31 May 2023 ertonline.co.uk


The iFi GO Pod + 64 Audio


Mr George points out that battery life and easy USB charging are also important to shoppers looking to take their devices outdoors, as is build quality. Patio owners could also be on the lookout for a Hi-Fi upgrade. High-end French speaker


specialist,


Focal, has ventured out and about, introducing the 100 OD6 (pictured here), an IP66 certified outdoor speaker which promises higher fidelity sound from a weather resistant enclosure. This model is designed for use on terraces, decking and around the pool. The speaker boasts a UV-treated, high-density Polypropylene damping cabinet able to cope with extreme weather conditions, and is both watertight and waterproof.


The brand says the 100 OD6 is easy to install, too, thanks to a notched assembly bracket and 180-degree rotation system – good news for dealers who have already carved a niche in their local custom install market.


Headphones and accessories UK Hi-Fi specialist, iFi Audio, is offering a novel upgrade to owners of In-Ear Monitors, the Go Pod, which it says will significantly transform their performance. This unique wearable Bluetooth DAC/ headphone amplifier unit works with any corded in-ear monitor (IEM). When paired with a well-chosen pair of high-performance IEMs, the resulting sound is said to be far better than any True Wireless earbuds or Bluetooth headphones. Demoing the Go Pod in store should be straightforward. Simply detach the cable from the supplied IEMs and connect the earpieces to the left and right pods. Then, pair the pods with a smartphone. Interestingly, iFi has partnered with a selection of leading IEM manufacturers for curated GO Pod + IEM packages. These special collaborations span both new and established models from 64 Audio, Craft Ears, Meze Audio, Symphonium, and Westone, and retail between £799 and £1,399.


high-resolution drivers support for 360 Reality Audio, and boast advanced Qualcomm Snapdragon Sound compatibility. Noise cancelling comes in five presets to


match different listening environments, while a hear-through function can be set to ‘Natural’ or ‘Strong’, with the former focusing on people’s voices and the latter enhancing surrounding sound. The True Wireless buds have six hours of


continuous playback. For extra confidence when out and about, the ATH-TWX9 also have an IPX4-equivalent splashproof rating.


The Fi GO Pod + Symphonium


So why does the GO Pod approach sound better than regular TW? True wireless earbuds, even the more expensive ones, rely on System on a Chip (SoC) solutions to integrate all the necessary technology into a tiny space. From an audiophile point of view, this isn’t ideal. Amalgamating critical stages, such as Bluetooth decoding, digital-to-analogue conversion, and amplification saves space and reduces cost, but inevitably compromises sound quality.


The GO pod avoids all this, as each of these critical stages are optimised individually to maximise sound quality.


iFi has long gone out of its way to ensure its Bluetooth technology is state-of-the-art. The GO pod continues this uncompromising approach,


including certification for


Qualcomm’s Snapdragon Sound platform and Bluetooth 5.2.


When it comes to True Wireless earbuds, Audio-Technica is a brand to showcase. Its ATH-TWX9 true wireless noise cancelling headphones


(pictured)


feature a deep-UV sterilisation system within the charging case, which eliminates bacteria and viruses from the buds. Sound quality is also a key attraction. The ATH-TWX9’s 5.8mm


A key attraction of both these new True


Wireless buds is support for a three device multipoint connection, an industry first – users can seamlessly switch between smartphones, tablets and laptops.


They also incorporate JustMyVoice technology, which uses four microphones apiece and data filtering to mute background noise and make voice calls easier to understand. The AZ80 have also been designed for


long periods of wear – a key selling point for consumers looking for an all-day solution. The buds adopt a Concha-fit shape to better sit in the ear. The package also includes seven silicon tips, so there’s a better chance than most to get a great fit.


True Wireless Technics has high hopes for its new True Wireless models, the premium EAH-AZ80 and its cheaper stablemate, the EAH-AZ60. The models retail for £259 and £199 respectively. The AZ80 features a host of advanced


technologies, including new 10mm free-edge aluminium drivers, and redesigned Acoustic Control Chamber.


The EAH-AZ60M2 23


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