iFi Up Travel Max dongle brings aptX Lossless and Auracast

iFi has announced the UP Travel Max, a small Bluetooth dongle that sends audio to headphones and speakers or receives it from a phone. It is available to pre-order for $129 from iFi's online store, with shipping from November 20.

A fold-out 3.5 mm plug lets it connect to a wide range of gear, from an 1980s Sony Walkman to an airplane's entertainment system. It can also be plugged into a turntable with an integrated preamp or into a car's AUX input. A switch moves it between transmitter (TX) and receiver (RX) modes.

Codecs and sharing

The main change from the older UP Travel is sound. The Max supports Qualcomm aptX Lossless, which sends CD-quality music without lossy compression. The full codec list also includes LDAC, LHDC/HWA, aptX Adaptive, aptX HD, aptX, AAC and SBC. A button on the front switches between codecs.

With two headphones connected at once, music now streams over aptX Adaptive instead of the heavily compressed SBC codec. The dongle also adds Bluetooth Auracast, which broadcasts to an unlimited number of compatible devices. It is switched on in the iFi Nexis app, and listeners can join without passwords or pairing.

The app also controls JVCKENWOOD's K2 Technology, which iFi says restores harmonics and fine high-frequency detail lost in digitisation.

Hardware

A dedicated Qualcomm Bluetooth chip handles transmission and reception. A Cirrus Logic DAC with an amp stage covers conversion and amplification. A built-in microphone with Qualcomm cVc noise and echo suppression lets the dongle serve as a hands-free device for calls.

Battery life is at least 10 hours from a 400 mAh cell, and charging is over USB-C. The unit measures 55 x 30 x 16.8 mm and weighs 25.7 g.

Buyers who do not need aptX Lossless and Auracast can still get the older UP Travel for $99 on Amazon.

Source: iFi audio