iFi UP Travel Max Launches With aptX Lossless, Auracast, and Two-Way Bluetooth
iFi audio has announced the UP Travel Max, a pocket-sized Bluetooth transmitter and receiver designed for in-flight entertainment, car stereos, and portable music players. Combining aptX Lossless support with a dedicated Qualcomm Bluetooth chip and Cirrus Logic MasterHIFI DAC, the new adapter brings several of the brand’s hi-fi technologies to a travel-friendly device. According to iFi, it is the first travel adapter capable of both transmitting and receiving lossless Bluetooth audio.
One Bluetooth Adapter for Flights and Car Audio
The UP Travel Max’s main attraction is its ability to switch between Bluetooth transmit and receive modes using a physical switch. In transmit mode, the adapter connects to an in-flight entertainment system’s headphone output, allowing travelers to listen through their own wireless headphones. The same functionality extends to older iPods, MP3 players, and other sources with a compatible 3.5mm headphone output, giving those devices a way to connect to Bluetooth headphones or wireless speakers.
Switching to receive mode reverses the process. Connected to a car stereo’s auxiliary input, the UP Travel Max receives wireless audio from a smartphone and feeds it into the existing sound system. A built-in microphone with Qualcomm noise and echo suppression also supports hands-free calls. That flexibility makes the UP Travel Max useful across several listening setups, particularly for people who want to keep using audio equipment that lacks modern Bluetooth connectivity.
aptX Lossless, LDAC, and Low-Latency Audio
The iFi UP Travel Max supports aptX Lossless, which enables CD-quality lossless Bluetooth transmission with compatible equipment and suitable connection conditions. iFi also lists LDAC support for high-resolution wireless audio and aptX Adaptive with a low-latency mode intended to help keep movie dialogue synchronized with the picture.
A front-mounted button allows users to cycle through codecs, while holding the button identifies the active format. Additional codec management is available through the iFi Nexis app. Codec compatibility remains relevant when choosing headphones or ather end of the Bluetooth connection. Adding the adapter to an analogriginal recording
Dedicated Qualcomm Bluetooth and Cirrus Logic DAC
For its internal architecture, iFi separates Bluetooth connectivity from digital-to-analog conversion. A dedicated Qualcomm chip handles the wireless connection, while a Cirrus Logic MasterHIFI DAC converts received digital audio into an analog signal for connected equipment. This approach follows the design philosophy of separate hi-fi components, assigning different tasks to dedicated hardware. iFi says the configuration is intended to deliver cleaner, more detailed playback than devices that rely on a single chip for both functions. The DAC is particularly relevant in receive mode, where the UP Travel Max supplies analog audio to a car stereo or another system through its 3.5mm connection.
Dual Headphone Pairing and Auracast Sharing
The UP Travel Max offers two ways to share audio. Native dual Bluetooth headphone pairing lets two people connect wireless headphones simultaneously, making it useful for watching the same in-flight movie. For broader sharing, the adapter also supports Auracast broadcasting. Enabled through the Nexis app, Auracast allows multiple compatible headphones or speakers to receive the same broadcast. iFi describes this as support for an unlimited number of listeners, although each receiving device must support Auracast.
K2 Technology and Nexis App Controls
The UP Travel Max incorporates JVCKENWOOD’s K2 Technology, accessible through the Nexis app. iFi describes K2 as processing designed to recreate harmonic and high-frequency information lost during audio production or distribution, to produce a warmer, more natural presentation. The Nexis app, available for iOS and Android, also provides device customization, battery optimization, advanced codec controls, and Auracast settings. Over-the-air firmware updates can be installed directly from a phone.
Flip-Out Design and Up to 10 Hours of Battery Life
Inspired by a flip-out car key, the UP Travel Max features an integrated 3.5mm connector that springs from the body when the power button is pressed. The design keeps the connector tucked away during transport and ready for direct connection when needed. At 25.7 grams, the adapter is designed for easy pocket storage. Its claimed battery life of up to 10 hours should cover many flights, commutes, and everyday listening sessions, though actual runtime will depend on use.
The iFi UP Travel Max is priced at $129. You can find more from iFi at Audio46.
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