Product Strengths

• Detailed and expansive presentation, offering a sonic upgrade to phones, especially when portability is a priority
• Versatile, with both wired and wireless connectivity options, including balanced and unbalanced headphone outputs
• Impressively small size and lightweight design, making it pocket-friendly and convenient for on-the-go use
• Sound quality is generally linear, with fast and accurate bass, flat and clean mids, and a detailed treble that is not harsh
• XBass and XSpace features offer customized listening experiences
• Build quality and aesthetics are generally well-received, with its design standing out from other devices
• ChronoDial volume knob is particularly praised for its tactile feel and functionality

Product Considerations

• Black rubberized plastic casing can feel a bit flimsy to some users
• Some reviewers noted hiss with sensitive IEMs, especially on the balanced output
• Battery life estimation can be unreliable
• No dedicated app for the device, limiting EQ and DSP options
• Lacks a clip, making it less convenient for truly portable use

Comparisons (according to reviewers)

• Compared to the Audiolab M-DAC Nano, the Go Blu offers a wider soundstage, better separation, and dynamic sensitivity, though the M-DAC Nano is fractionally punchier in the bass
• Compared to the AudioQuest DragonFly Cobalt, the Go Blu is a wireless proposition, unlike the DragonFly Cobalt, which is a USB plug-in DAC
• Compared to the FiiO Q3, the iFi GO blu highs are a bit too brilliant, but everything else sounded quite impressive
• Compared to the NuPrime Hi-mDAC, the iFi GO Blu mids sound a lot like it, even if voices are slightly less natural
• Compared to the Hidizs S9 Pro and Aune BU2, the GO Blu provides a relaxed sound and has better build and functionality compared to the Hidizs S9 Pro, but is better when using bluetooth compared to Aune BU2, however when competing on wired terms, the Aune is clearer

Takeaway: The iFi GO blu is a tiny but mighty device that delivers impressive sound and versatility—improving the wireless music experience. It is easy to use and has some cool features, making it a good pick for anyone looking for a portable upgrade for their headphones.

Product Strengths

• Phenomenal sound quality.
• Very usable and enjoyable interaction due to a physical volume knob.
• Plenty of power for almost everything and can drive just about anything.
• Versatile; it can be used as a desktop all-in-one, a Bluetooth portable DAC/amp, a portable amplifier, and even a DAC for speakers.

Product Considerations

• Susceptible to EMI noises, which can be a deal breaker; static noises, pops, and crackle sounds can occur when a phone is placed directly on top of it.
• Not a completely balanced architecture; the 3.5mm & 4.4mm headphone outputs sound the same.
• Charging port may not indicate charging on anything higher than an 18W charging block, and some chargers may not work.

Comparisons (according to reviewers)

• Vs FIIO BTR-7: Sounds more refined and has more detail and resolution.
• Vs SMSL C200: The C200 sounds significantly warmer with a fuller, juicier bass line and a little bit more airy, while the G5 is more focused on clean and clear edges, tidy, well-focused—and clean.
• Vs SMSL M500 MK2: The M500 MK2 sounds overall better with dynamics at the same level as the G5 and fuller, warmer tonality—and a bigger, more spacious soundstage.
• Vs Moondrop Moonriver 2: The treble is more refined, better details up top, and a sharp edge without being overboard like the Moonriver 2 can.

Takeaway: The G5 is a well-built and versatile portable DAC/amp with a neutral, clean, and dynamic sound. It is great for those looking for an all-in-one solution that can drive almost any headphone or IEM.

Product Strengths

• Fantastic build quality, aggressive contemporary design
• Includes a solid, workable leatherette case
• Delivers fun, V-shaped tuning with thumping bass, direct midrange, and bold treble
• Delivers fun, detail, dynamics, precision and a bold sound character
• Versatile, functioning as a Bluetooth receiver, a dongle DAC, and a desktop DAC amp combo

Product Considerations

• Buttons rattle a bit
• Larger than past models like the BTR5
• Mediocre battery duration
• Sharp edges
• FiiO only recommends headphones of up to 150Ω

Comparisons (according to reviewers)

• Compared to the Questyle M15, the M15 has a more balanced sound and even more textures and resolution
• Compared to the iFi Audio Go Blu, the BTR7 wins in sound staging depth

Takeaway: The BTR7 is a competent Bluetooth DAC/AMP that will handle IEMs and headphones alike and also works as a capable USB dongle. With a dedicated smartphone app for EQ and solid sound quality, it is an excellent value.

Product Strengths

• The BTR15 offers more driving power at 340mW(@32Ω), which is higher than both the BTR7 and the BTR5 2021
• The BTR15 features the newest 3rd XMOS USB controller and newer QCC5125 Bluetooth Codec compared to the 2nd gen XMOS and the QCC5124 on the BTR7
• The BTR15 can be used as a wired USB DAC, supporting decoding of up to 32bit/384kHz and DSD256
• Qualcomm’s 51XX series chipsets are known for their premium quality, high efficiency, and stability, and are a common choice in many high-performance Bluetooth devices
• FiiO implemented battery degradation prevention by implementing a measure to stop it from charging when it’s fully charged

Product Considerations

• The unit feels cheaper than the BTR5
• Battery life is said to be poor
• The slippery surface also makes the device prone to slipping from the hand, so care is needed here

Comparisons (according to reviewers)

• The BTR15 significantly outperforms both the BTR5 2021 and BTR7 in terms of power output
• Compared to the BTR5, the BTR15 is more expressive and lively in the midrange
• The BTR15 demonstrates significant improvements in staging performance and imaging

Takeaway: The BTR15 is a compact, versatile device with both wireless and wired functionality, making it a good option for audiophiles and casual listeners alike. The inclusion of a balanced output and parametric EQ further enhances the user experience, allowing for more customized sound.

Product Strengths

• Has a microphone input, which is not a common feature on amp/DACs
• Has more power output than previous models
• Can be run over USB-C, making it portable
• Has width and presence knobs to control the soundstage size and to help accentuate certain sounds
• Good default audio tonality—a clean sounding amp deck
• Connectivity options are standard

Product Considerations

• The precision of the controls in relation to the case openings leaves something to be desired
• The width and presence knobs may not have a significant impact on the separation or layering of sounds in some games
• Turning the width and presence knobs too far can negatively impact the frequency response
• There is no physical mic gain adjustment knob
• Lacks game chat mix

Comparisons (according to reviewers)

• Vs Mayflower ARC MK2, the Schiit Gunner is better and cheaper
• Vs Schiit Hel, the Schiit Gunner has more power output, portability, audio shaping controls, negative gain mode for IEMs, and a more muted aesthetic
• Vs Schiit Magni Unity, the Schiit Gunner is not quite up to the Magni Unity for music listening, which puts out more power and has a thicker sound
• Vs Schiit Fula, the Fula is more portable, has a 3.5mm out, optical in, mic in, and a headphone out with a knob

Takeaway: The Schiit Gunner is a good amp/DAC that is great for gaming and listening to music, especially if a microphone input is needed. The portability and extra controls make it a versatile choice.