iFi’s Trinity of 3rd-Gen Streamers: NEO Stream 3, ZEN Stream 3 & NEO iDSD 3

The NEO Stream 3, ZEN Stream 3 streamers, and NEO iDSD 3 streaming amp promise upgrades and refinements to iFi audio’s previous-generation offerings through years of development and improved manufacturing and components.

The new models all benefit from a total reevaluation of every aspect, from hardware and software to features and accessibility. Whether component-level circuitry improvements, IoT setup and updating, new features like Qobuz Connect and K2HD, or sleek new aesthetics, you will find something new everywhere.

iFi NEO Stream 3 & ZEN Stream 3

The NEO Stream 3 (above and below) is built around a Burr-Brown chipset with a custom architecture that processes PCM and DSD through separate pathways, resulting in an all-in-one system that delivers 384kHz PCM and DSD512 performance without a matching DAC.

The ZEN Stream (below) is aimed at listeners with one or more DACs and seeks new ways to expand their setup, whether by streaming audio elsewhere in the home or by streamlining control from a single point.

Power circuitry in the NEO Stream 3 and ZEN Stream 3 is said to have been refined with upgraded polymer capacitors for cleaner, lower-noise power. Both streamers also feature improved ELNA Silmic II capacitors, promising a “smoother treble response.”

Additionally, the NEO Stream 3 and ZEN Stream 3 now include iFi audio’s new IoT hardware, enabling quicker, easier setup and use, as well as faster updates via the web-based interface or the iFi Nexis app.

There is also a return of iFi audio’s signature Exclusive Modes, which shut down unused system processes when streaming to improve efficiency and reduce signal noise.

Both streamers include iPurifier2 technology in the S/PDIF outputs and Active Noise Cancellation in the USB ports to eliminate signal noise from USB sources, such as external hard drives, and ensure digital audio sent to an external DAC is clean.

The NEO Stream 3 takes this further with the signature OptiBox, a “unique optical isolation solution” for your wired network connection that eliminates network noise before it enters the system.

The NEO Stream 3 offers a network-streaming experience with native 768kHz PCM and DSD512 support, driven by a proven DAC stage that extracts the maximum performance from those formats.

Meanwhile, the ZEN Stream offers native 384kHz PCM and ADSD256 support that integrates in moments, delivering a premium upgrade and opening new listening opportunities with your favourite DAC.

The NEO Stream and ZEN Stream are the latest in iFi’s lineup to incorporate JVCKENWOOD’S K2HD Technology that promises to restore harmonic content lost during post-production or encoding.

The NEO Stream 3 also incorporates K2HD upsampling, allowing any PCM digital audio below 192kHz to benefit from JVCKENWOOD’s studio-grade restoration.

Both models also include the latest evolution of iFi’s ultra-resolution streaming engine, adding Qobuz Connect alongside Tidal & Spotify Connect, AirPlay 2, and more.

iFi iDSD 3

The NEO iDSD 3 is the next generation of iFi audio’s “ultra-resolution” home-audio DAC/amp series.

We’re told that this latest model features new op amps with ~50% lower measured distortion, upgraded polymer capacitors to reduce power supply ripple, and WIMA MKS2 caps for smoother high-frequency behaviour. It also gets K2 and K2HD Technology.

The NEO iDSD 3 delivers up to 2,532mW RMS and over 5,550mW max at 32 ohms, providing generous headroom for a wide range of headphones. This max output is five times that of the first-gen NEO iDSD and 18 times the peak power of iFi’s ZEN DAC 3. It also supports Bluetooth 5.4 and codecs such as aptX Lossless, LDAC, LHDC, and more.

The new NEO iDSD uses a custom DAC stage built around a Burr-Brown chipset and 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.

You’ll also find iFi’s XBassII and XSpace tech to bolster the lower-end and expand the listening experience, and its 2-inch colour display rotates to suit your choice of horizontal or vertical placement.

Finally, a plot twist! The iDSD 3 swaps the old 3.5mm input for an RCA line-in for further source options, with iFi underlining this could be a turntable with a built-in phono stage or partnered by an external phono preamp.

The iFi NEO iDSD 3 and NEO Stream 3 are available for £999 | US$999 | €999, and the ZEN Stream 3 is priced at £399 | US$399 | €399.

For more information visit iFi audio