iFi audio has unveiled the next generation of high-resolution audio streamers: the NEO Stream 3 and ZEN Stream 3, in addition to the NEO iDSD 3 – the next generation of their ultra-resolution home-audio DAC/amp series.
The NEO Stream 3 and ZEN Stream 3 carry with them the best of their respective predecessors, while incorporating a host of improvements and refinements that cumulate to represent a true generational leap in their capabilities. No aspect of either device has been left untouched, from hardware, to software, to features and accessibility.
Whether it’s component-level circuitry improvements, IoT setup and updating, new features like Qobuz Connect and K2HD, or simply the sleek new aesthetics, every part features something new.
Power circuitry in the NEO Stream 3 and ZEN Stream 3 has been refined and improved, with the inclusion of upgraded polymer capacitors for cleaner low-noise power. Both streamers now also benefit from improved ELNA Silmic II capacitors, resulting in a smoother treble response for a more refined listening experience.
Additionally, the NEO Stream 3 and ZEN Stream 3 now include iFi audio’s new IoT hardware, allowing for quicker and easier setup and moment-to-moment usage, along with quicker and easier updates available through the web-based user interface or the iFi Nexis app.
Along with new and improved hardware, the new generation of streamers also sees the return of iFi audio’s signature Exclusive Modes, which shut down unused system processes when streaming to improve operating efficiency and reduce the potential for signal noise.
Both streamers include iPurifier2 technology in the S/PDIF outputs, along with Active Noise Cancellation in the USB ports, to ensure that any signal noise from USB sources like external hard drives is eliminated, and digital audio sent to an external DAC is flawlessly clean.
The NEO Stream 3 then takes this another step further, with the return of the original NEO Stream’s signature OptiBox, a unique optical isolation solution for your wired network connection that effectively eliminates network noise before it enters the system.
The NEO Stream 3 and ZEN Stream 3 both include the latest evolution of iFi’s ultra-resolution streaming engine, adding Qobuz Connect alongside Tidal & Spotify Connect and AirPlay 2. This next-generation platform brings a number of refinements, including enhanced stability, smoother web radio performance, and a more intuitive interface with advanced settings for deeper customisation.
For the NEO Stream, the result is said to be an effortless, all-in-one method for instantly modernising any Hi-Fi setup, underpinned by a network streaming experience that incorporates native 768kHz PCM and DSD512 support, and driven by a proven DAC stage designed to extract the maximum performance from those formats.
For those seeking a more targeted upgrade solution for their existing digital setup, the ZEN Stream offers native 384kHZ PCM and DSD256 support that can be integrated into an existing setup in moments, offering a premium upgrade for those who wish to open up new listening opportunities with their favourite DAC.
Both devices allow management and access to ultra-resolution digital audio from external hard drives and NAS drives.
The NEO Stream and ZEN Stream are the latest in iFi’s lineup to incorporate JVCKENWOOD’S K2HD Technology. By taking the often cold, clinical character of many modern recordings, then restoring harmonic content lost during post-production or encoding, K2HD has been optimised to revive the depth, nuance and musicality of the original performance.
During the last two years, iFi audio has worked with JVCKENWOOD to bring this technology back to the forefront in two forms: ‘K2’ mode preserves the file’s original resolution, while ‘K2HD’ optionally upscales it to 192kHz/24-bit.
iFi audio’s new generation of streamers herald a new stage for K2 Technology – previously available exclusively to select iFi audio DACs, any DAC connected to a NEO Stream or ZEN Stream can now enjoy the benefits of K2 Technology. The NEO Stream 3 also incorporates K2HD upsampling, allowing any PCM digital audio below 192kHz to finally benefit from the depth and nuance of JVCKENWOOD’s studio-grade restoration.
The NEO Stream 3 is a complete solution for incorporating modern digital audio options into the home setup, tailored for those who want to add multiple features to their setup without adding multiple devices or compromising on quality. At the heart of this concept is the inclusion of the NEO iDSD2’s award-winning DAC stage; built around a Burr-Brown chipset selected for its natural detail and musicality, but highly customised to push its capabilities even further.
Where the NEO focuses on a complete solution for those looking for an instant modern digital setup with no bottlenecks, the ZEN Stream has been made first and foremost for the established digital audio enthusiast; a listener who already has one or more prized DACs within their setup, but are looking for new ways to expand the potential of their setup, whether through introducing streaming audio elsewhere in their home, or streamlining their setup so it can be easily accessed and controlled from one point.
By focusing purely on streaming only, the ZEN Stream 3 is able to offer a host of high-end features and capabilities without asking consumers to re-invest in anything they don’t need.
The NEO Stream 3 is available to purchase at ifi-audio.com and select elite dealers for £999 /$999 USD/€999. The ZEN Stream 3 is available to purchase at ifi-audio.com for £399 /$399 USD/€399.
Meanwhile, the new NEO iDSD 3 features refocused hardware at a component level for greater musicality and playback accuracy, while software innovation steps forward with the inclusion of JVCKENWOOD’s K2HD Technology.
Where many DACs become cold and clinical in the pursuit of detail and transparency, the NEO iDSD 3 is designed to achieve the opposite.
The NEO iDSD 3 includes new operational amplifiers with ~50% lower measured distortion, upgraded polymer capacitors to reduce power supply ripple and WIMA MKS2 caps for smoother high frequency behaviour. The result is the most precise NEO performance experience to date, while retaining iFi’s characteristic musicality.
Drawing from the headphone amplification design of iFi’s Diablo 2, the NEO iDSD 3 delivers up to 2,532mW RMS and over 5,550mW max at 32 ohms, providing headroom for a wide range of headphones, while offering Bluetooth 5.4 support for codecs such as aptX Lossless, LDAC and LHDC – delivering a listening experience that is reportedly indistinguishable from a wired connection when playing 44.1kHz/16-bit tracks.
The NEO iDSD 3 uses a custom DAC stage built around a Burr-Brown chipset, hand-picked for its natural musicality. Its architecture handles PCM and DSD via dedicated paths, preserving a bit-perfect signal throughout the conversion process. iFi uses customised code inside the chipset to unlock ultra-resolution, PCM768kHz/DSD512 playback.
For easier system integration, the previous 3.5mm input has been replaced with a more practical RCA line-in, suited to line-level sources (such as a turntable with built-in phono stage or an external phono preamp).
The front power LED now offers adjustable brightness to fit more discreetly into living spaces. iFi’s Nexis mobile application allows for over-the-air firmware updates and full remote control of the NEO iDSD 3, through Bluetooth or Wi-Fi connectivity.
The iFi NEO iDSD 3 is available to purchase at ifi-audio.com and select elite dealers for £999/$999 USD/€999.