Review: VentureCraft GoDAP - iPhone 3G/3GS/iPod headphone amp/battery pack

[shigzeo]

Image taken from Headfi thread about GoDAP.

TouchMyApps will be reviewing VentureCraft's new GoDAP, a sleek made-for-iPhone 3G and 3GS battery pack/headphone amp that just so happens to work with just about every iPod I can throw at it.

Before I get photos up, I need to show it off around town and charge my camera's battery.

More information about the VentureCraft's GoDAP

Firstly, the 1450 mah battery pack really packs a punch, delivering up to 2x the battery runtime of your device (depending on use), but what isn't really documented is that you can SYNC your iPod/iPhone whilst using the GoDAP.

Plug in the USB cable to charge both devices and toggle the GoDAP power switch to 'sync'. Usually 'sync' allows your iPod/iPhone to double its runtime, but when connected to computer, it syncs with iTunes just fine. Lovely lovely idea.

Of course, the GoDAP is also cleverly designed so that you can still use your iPhone 3G/3GS camera (not yet tested) without ruining the shots because of forced hardware crop.

Audiophiles will be more tempted by the Burr-Brown OPA2134U running at the gut of the GoDAP. I can vouch for a few things, though I've not tested it thoroughly enough to say just how good an amp it is. Firstly, its sound is very clean, very detailed, and probably catered to those who have thick/bassy Audio Technica portable headphones. There is certainly more power than they need under the bonnet, but the bass signature of the GoDAP is wiry rather than warm or buff. It's got speed and control, but the overall signature is clean, not atmospheric.

Great, my ES7 are a tad too thick in the bass and I love clean. For IEM's, there is a small amount of background noise, but less than quite a few portable headphone amps.

After I've tested the GoDAP further, I will publish an official review with pictures and RMAA tests.

Its multi-faceted market is completely covered here: audiophiles and battery draino's should find a lot to like in this package and considering that it can charge you iPhone or double its battery on the go, it is a BARGAIN for its function set.

Great job VentureCraft.

[Randius]

I am also reviewing the Go-Dap and first impression with regards to its feature set is pretty good. However, it certainly does not feel like it is 132g in weight. It feels significantly lighter than the iPhone 3GS which is at 135g.

[shigzeo]

Thanks for the update, Randius. I'm a bit behind schedule, so expect full review this week. I think the GoDAP is unexpected. It isn't perfect (you'll see in the review), but it really shows why the iDevice is the best mass-marketed audio player. The battery is a great option, but used in conjunction with the amp, I don't find the battery life lasts all THAT long. Alone, just powering the iPod, however, it seems to go on forever.

[Randius]

After more than two weeks of usage, I am now encountering a couple of problems with the device and currently seeking help from VentureCraft. Yes, I agree the battery life is not that fantastic when using the amp function and it may die off at the most unexpected time. I sure hope their next iteration for the iPhone 4 will be shaped more like the Auzentech Zingo.

[shigzeo]

I think that rather than an issue, it is a design oversight. The GoDAP should have an amp 'off' switch. If that could be turned off, you literally could double your iPod/iPhone battery life, but since the amp is always on, no matter what you are using the machine for, the battery dribbles out. Still, the sound from the amp is really really good.

[Randius]

I thought there is an "off" mode to turn off the amp function and render it just a battery pack?

[shigzeo]

There is an 'off' switch, you are right, but I don't see the iPod battery draining much more slowly when the GoDAP is in the off position. I need to check this a few more times to be certain. Trying is fun, at least!

[Ladonna87]

huh.. it must be very convenient.
i am happy with mine thou

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m4a to mp3 converter

[gilamonsterr]

Hi guys,

can anyone pls tell me if the go-dap unit enables the iphone to record better sound quality using an external mic?

tq

[shigzeo]

Hello! I'm sorry this is late (very late). I'm back after a year hiatus.

The GoDap does nothing for recording from external mic's and amps. I've not tested the latest version yet, but when I get the chance, I'll report on that. The GoDap version 1 is just for output of headphone and for battery power.