

I have the go blu and the cobalt. The go blu runs circles around the cobalt

@vpconcepts9838 8 ай бұрын

Sure does! Time means progress! 👌💯🎼✨

@kalebhue6830 Жыл бұрын

Would this be worth the buy for my new radio in my truck that has hi res wireless?

@vpconcepts9838 Жыл бұрын

I use them for streaming tidal from my phone to headphones. If a head unit had blue tooth, then yes it could stream to the Go Blu for headphone listening while driving, but I guess that wouldn't be safe. 🤷‍♂️

@navinadv 10 ай бұрын

How does the Go Blu compare with the better Bluetooth IEMs (ear buds) from Sony, B&W etc.

@vpconcepts9838 10 ай бұрын

A whole other class. I use my $2k "AAW Canaries" with it. It truly sounds as good as my stereo setup at home when I travel. No more compromises. 👌💯🎼✨

@navinadv 10 ай бұрын

@@vpconcepts9838 I have a Focal Bathys (which I use with my phone) and a Focal Clear (which I use with a FiiO K9 on my desk). If I were streaming from my phone (iPhone) would the sound from the Clear + Ifi Go Blu be better than the Bathys? Thanks. Edit: The reason I ask is because I thought BlueTooth was the limitation. I got the Bathys because of it's comfort but the Clear is more comfortable (but not wireless).

@vpconcepts9838 8 ай бұрын

I can now answer this! Yes, blue tooth is a limiting factor when going tether free, when walking in the park or shopping etc..But now that I can go UCB-C to USB-C with the iPhone 15...it's a game changer! Full resolution of Tidal now. I still use BT when going outside, but for home listening or traveling at a hotel, I use the hardwire option. Hope that helped 👍🎼✨

@navinadv 8 ай бұрын

@@vpconcepts9838 how does an iPhone going to a Bluetooth Headphone (Focal Bathys) compare with the same iPhone going to a Go Blu connected to a wired headphone (Focal Clear). In either case, the iPhone would communicate via Bluetooth, so wouldn't that be the limitation? Thanks.,

@rodhier2516 Жыл бұрын

Excellent video. Go Blu sounds like a real winner. However, the Dragonfly has no battery to charge. The Go Blu has a battery to constantly charge, and it will eventually die, rendering the device useless. Please share your thoughts.

@vpconcepts9838 Жыл бұрын

The battery has 10 hours before it needs recharged. I've been using it weekly for months and the battery hasn't lost any time. I think a new updated model to replace this will be out in a couple years, before I need to replace the battery. I can also use this hard wired like the dragonfly, if I have too. Thanks for watching Rod! 👍🎼✨

@rodhier2516 Жыл бұрын

@@vpconcepts9838 Thank you for your very thoughtful reply. Just recently found your channel. It's a winner.

@vpconcepts9838 Жыл бұрын

Thanks brother 👊💯🎼✨

@rahmatyuda5236 Жыл бұрын

bro, can you please advise how to "burn" it for 24 hours? is it on bluetooth mode or is connected via usb c?

@vpconcepts9838 Жыл бұрын

Play it straight non stop. It sounds best after 200 hours. I used bluetooth for my break in, but you can give the usb port time as well, if you intend to use it tethered. Don't forget to turn the green filter on, that's even more important for the sound quality. I also found the Bluetooth sounds richer and less digital inside the factory case, than without it. Must have something to do with the materials used in it. Thanks for watching! 👍🎼💯✨

@rahmatyuda5236 Жыл бұрын

@@vpconcepts9838 got it.. cheers mate

@Mgood7201 Жыл бұрын

Hi The go blu can i use it with my jds amp or dac?

@vpconcepts9838 Жыл бұрын

I use it blue tooth, from my iPhone playing tidal. It can also be hooked up hard wired , USB A or C into the go blu as a DAC, like the AudioQuest dragonfly. Here's the info 👍 audio46.com/products/ifi-go-blu-portable-hd-bluetooth-dac-amp

@Mgood7201 Жыл бұрын

@@vpconcepts9838 Thanks a lot

@vpconcepts9838 Жыл бұрын

👍🎼💯✨

@andreaaaaaaa574 Жыл бұрын

So the Go Bar sounds Better than the Cobalt?

@vpconcepts9838 Жыл бұрын

Sounded best out of the 3 yes. 👌💯🎼✨

@iyona14granturismogt6gtspo7 8 ай бұрын

It's the size of a Zippo lighter

@Bootrosgali 8 ай бұрын

Go Bar is 150 more than the Go Blu,,for me , that might be a deal breaker factor..but two scoops...

@vpconcepts9838 8 ай бұрын

I now use it with USB since the iPhone 15. It's so close to the go bar now it's insane! 👍🎼✨

@PastorwithoutaPulpit Жыл бұрын

It lights up on the Front the beveled part is the back and done to make it fit in the hand/fingers more comfortably... Dragon Fly was ground breaking but now their sound quality can not compete and their living on brand recognition and marketing. They lack the overall sound quality and features of modern devices and far, far to expensive for what they are a simple dongle DAC that still uses USB A,,,

@vpconcepts9838 Жыл бұрын

I'm glad you agree!! My Go Blu is still going strong & I'm using the balanced output now. Thanks for watching Mjr! 👍🎼💯✨