iFi launches UP Travel Max Bluetooth travel transceiver

iFi has launched the UP Travel Max for wireless listening from wired audio sources. The portable Bluetooth transmitter and receiver is available now and supports aptX Lossless for CD-quality audio with compatible devices.

A physical switch selects transmit or receive mode. In transmit mode, the adaptor sends audio from a wired headphone output, such as an aircraft entertainment system or an older portable music player, to compatible Bluetooth headphones or speakers. In receive mode, it accepts audio from a phone for playback through a car stereo's auxiliary input. It can also pair with two sets of Bluetooth headphones simultaneously.

The UP Travel Max pairs a dedicated Qualcomm Bluetooth chip with a separate Cirrus Logic MasterHIFI DAC for digital-to-analogue conversion. This separation follows an approach used in iFi's portable hi-fi products. Codec support also includes LDAC for high-resolution Bluetooth audio and aptX Adaptive with a low-latency mode intended to keep film soundtracks in sync.

Auracast support enables broadcasts to an unlimited number of compatible headphones or speakers through iFi's Nexis app. The app also manages codec settings and the adaptor's JVCKENWOOD K2 audio processing, alongside device customisation and battery optimisation. Over-the-air firmware updates are delivered through Nexis, which is available on the App Store and Google Play.

The adaptor has a flip-out 3.5mm connector that is released by pressing the power button. A front-panel button provides codec selection directly on the device. Holding that button identifies the active format.